Skiing is a fantastic sport. It’s a great way to get exercise, spend time in nature, and get your adrenaline fix.
However, even something as exciting as skiing can start to become the norm if you’re doing it all the time. If you’re a serious skiing addict and you’re looking to spice up your ski-time, then consider checking out some of the world’s weirdest ski hills.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Most people who go to Hawaii aren’t going for the skiing – they’re going for the exact opposite: hot weather, beaches, and coconuts.
Those who do go to Hawaii to ski, however, will not be disappointed. Mauna Kea is a whopping 4,205m high mountain in Hawaii that often gets decent snowfalls in the winter months, making it a haven for backcountry skiers who don’t want to tread too far from a warmer climate.
Then, when you’re done hitting the slopes, you can go relax on the beach in the tropical sunshine.
Masikryong, North Korea
That’s right – North Korea has its own luxury ski resort. The whole project was started by Kim Jong-un, who wanted to use the ski resort as an attraction to lure tourists into the notorious country.
There are more than 70 miles of snow to ski on at Masikryong, as well as other typical North Korean pursuits such as massive video screens projecting the image of the country’s Supreme Leader.
Malam Jabba, Pakistan
If you want a ski resort with some crazy history, check out Malam Jabba in Pakistan. The resort was blown up 14 years ago by the Taliban, but it was reopened 5 years later.
Bamyan, Afghanistan
Afghanistan often conjures up images of dry, deserted lands. While there’s no shortage of dryness in the country, the Bamyan region reminds us that there’s a lot of snow to be had here as well.
Unfortunately, a number of issues make it difficult to access Bamyan, not the least of which is the Foreign Office discouraging tourists from exploring the region – especially on their own.
Mt Hermon, Israel
Israel has always been one of the most politically and religiously heated areas in the world. If you want a birds-eye view of the whole situation, you can try skiing at the Mt. Hermon ski resort.
Here, you’ll find 14 pistes – 2 of these black runs – as well as sledding and other fun winter sports.
Mt Olympus, Cyprus
Zeus might be disappointed to learn that his human subjects have converted his prior throne into a ski lift. Skiers, on the other hand, and more than excited.
This is the southernmost ski resort in Europe, and here you’ll find that the trails and ski lifts are named after the gods and goddesses from Greek mythology.
Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica
If you’re able to get here, the Union Glacier Camp is ideal for year-round skiing. Temperatures here remain below zero even int he middle of summer.
There aren’t any trails or lifts here, so only the most hardcore backcountry skiing enthusiasts would do well here. It’s best to book with a tour company to get the complete experience.
Written by Nigel Ford
