Snow problem: How Southern Africa’s last ski resort is still standing
· The South African
When South Africa’s only ski resort, Tiffindell, closed its doors, it appeared to signal an uncertain future for snow sports in Southern Africa.
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Yet, just across the border, Lesotho’s Afriski Mountain Resort is not only still operating but recently recorded its busiest day ever.
So why did one resort fail while the other continues to attract thousands of visitors?
It makes snow sense
Since closing its doors, Tiffindell Ski Resort in the Eastern Cape has been up for sale.
Tiffindell’s closure wasn’t caused by a single factor. While the Covid-19 pandemic was mostly to blame, an already short winter window and increasingly inconsistent snowfall piled on the pressure.
According to Chris Stevens (whose estate agency is marketing the property), like many businesses, Covid-19 spelled the death of Tiffindell.
Lockdown restrictions forced two years of closure, while a delayed reopening prevented preparations for the following ski season.
“The resort lost three years of the snow crowd,” Stevens said. “The ski season is also limited to just three months – from June to August.”
A photo taken in June 2024 of the now defunct Tiffindell Ski Resort. Image: tiffindell.co.zaSkiing in a warming climate
Inconsistent snowfall added further strain. Tiffindell was equipped with snowmaking machines to bulk up snow on the ground.
However, running them for extended periods became costly, particularly as skier numbers declined.
Afriski has faced many of the same challenges.
General manager Gerrie Schoeman described the 2026 season as “one of its most challenging snow seasons in recent years,” with significantly less natural snowfall than usual.
Snowmaking keeps the winter dream alive
Despite the difficult conditions, Afriski welcomed a record 1 721 day visitors on 18 July – a new record for its busiest day ever.
Afriski has managed to keep skiers on the slopes by leaning heavily on artificial snow.
“Artificial snowmaking had been absolutely essential this season,” Schoeman recently told Travel News. “We relied almost entirely on our snowmaking infrastructure to establish and maintain skiable slopes.”
“As weather patterns become more unpredictable, it has enabled us to provide guests with a consistent and enjoyable skiing experience.”
Year-round attractions
Afriski also noted that accommodation bookings had remained relatively consistent with previous seasons. The most noticeable trend this year has been a significant increase in day visitors.
The resort’s competitive rates and a broader tourism offering may prove just as important as snowmaking.
While skiing and snowboarding remains Afriski’s biggest winter drawcard, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities help keep visitors coming beyond the snow season.
“Almost 70% of visitors to Afriski come from South Africa, with the remainder mostly from Lesotho or elsewhere in southern Africa,” Schoeman added.
“We will continue investing in accommodation, adventure activities and year-round experiences to encourage longer stays and repeat visits.”
What does it cost to ski at Afriski?
Afriski’s winter packages start at R950 for experienced skiers and snowboarders, while beginner packages start at R1 250 and include a daily snow pass, equipment hire and a two-hour group lesson.
Multi-day packages range from R1 800 for two days to R4 000 for five days, with premium options adding extra lessons and lunch.
Visitors can also buy a standalone day snow pass for R650, or book private lessons from R500 an hour.