Adventure travel company, Untamed Borders, were the first company to lead ski excursions to the area back in 2011 and have operated there ever since, along with taking international ski tourists to many other countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The trips to the country’s Bamian Province traditionally coincide with the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race each spring. An in years past, 2023 saw an international group fly out to the area for the competition with Untamed Borders, taking part alongside a large local contingent.
“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 practice on,” said Co-founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox who added, “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.”
Girls at the Afghan Ski Challenge of 2013
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 have been part of the country’s skiing development since the early years, which James 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. It bodes well for the future of the sport in the country, with many more youngsters coming through the ranks.”
This year the Afghan Peaks Ski Race comprised of two different ski tour races – one for people using wooden skis and one for people using conventional skis, with people of all ages taking part.
Changes in government in a country like Afghanistan creates a variety of security considerations for Untamed Borders. Before the summer of 2021 the road between Kabul and the skiing peaks of Bamian wasn’t driveable due to security concerns caused by anti-government groups. The main one of those anti-government groups had of course been the Taliban themselves, but as they are now run the country, the unpredictable attacks have fallen sharply in number.
It meant that on this year’s trip to Afghanistan, Untamed Borders and our guests, were able to travel by vehicle across large swathes of the country safely. However actually getting to and entering Afghanistan has become more complicated.
While skiers on the trip flew into Kabul, James Willcox drove in from Peshawar to Kabul, through the famous Khyber Pass with all the skis required, because no airline will currently carry skis in.
“On the outskirts of Peshawar you leave Pakistan proper and enter the Tribal Areas – a region where Pakistani law does not apply, only Pashtun tribal law. This results in a huge bazaar on the border selling everything from duty free fridges to hashish, fake money and guns. After passing through the Khyber gate, the serpentine road begins, winding its way up from the plains of the subcontinent into Central Asia,” said James, adding, “For a foot passenger, like myself, the border was chaos, but with a couple of porters for my gear, I managed to navigate it – despite a power cut affecting the digital immigration system and the Taliban insisting on a compulsory polio vaccination on entry.”
“If people are looking for the best skiing conditions on earth, this isn’t necessarily the trip for you. But if you’re looking for a cultural experience and get 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,” concludes James Willcox.
The 2024 Afghanistan ski trip will run from 22nd February to 3rd March 2024 and will again give skiers chance to visit the Afghan capital Kabul, before heading to the beautiful Bamian Valley to ski in the Koh e Baba Mountain Range. The trip will again also coincide with Afghan Peaks Ski Race.
On the snow, participants will be guided by a qualified international ski guide, as well as local Afghan ski guides. The trip will also provide the chance to visit the remains of the world’s largest standing Buddha statues, that overlook Bamian, and the ancient cities of Shah e Zohak and Shah e Golghola.
Full details here or you can also email with any questions to info@untamedborders.com
