Africa's Snowiest Slopes

Believe it or not, but there is such a thing as snow in Africa. However rare it may be, there are but a handful of mountain ranges in continental Africa that see enough powder to be considered a snow resort of sorts little less a ski destination. If your expectations have not been lowered yet, I regret to inform you that of the three possible places to experience snow in Africa, one of them has been auctioned off.

Tiffindell in South Africa

Up until 2009, Tiffindell, a 101 hectare property located in the southern region of Drakensberg (South Africa), was Africa's Whistler. Apparently, it was't just the short-sighted bankers involved in the antics that brought about the economic crash of 2008. Today, the fate of the ski resort is mired in legal disputes between the current owners and the liquidators with money, of course, being at the root. Although snow still falls on Tiffindell slopes, no one will be allowed to enjoy it until that legal situation gets sorted.

Oukaimeden in Morocco

In the meantime, the only other place worth the trek would be the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco where there are actually two ski resorts - Oukaimeden and Mischliffn. With Mischliffen being the lesser developed of the two, we will word economize and focus a bit on Oukaimeden. Located about 45 miles south of Marrakech is Africa's highest elevated ski resort at a dizzying 3,258 meters above level.

As far as ski spots go, Oukaimeden is not by any means a massive park. There are somewhere between 20-25 runs with 11 lifts to haul you and your gear up and across the various slopes. Compared to the 100 plus runs you would be entreated to at a Whistler or a Swiss Alps, the number pales in comparison. Still though, as the saying would have it, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." If you are in Africa (particularly the north) and you get the sudden urge to strap on some skis and hit the slopes, Oukaimeden in Morocco is your go-to destination.

There is tricky part the less worldly travelers often overlook. You have to time your trips wisely as the seasons differ depending on what side of the equator you find yourself. Had Tiffindell still been an option, the best times to see snow and ski would have to be between the months of June and August, the winter months of the southern hemisphere. North of the equator however, the limited window is open only from January to February.

Suffice it to say, if skiing is your passion, the only reason for hauling your gear to Africa would be for bragging rights to say you surfed the slopes of humankind's birthplace. The main motive behind publishing this article was to demonstrate that Africa is not any one specific terrain and climate. There are untamed jungles, sun-scorched deserts, burgeoning metropolises and even snow-capped mountain ranges. Did you know there were athletes representing African countries in the winter games? No, well I suppose that's an entry for another time. Stay tuned to the blog.