莱索托Afriski滑雪场坐落于海拔3222米的马卢蒂山脉,是南部非洲极少数能提供专业高山滑雪体验的度假村之一。对于身在南半球特别是经常往返于南非的旅行者来说,这里是冬季避暑与运动的绝佳去处。度假村每年的滑雪季通常从6月初持续到8月底,这段时间虽然非洲大陆大部分地区正值旱季,但高海拔带来的低温配合人工造雪设备,让这片山谷拥有一条全长约1公里的专业滑道。从南非约堡驾车出发大约需要5到6个小时,翻越边界后的高山深谷景观与滑雪场的皑皑白雪形成了强烈的视觉反差。
虽然滑雪季跨越三个月,但7月通常是降雪概率最高且气温最低的时段,此时的雪质最为理想,但也意味着游客量达到顶峰。如果追求清静且对雪质要求不是极端苛刻,建议选在6月中旬或者8月最后两周前往。清晨六点半站在雪场边上,即使穿着厚重的滑雪服也会被山谷里的冷风吹到透心凉,那种冷是干燥且刺骨的,直到上午十点阳光完全洒进山谷,体感才会稍微舒适一些。由于海拔超过3000米,防晒和补水比滑雪技巧本身更重要,紫外线强度远超海边,稍不留神就会晒伤脱皮。
别指望非洲的滑雪场每天都有没过膝盖的粉雪,Afriski的运行核心在于强大的造雪系统。只要夜间气温降至零度以下,几十台造雪机就会全功率运转,确保主滑道拥有足够的积雪厚度。2002年滑雪场建立之初就确定了这种人工与自然结合的模式。对于滑雪发烧友来说,这里甚至还有一个Kapoko公园,专门为自由式滑雪和单板爱好者准备了各种跳台和滑杆。这种硬件配置在整个非洲大陆都属于顶尖水平,甚至能吸引南非国家队的运动员来此备赛。
度假村的滑道结构非常清晰,正中心是那条全长1000米的干线滑道,坡度变化适中,非常适合从中级向高级进阶的滑雪者。如果你是第一次穿上滑雪板,旁边的Bumble Bee新手坡是你的必经之地,那里坡度平缓且配有专门的魔毯升降机。说真的,在那块练习区摔跤并不丢脸,因为周围一半的人都在尝试平衡。对于高手而言,主滑道顶部的陡坡部分能提供不错的重力加速度,冲刺感在非洲这片土地上显得格外珍贵。
钱的问题得算清楚。在Afriski租一套完整的滑雪具,包含雪板、雪鞋和头盔,一天的费用大约在500至700莱索托洛蒂(LSL)之间,价格与南非兰特等值。建议在出发前至少两周通过官网在线预约器材和课程,尤其是周末,现场排队可能会浪费掉你宝贵的滑雪时间。这里的教练大多来自欧洲或北美,沟通起来毫无障碍,对于纠正滑行姿势非常有帮助。如果不想滑雪,花几百块钱买张雪圈票(Tubing)在专用滑道上飞驰几圈,也是一种低门槛的快乐。
去Afriski最难的一步往往不是滑雪,而是开车。从南非的Caledonspoort边检站入境后,你需要翻越著名的莫特雷山口(Moteng Pass),最高点海拔约2820米。这段山路以急转弯和陡坡著称,如果遇到降雪天气,路面会变得极其湿滑。强烈建议租借四驱车辆(4x4),并在后备箱备好防滑链。如果没有四驱车且遇到大雪封路,当地交警有时会禁止前驱车辆上山,这点很多人不知道,非要硬闯的结果往往是车辆受损。一路上由于海拔攀升极快,部分乘客可能会有轻微的高原反应,建议提前准备点抗高原反应的药物或简单的葡萄糖。
住宿方面,度假村内的木屋和公寓非常紧俏,通常需要提前三到五个月预订。如果度假村内住满了,也可以考虑住在边境附近的南非小镇富克斯堡(Ficksburg),但每天往返的路程会非常辛苦。进入莱索托需要过关,中国护照持有者通常需要提前办理电子签证(E-visa),手续不算复杂但不能拖到临行前才办。饮食方面,度假村里的餐厅提供热气腾腾的汉堡、意面和炖菜,在零下几度的环境里,喝一碗热汤比什么都强。这里的Sky Restaurant自封为非洲海拔最高的餐厅之一,虽然关于谁才是最高一直有争论,但那里的景观确实没话说。
包含滑雪通行证(Lift Pass)、全套器材租赁和简单的午餐,人均每天的消费大约在1200至1600兰特左右。如果需要聘请私人教练,每小时需额外支付约400兰特。建议带足现金或使用南非兰特,当地通用。
非雪天普通轿车可以通行,但只要遇到降雪或路面结冰,警方会强制要求4x4车辆并加装防滑链才能通过莫特雷山口。为了保险起见,建议租用高底盘的越野车型,因为山路坡度极大且常有碎石。
可以租到,滑雪场提供滑雪外套和裤子的租赁服务,每天费用大约150兰特左右。但贴身的保暖内衣、手套、护目镜和厚袜子需要自备,因为这些属于个人卫生用品,现场售卖的价格会比市区商场贵出不少。
从奥利弗·坦博国际机场出发全程约350公里,大部分路段是平坦的高速公路,直到进入莱索托境内开始爬升。单程驾驶时间约5.5小时,考虑到边境排队过关可能需要1小时,建议天亮即出发以避开夜间驾驶高山悬崖路段。
ettienne scheepers We visited the Afriski resort last year and we had a terrible experience. The management team contacted us and gave us a complimentary stay in July of this year. This time around we had an amazing experience friendly staff and great facilities. The issues we experienced last time was no where to be seen. The rooms were exceptional and clean. This time around the restaurant was top tier we enjoyed every meal we had and would recommend them to the fullest if you ever desire to stay at the resort. We definitely plan on returning for another ski trip in the near future.
Wesley Masunika It was a good experience having to play with snow and snowboarding. R100 entrance fee for the vehicle if you are a day visitor. R1200 for snowboarding or ski equipment for beginners. Be prepared to lose your money in case you don’t figure it out. There is an option for bum boarding for R250 I believe for those that are not up for learning a new skill. It’s harder than ice skating. If you’re not staying there be prepared for a long drive with a LOT of curves
Sipho Duma Wow this place is super far. Everyone is very friendly and they direct you every step of the way. I would suggest that you get there before 10am, if you're a day visitor. Activities are expensive with an instructor and they all happen at the same time. So it's better to catch different slots throughout the day with a day pass. It's a beautiful resort, extremely clean and vibey. The restaurant is beautiful and warm but the food takes forever. So be wary if you're in a hurry. Otherwise it's worth the wait.
PRISCILLA MATLAKALA (SA TRAVEL PLAKA) If you are coming here as a day visitor from north provinces , here are tips : 1. Make sure you cross border at 6am , latest 7am. Maps says it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to get to afriski from calendonspoort border , but the road has crazy curves , potholes , trucks and crazy slopes (you will take around 2 -3 hours depending on your drivings skills and trucks on your way) 1.1 Do not pass the town after the border without filling up your petrol tank . There are no gas stations on your way to & from afriski . (Afriski has only limited supplies for emergencies) 2. Make sure your phone is roaming before entering Fouriesburg , roaming on MTN was great. You can also get a sim card in town (Lesotho) for data & access 3. There's no network at afriski and their WiFi network at the restaurant is poor. 4. Service standards are not the same as SA standards be patient and come early to avoid loosing your patience. The staff can be slow but they are helpful . Some clients don't make it any easier by being undecided. 5. Bumbording is a must do activity. It might look silly and short, but 1 hour is enough . It is sooo fun , your inner child will appreciate it . 6. For skiing lessons , ensure you get here before 10 am for a full experience. Although it is expensive, it is fun . 7. If possible have something to eat in your car , bcos the restaurants here take time due to a high number of people visiting the resort . 8. Always remember to bring clothes that can sustain the snow. You don't want to leave here wet . 9. Bring your own snow shades and a gear if you have. 10. Shoes that grips will go a long way & don't forget the gloves 11. There's no much to do in the area except what the resort offers. If you are staying over night, I recommend booking afriski accommodation, because other options are lil bit further, Especially the best overnight accommodations.
Itumeleng Motsekuoa Stunning Resort, the skiing and all other activities are amazing and an absolute must try. The rooms are comfortable with a lot of heating to ensure a comfortable stay, and there is a lovely restaurant, Sky, where you can enjoy a lovely meal in between all the fun activities. Resort staff is friendly and helpful. Fun activities for the little ones as well, which is great. Cellphone signal here is non existent and maybe more WiFi connectivity around the resort would make a big difference. This is the only reason I did not give 5 stars. Overall a pleasant experience and I would recommend that you give it a try.