Sure Travel Journey Vol 3.3 Winter 2017 | Page 44

• E N R O U T E / / L O C A L P I C K
( or bridge swinging ), skiing presents one with moments of no return . Every time you progress to higher territory , there ’ s a new abyss of white snow and little choice but to tip yourself over the edge and hope for the best . To my surprise , I conquered the 300-metre downhill at a somewhat out-of-control pace . Keeping a wary eye on my progress , a friend introduced me to an experienced German skier who offered to guide me down the slope for the next round . “ It ’ s time to push yourself to the next level ,” he insisted as we passed the halfway mark to the top of the intermediate slope . Against my better judgment I proceeded up the incline . Accompanied by the German , I slid off the edge at distressing speed . Skiing backwards , he promptly positioned himself in front of me in an attempt to regulate my speed . I only went faster and soon found myself on my back and sliding beneath his crotch ! Red-faced , I grounded myself and quickly learnt the importance of speed control . And so it was on our final morning that
A room with a view .
The author ( third from right ) and her ski group . The Afriski overview .
my friends insisted I take on the big slope . Counting down from 10 , I took a leap of faith and launched myself down the slope . One zigzag and strategic pause at a time , I miraculously endured and reached the bottom to cheers of encouragement and an exhilarating sense of achievement .
CLOSER TO HOME : Another learn-to-ski option a teeny bit closer to home is kid-friendly Tiffindell in the Eastern Cape ( best time : July to August ). Or try The Ski Deck in Randburg , Johannesburg , which has been around for 40 years and taught more than 100 000 South Africans to ski . This indoor training facility offers a six-lesson learner ’ s course over two days ; enough to get you ready to hit the real slopes .
Situated in the Maluti Mountains at 3 222 metres above sea level , Afriski is the highest ski resort in Africa
NEED TO KNOW Learn the basics : The Afriski Ski & Snowboarding School offers introductory and advanced group lessons to children and adults . Whether it ’ s alpine skiing , snowboarding or private lessons , the ski school will help you get to the next level .
Sleep soundly : Afriski has a wide range of accommodation options , including a dorm-style hostel , romantic chalets and family-style lodges .
Other activities : Afriski is an adventure hub even after the snow melts . Between September and May activities include motorbike trails , mountain biking , hiking trails , gorge jumping , stargazing and 4x4 routes . There ’ s also the popular Pudi Adventure Land for kids , which comes with a climbing wall , zip-line and bike track . In the greater Lesotho area , embark on multi-day pony treks , explore the Tsehlanyane National Park or brave the world ’ s longest commercially operated single-drop abseil at Semonkong .
44 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE