It’s snow more: When is SA’s lone ski resort likely to reopen?

For decades, Tiffindell Ski Resort offered South Africans the rare chance to ski and snowboard without leaving the country.

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Perched high on the slopes of Ben McDhui in the Eastern Cape province, the resort in the southern Drakensberg became a bucket-list destination for winter sports enthusiasts, before closing its doors after the Covid-19 pandemic.

From snow playground to defunct resort

Founded in 1993 by passionate skiers and snow lovers, Tiffindell evolved into South Africa’s only ski resort and one of just two in Southern Africa (alongside Afriski in Lesotho).

In 2014, it was even ranked 19th in CNN Travel’s World’s Best Ski Runs.

Situated 2 720 metres above sea level, the alpine resort featured ski lifts, a ski school, a bar restaurant and a shop. Guests could be accommodated in heated chalets within 100m of the slope and the main lodge.

The location of Tiffindell Ski Resort in the southern Drakensberg. Image: Google Maps

Families could also enjoy tobogganing, snowball fights and building snowmen. Beyond winter, the surrounding mountains attracted hikers, mountain bikers, flyfishers, birdwatchers and 4×4 enthusiasts.

Its mission was simple: “To preserve Tiffindell as a Ski and Alpine resort for future generations, so that they may enjoy what has become a South African ‘National Treasure’.”

The resort sits on the slopes of Ben McDhui, the highest peak in the Eastern Cape (3001m). Image: @Jaco_den_Heyer/ IG

Why Tiffendell closed

The resort ultimately fell victim to a combination of financial pressures and unpredictable winters.

According to Chris Stevens (whose estate agency is marketing the property), like many businesses, Covid-19 spelled the death of Tiffindell.

“The resort lost three years of the snow crowd,” Stevens said. “The ski season is also limited to just three months – from June to August.”

Lockdown restrictions forced two years of closure, while a delayed reopening prevented preparations for the following ski season.

Inconsistent snowfall added further strain. While Tiffindell was equipped with snowmaking machines to bulk up snow on the ground, running them for extended periods became costly, particularly as skier numbers declined.

Operations were also affected by inconsistent snowfall. Image: tiffindell.co.za

Seeking a buyer

Since closing its doors, Tiffindell Ski Resort has been up for sale.

While there has been no confirmed purchase or reopening plan, Stevens believes Tiffindell has the potential to be marketed as a year-round resort that includes summer activities.

“The people who own it are skiers, and they concentrate only on the skiing, but it is a fabulous resort,” he added.

“If you think about the Swiss, Italian or Austrian Alps, they are full in summer as well.”

Tiffindell served the local economy. The nearby Rhodes village offers several B&B options. Image: Jess Machanik

Summer vacations could be even more adventure-filled. The resort’s location between three of the eight mountain passes in the Eastern Cape section of the Drakensberg makes it ideal for hiking, 4x4s and mountain biking.

The area also offers several dams and rivers for flyfishing.

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