Snowsports Academy goes international – the first ski instructor education in the South of Africa

It’s mid-June – while others are enjoying heat and beaches, we’re swapping flip-flops for ski boots and heading straight into the snow! 💪🏽

At the same time as the European midsummer, the Snowsports Academy is launching a very special project: the very first ski instructor training course in the South of Africa – more precisely, in the high mountains of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Graduates of the ski instructor training course in Lesotho with trainer Wouter Kuit.

Skiing in Africa – a rarity

In the middle of southern Africa, surrounded by endless plateaus and impressive mountain ranges, lies the Afriski resortat around 3,000 meters above sea level. During the winter months, conditions here actually allow alpine training to take place in this unique region.

Austrian training quality on site

In June, trainer Wouter Kuit traveled to the South of Africa to train the first ski instructor candidates according to the Austrian ski instructor system. In doing so, the Snowsports Academy has brought its proven training model to a region not usually associated with winter sports.

“It feels a bit unreal here. We’re sleeping at 3,000 meters, and there is literally nothing around us – very unusual, but also truly impressive,” Wouter describes his impressions.

Training under extraordinary conditions

While Europe is focusing on summer holidays and beach time, participants in Lesotho were completing technical training, teaching methodology sessions, and practical snow exercises. The combination of high-alpine surroundings, remote location, and a small but specialized ski area made this training a truly exceptional experience.

Wouter Kuit during training with the participants in Lesotho.

Fun in the snow in Lesotho.

Wouter Kuit giving feedback to a participant of the ski instructor training course.

Instruktor Wouter Kuit in Lesotho.

The ski instructor training group in Lesotho.

An international perspective

With this project, the Snowsports Academy emphasizes that winter sports and ski instructor training are not bound by geography. Whether in the Alps, in Asia, or – now for the very first time – in southern Africa: the passion for skiing connects people all over the world.

Learn more about the Snowsports Academy: https://www.eng.snowsports.at

More about the ski resort in Lesotho: https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/lesotho/