Ski tourists have returned to Afghanistan for the first time under the new Taliban government. According to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, which was the first company to lead ski excursions to Afghanistan back in 2011, skiing in the country is at the sharp end of a growing trend that sees people taking to the slopes in destinations not famous for ski tourism. Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are other destinations which Untamed Borders also operates in.
Over the spring the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race took place, a backcountry ski race in the country’s Bamian Province. It was the first opportunity for visitors to take to the Afghan slopes since the nation returned to Taliban rule. An international group flew out to the area for the competition with Untamed Borders, taking part alongside a large local contingent.
James Willcox, co-founder of Untamed Borders, said: “We have a long history of operating ski tours to Afghanistan and the event means such a lot to the local people. During the harsh winter, people of all ages use skiing as their outlet in the region, with many local youngsters using wooden skis to practise on. Seeing those youngsters have the chance to ski alongside local adults and international ski tourists is very rewarding for us. However, this year we felt mixed emotions, because unfortunately women couldn’t take part, now that the country is run by the Taliban. Historically women have been able to take part.”
This year the Afghan Peaks Ski Race included two different ski tour races – one for skiers using wooden skis and one for skiers using conventional skis, with people of all ages taking part.
Afghanistan’s ski scene is on the up
Only 15 years ago, no-one in Bamian had even seen a ski. However, since then the hard work of Afghan Youth, assisted by international skiers, has seen the sport’s popularity grow.
There are now a few grassroot ski clubs in the country and groups ski around the Hindu Kush area every winter, before coming together at the end of the season to race in the Afghan Peaks competition.
Untamed Borders has been part of the country’s skiing development since the early years, which Willcox says has been a rewarding experience. “Many of the faces I saw entering the main adult races, I had known as boys just learning how to ski,” he added. “It bodes well for the future of the sport in the country, with many more youngsters coming through the ranks.”
Increasing number of adventure ski tourists
The international groups who join Untamed Borders in Afghanistan experience more than just skiing. “If people are looking for the best skiing conditions on earth, this isn’t necessarily the trip for you,” said Willcox. “But if you’re looking for a cultural experience and to get the chance to do some back-country skiing in a very interesting location, this absolutely ticks the box.”
It’s part of a growing trend in people looking for more adventurous destinations to ski in and a general boom across the industry in backcountry skiing, which many off-the-beaten track destinations offer in abundance.
Willcox said: “We are seeing an increasing number of tourists looking for ski experiences in the destinations we serve and we’re constantly looking to add new ski locations to our itinerary list, along with furthering the work we have done for many years in countries such as Afghanistan.”
Untamed Borders plans to return to Afghanistan on a ski trip in early 2024. See more at untamedborders.com
About Untamed Borders
Founded in 2007, adventure travel company Untamed Borders runs bespoke trips and small group adventures to some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places. Specialising in trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Middle East, East Africa, former Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus, Untamed Borders takes more than 250 guests a year to unusual and largely unvisited areas of the world.
Image: Afghan Peaks Ski Race in Afghanistan (Credit: Untamed Borders)