For the first time since 2019, ski resorts are open on six continents. Even though only about 50 ski resorts are operating in about a dozen nations worldwide. As the only centre is known to be open for winter 20-21 in Asia, Gassan in Japan nears the conclusion of its 2021 term, centres in South America began opening for their 2021 winter this week.
In Europe, there are roughly a dozen ski slopes open and one in North America. At the same time, the 2021 season is already started in Southern Africa, Australia (Hotham), and New Zealand (The Remarkables). Which are the better ski resorts to visit USA or European?
Ski resort in Oregon, USA
The Palmer Snowfield above Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood in Oregon, USA, was the last ski area still operational in North America. Still, it was forced to close due to extreme heat over the weekend and early this week. Temperatures in adjacent valleys reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). They were 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) even on the ski slopes, so it’s unclear if it’ll be open until early September as planned.
Japan ski resort
The final ski resort open in Asia, Gassan in Japan, had lost 90% of the 10 meters of snow it had when it opened for the spring and summer season in April, and it appears that it will close as planned in mid-July. Due to pandemic limitations, ski slopes in the Andes did not open until August last year. Thus the final area open in Asia had already closed by then, and ski areas were only open on five continents simultaneously, excluding indoor snow centres, which now operate on six continents.
Along with Asia and North America, Africa has only one ski resort, with Afriski in Lesotho opened for the 2021 season in early June.
In Lesotho, you can go skiing
Have you heard of Lesotho? It’s a tiny kingdom in South Africa that’s home to Lesotho’s only winter sports park. Lesotho’s Afriski ski resort is located 3,322 m (10,900 feet) above sea level in the Drakensberg – Maluti Mountains. It is not a significant ski resort by any means, but it is unique in Lesotho and offers excellent skiing. This ski resort is ideal for individuals who enjoy taking their time on quiet slopes while admiring the scenery. This location is one of the unique places to ski globally, with only two pistes and a stunning landscape.
Afriski
Afriski is located in southern Africa, 3,050 m above sea level, on the northern border of Lesotho and South Africa. It’s one of just two ski resorts in southern Africa, and skiing in Lesotho is a spectacular experience for everyone.
The Afriski Mountain Resort is situated in the Butha-Buthe District of Lesotho.
Butha-Buthe, the closest town to the Lesotho ski resort, is 76 km distant.
Lesotho ski resort stats
Skiing and snowboarding are two popular winter sports.
1.8 km of slopes.
The elevation ranges from 3,030 to 3,222 m.
Beginner runs are 0.2 km long, intermediate runs are 0.6 km long, and advanced runs are 1 km long.
The longest run is one km.
Two ski lifts with a capacity for 1,500 passengers per hour.
One rope tow/beginner lift and 1 T-bar lift.
Three individual movers.
The ski lift is 1.1 km long in total.
Runs through the valley.
On all of the slopes, there are artificial snowmaking facilities.
There are 34 snow cannons in all.
Fun park/snow park.
Alleys for snowboarding and tubing.
Summer season.
2.1 stars out of 5.
The ski season lasts from early June until late August.
What is Lesotho like?
Lesotho is a stunning mountain kingdom with a rich culture and harsh and beautiful mountain regions. The Afriski ski resort is tucked away in South Africa’s northern highlands, and it’s only a matter of time until word of this delightful secret gets out! Après ski is enjoyable, with blazing fires.
Those who adore the great outdoors will appreciate this lovely setting, where they can ski and snowboard at one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Its facilities are second to none, with excellent restaurants and summer facilities for a beautiful summer getaway. Mountain biking, trail running, hiking, fly fishing, and walking fans should visit Lesotho’s ski resort throughout the summer months. Bike Park and trails, quad bikes, monster rollers, and enduro outrides are available.
