If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, you’ve no doubt heard of and perhaps even enjoyed mountain resorts like Aspen, Lake Louise, St. Moritz or Innsbruck. However, there are other places to swoosh down the slopes besides the Rockies, Alps and other well-developed ranges. Some are rather strange places that don’t usually pop to mind when you think “ski”. Check out these unexpected destinations where you can strap on boards and enjoy a little downhill action.
1. Masikryong, North Korea
Did you hear that North Korea recently opened its first high-end ski resort? So far it has failed to attract many customers, which is hardly surprising given the country’s grinding poverty. Nonetheless, the rare visitor could conceivably enjoy almost empty slopes as well as huge propaganda screens along the way.
2. Tiffindale, South Africa
South Africa might be best known for its exotic megafauna and splendid safaris, but this mountainous land also sports a diverse range of microclimates, including one conducive to skiing. Tiffindale is the country’s only ski resort, but at an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet, it often has snow for at least three months per year. If not, they make some white fluffy stuff that’ll do in a pinch. The resort it also home to the country’s highest pub!
3. Mount Hermon, Israel
Home to one of the world’s most contested borders as well as being near to a live minefield and extremely tough security, Israel’s Mount Hermon ski resort might not sound very appealing, but it’s actually extremely popular among the locals. It features 14 slopes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. However, it also offers some of the most impressive and unique views of any ski resort.
