The heat is on Afriski

We want African kids to grow up skiing so we can stop hiring US coaches.’

- Zama Luthuli

High in the wintry mountains of Lesotho, Sharon Kadangwe from Malawi is learning to ski on a strip of snow that runs down a dry, brown slope at southern Africa's only ski resort.

It's "exciting and scary", the 29-year-old said, climbing down from the ski lift. "It feels like the first time I learned how to ride a bike or swim... once you get into the rhythm of it, it becomes fun," Kadangwe, an arts manager, said.

For a bubbly Ethiopian teacher who would only give her name as Helen, a trip to the Afriski resort in Lesotho is a once-in-alifetime opportunity. "I wanted to ski in Africa so bad because it's my continent," the 29 year old said.

"I am doing it once and it will be the last time in my life." Pop music blasts out as visitors take selfies or enjoy a beer in the sun. Some are here to ski or snowboard, others just want to experience snow for the first time.