23 May 2023
Ski tourists have returned to Afghanistan for the first time under the new Taliban government.
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 adventure travel company Untamed Borders also operates in.
The company was the first to lead ski excursions to Afghanistan back in 2011 and have operated there ever since.
Over the Spring the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race took place, a backcountry ski race in 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.
Co-founder of Untamed Borders James Willcox says, “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.
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.”
Travel under the Taliban
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 largest in the previous 15 years was the Taliban, but they are now run the country, so 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.
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.
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 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.”
Increasing number of adventure ski tourists
And the international groups who join Untamed Borders in Afghanistan experience more than just skiing, as James Willcox explains:
“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 and a general boom across the industry in backcountry skiing, which many off-the-beaten track destinations offer in abundance.
James Willcox says, “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 plan to return to the country on a ski trip in early 2024 - keep an eye out on our social media pages and website for more information.
Extra information for editors:
To request more information, images or interviews with Untamed Borders founder James Willcox, please contact our PR and Marketing coordinator, David Harrison, on – press@untamedborders.com
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 over 250 guests a year to unusual and largely unvisited areas of the world.
Originally formed by professional fixers supporting journalists wanting to access difficult areas of the world, Untamed Borders still also serves media professionals today. Travelling in small groups and using local guides, the Untamed Borders mission is to add positive benefit to the countries it visits.
