Skiing in Afghanistan: Resorts and Tour Operators (2025 Guide)

Feel free to read this article if your interested in learning about the skiing and snowboarding environment in Afghansitan, alongside people resorts, backcountry guide, and currently running tour operators.

This article will cover:
Understanding the Afghanistan Environment
History of skiing and snowboarding in Afghanistan
Afghanistan Snow Conditions and Terrain
Afghanistan Ski Resorts
Currently operating tour Operators
Conclusions

Chapter 1: A Introduction to Afghanistan

Afghanistan has the potential for some fantastic skiing and snowboarding expeditions. Although, it is know for war and conflict, the environment and stunning mountain ranges in Afghanistan offer more than typically considered.

Afghanistan is a exceedingly mountainous country. Thereby, it offers the potential for fantastic environments for backcountry skiing.

Chapter 2: History of Skiing in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has historically been a country with a changing political environment and instability. Historically, there have been talks of building a larger ski resort throughout the country, although nothing yet has been created.

The first, historical skiing in Afghanistan took place by European visitors in the 1960’s. The country’s first ski area was at Chowk-e-Arghande. The first tow rope was installed in 1967, with a second being installed a couple years later. Then war torn years followed, removing the possibility of this skiing expedition to continue).

In 2010 a local ski race began occuring in the Bamyan region. Second-hand skis from France, and locally made ones were used in this race.

In 2011 the first tour operators began running ski tours in Afghanistan.

In 2019 a handmade ski lift was created by locals allowing local skiers to enjoy the snow, without having to walk up the mountain. Although rudimentary, it was effective.

Check out this video about the current ski area, and the current economic and political environement;

Chapter 3: Afghanistan Snow Conditions and Terrain

Although, having accurate information on the average snowfall in Afghanistan is hard to predicte, due to lackluster information, therefore the quickfacts above are a guesstimate taking from some information gathered.

Typical skiing occurs in the Bamyan region. Skiing occurs on the mountains in said region, this mountain range is called Koh-i-Baba (or Koh-e-Baba) range. The highest peak is Shah Foladi that stands at over 5,000m (16,404 ft). Quite the height!

Chapter 4: Afghanistan Ski Resorts

Currently Afghanistan only offers a single ski resort, which offers a single tow ski lift.

It is located in the Bamyan ski area, which lays west of Kabul, the country’s capital.

It’s tow rope is ran by a car engine.

Chapter 5: Current Tour Operators

If you are debating doing a ski or snowboard expedition in Afghanistan, it is highly recommended to use a well received tour operator for such expeditions.

As mentioned, Afghanistan is an environment to be precarious in, therefore, its important to be guided by professionals.

Firstly, I do recommend you taking a look at the Bayman Ski Club. They are the first hand information for the environment.

Here are the current tour operators we recommend checking out;

Tour Operator #1: Untamed Borders

Untamed Borders started skiing in Afghanistan way before anyone else, in 2011 to be exact, before it was even a thing. Starting the Afghanistan skiing revolution, I suppose. They’re the OGs.

On the snow, you’re riding with a international ski guide, plus local Afghan ski guides, who know the terrain inside out. Trip kicks off in Kabul, check out a few key spots, then it’s a road trip into Bamian — super scenic, big open valleys, straight into the Koh e Baba mountains.

You’ll be skiing quiet zones with serious potential, plus checking out the remains of the massive Buddha statues above town and cruising past ancient sites like Shah e Zohak and Shah e Golghola. History everywhere, just sitting in the hills.

Afghanistan’s always brings in people who want something different, such as the raw mountains, deep history, and locals who are tough, you can say, but insanely welcoming. It’s not touristy at all, which is kind of the point. Unique experience that is to say.

You’re not following tracks here, you’re making them. Group stays small too — max 10 people, so you get to know your fellow companions quite well.

Tour Operator #2: Inspirational Adventures

Basically: you start in Kabul, get a feel for the city, then road trip out to Bamian. The drive’s wild, mountains everywhere, real raw landscape vibes. Bamian’s the main zone — big Koh e Baba mountains, old Buddha sites carved into the hills, lots of history just sitting there.

Then it’s all about skiing. Touring through quiet, snowy terrain with local and international guides, tons of untouched powder, no crowds, just wide open lines. Local skiers sometimes roll up on handmade gear, which is honestly sick. You’ll probably get invited into villages for tea between laps — super chill, super welcoming.

There’s also the Bamian Ski Race, which is loud, fun, and very local. After a few days of skiing, you head back to Kabul, wander around spots like Chicken Street and the museum, then wrap it up. Whole trip is about snow, mountains, and meeting people, not fancy stuff.

Tour Operator #3: OneStep4Ward

Tour Operator #4: Another World Adventures

Tour Operator #5: Peace Hope Afghanistan Tours

Chapter 5: Concluding Notes

Exploring the world for an incredible session is what we want to do. Sometimes, this search for a great sessions, crosses unforeseen borders, and that is what skiing and snowboarding in Afghanistan presents.

A new experience. But, please, take precaution. I hope you enjoyed reading up on some of the information about Afghanistan, and if your interested in going, contact one of the well recommended tour operators!