Millions of people across Europe are skiing in Africa during record-breaking summers.
Don't worry. This is not just another sign of climate change, but a fascinating anomaly for Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom completely surrounded by South Africa, whose geographic fame is lesser known. It is the only country on earth where every inch of its territory is more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.
This brings snow to Lesotho in the Southern Hemisphere winter. Cold winters are not uncommon in southern Africa, but snow is not uncommon, and ski resorts are even rarer. At an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) in the Marti Mountains of Lesotho, Afri Ski is Africa's only ski resort operating south of the equator.
"I have never seen snow in my life," said Mojapelo of Kafi, who traveled a short distance from South Africa on a ski trip. ``So this is a great experience.''
Bafana, her Nadida, from the sprawling city of Soweto in Johannesburg, was overjoyed to put on her boots on skis for the first time. He planned a day of skiing lessons, taking pictures and playing in the snow.
Skiers and snowboarders line up to rent suitable gear. Some were advised by Hope Ramokoggio, a self-taught Lesotho native who has worked as a ski and snowboard instructor for 12 years. His wide smile and deep, reassuring voice make even beginners feel at ease. ``Get your heels out. good!
Afriski's Kapoko Snow Park is the continent's only freestyle snow park. Sehoro Lamonotsi, a 13-year-old from Butaboute City, Lesotho, who trains regularly, won the junior snowboard and ski categories.
"I want to ski in Europe," he said. rice field.
London-born Meka Lebohang Ejindu says she has been teaching skiing and snowboarding in Austria for more than a decade. This is his first season in the Southern Hemisphere. He has his family roots in Lesotho.
"It is very heartwarming to have such a competition in southern Africa," he said.
Afriski may not be up to the level of his resorts in Europe's vast alpine landscapes, but Winter's love of the sport is compelling.
Afri Ski's Sky His Restaurant and Gondola His café has happy hour starting at 10 a.m., with skiers and boarders showing off their winter fashions, beer in hand and partying to house music. increase. Some claim the bar is the highest in Africa, but Sani Mountain Lodge, 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of the Lesotho-South African border, disputes this.
No one can dispute that this crowd went skiing in Africa.
