Hit the slopes in these five unique ski destinations

Have ski clients looking for a new challenge?

Here’s five lesser-known ski regions offering Alpine thrills in unexpected places across the globe:

Courtesy Wikimedia

Bariloche, Argentina

The Patagonia region at southernmost reaches of the Andes is home to Argentina’s ski country, where several slopes offer world-class challenges. Unique among these is Bariloche, a resort town where the architecture more closely resembles the Alpine villages of Switzerland (complete with chocolate shops). The village is located just 19 kilometres from Cerro Catedral, the biggest ski resort in both South America and the Southern Hemisphere.

Courtesy Flickr user jbdodane

AfriSki, Lesotho

One of only two ski resorts in southern Africa - and the only one located in the landlocked kingdom of Lesotho – AfriSki is located in the Maluti Mountains approximately 3,050 metres above sea level, making it the highest-altitude resort in the entire continent. Two slopes are available – one for beginners – accommodating 250 skiers.

Courtesy Flickr user Peter

Gulmarg, India

High in the Himalayas, the resort town of Gulmarg, India boasts rugged runs for experienced skiers. Home to the Gulmarg Gondola, the world’s highest ski lift at 3,980 metres above sea, there’s also the chance of spotting a rare snow leopard while skiing the slopes.

Courtesy of Penny Eggleton/Tourism New Zealand

Ruapehu, New Zealand

An active volcano on New Zealand’s North Island, Mt. Ruapehu is home to two of the country’s most-visited ski regions, Whakapapa and Turoa, located on the mountain’s northwestern and southwestern slopes respectively. Turoa is also home to Australasia’s longest vertical descent, as well as the tallest chairlift in New Zealand, dubbed the Highnoon Express.

Ski Dubai

Where else but Dubai would you expect to find the world’s first indoor ski slope? While the temperature outside can be scorching, Ski Dubai offers an oasis for winter activities – now with a family of King and Gentoo penguins living inside the facility. In 2017, Ski Dubai’s parent company opened a second location – Ski Egypt – in Cairo, offering another opportunity to chill out in the desert.