Ski Competitions

Afghan Ski Challenge

The Afghan Ski Challenge is a backcountry ski race, which takes place since 2011 every March in Bamyan Province, Central Afghanistan. The event is organized by the Bamyan Ski Club and open to all. Bamyan is the other, unknown Afghanistan. In the 70ies a famous destination on the hippie trail to India, does Bamyan today welcome travelers back once again.

Aims
To promote tourism industry in Afghanistan.
To promote skiing in Afghanistan.
To be ready for participation in international competitions.
To strengthen the local economy through tourism development.
To Develop Bamiyan as a four season tourist destination
To develop winter sports and winter tourism in Afghanistan.

How to hold

registering the applicant in the Ski training course from different provinces of Afghanistan in Bamiyan
Starting SKI TRAINING course by foreign instructors
Starting SKI TRAINING course for women by foreign instructors
AFGHAN SKI CHALLENGE
The competition between local skiers who have spent their training and foreign skiers who will participate in the ceremony is held every year.

Holding History

In 2011
Training 10 people for a period of one month

2012
20 people for a period of one month

2013
Training 20 men for a period of one month
Training 10 women for a period of 15 days

2014
Training 30 men for a period of one month
Training 10 women for a period of 15 days

2015
Training 20 men for a period of one month
Training 10 women for a period of 15 days

RACE INFORMATION:

– LOCATION Koh-e-Baba Mountain Range, Bamyan Province, Central Afghanistan, approximately 180km west of the capital Kabul.
– COURSE Uphill, Downhill, Exact course varys. Overall Distance: 2-4 Kilometers, Overall difference in altitude: 600-1200 Meters. Lowest Point: around 2600, Highest Point around 3800.
– RULES Everyone starts at the same time. The winner is the first person to cross the finish line having successfully registered at all the check points along the way. Skis and Snow Boards are allowed.

Equipment needed: Skis and skins (and sunprotection!) Snowboarders need snowshoes or a Splitboard.This is a self-sufficient race. All food or water has to be carried by competitors.