Skiers looking for a new challenge with great conditions but off the beaten track should consider skiing in Afghanistan. With no formal resorts or ski lifts the Afghanistan ski experience is limited to ski touring and back country/off piste expeditions. But with excellent mountains with amazing snow it is expected the ski industry is starting to take off here. Visiting Afghanistan is still somewhat dangerous so be sure to do your research.
Perhaps the best ski region is Bamiyan which not only has some of the best conditions but is working hard to provide facilities for foreign skiers. The resort of Khoshkak even hosted an international skiing festival and is only a half hour drive from the provincial capital. The area already has established ski companies and is more female-friendly than much of Afghanistan – it even has female ski guides.
Getting into Afghanistan ski region, Bamiyan, is still a challenge for international tourists and many still rely on expensive UN run flights. Bamiyan is eight hours drive from Kabul’s international airport. Those who love off piste skiing and are looking for some of the best back-country ski areas in the world shouldn’t be put off by the extensive travelling required though, as the Koh-e-Baba mountain range is stunning and has terrific snow.
Despite problems in other areas of Afghanistan, Bamiyan is comparatively safe and international tourism is taking off here and is great value for money. The skiing here clearly has a bright future and those who love finding slopes never before skied should consider the lack of lifts and facilities a reason to start making arrangements to visit now before the area develops.
