The event is organized by the Bamyan Ski Club and open to all. The founding members of the Bamyan Ski Club include skiing enthusiasts from Afghanistan and Switzerland. The aim is to promote skiing and tourism in the Bamyan region. The race on march 1th 2013 included 15 participants from Afghanistan and 15 international competitors from the US, Australia, Norway, Slowenia, New Zealand, France and the UK.

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.

Get the iconic Afghan Ski Challenge badge 2013 by donating 50 US. To order please write to: [email protected].

You can also support us by purchasing the exclusive Bamyan Ski Club blanket and the Afghan Ski Challenge T-Shirt.

The blanket is handwoven in Afghanistan and made out of 100 % premium wild wool. Size: 180/120 cm, Price 180 US, plus shipping. T-Shirts are 100% cotton, Price 60 US, plus shipping.

To order please contact [email protected]. Limited stock!

All proceeds will be used to support skiing, tourism and development in the Bamyan region. Right now we are raising money for a snowcat!

We are also looking for volunteers for the Bamyan ski school which we hold every february.

If you are interested, please contact us.

To register for the 4th Afghan Ski Challenge which will be held again at the beginning of march, please get in contact with [email protected]. A 10-day package-tour from London or Istambul to Bamyan (inc. guided backcountry skiing in the Ko-e-Baba Mountains, cultural programm in Bamyan and participation in the 4th Afghan Ski Challenge and more) will be announced in October.

SAFETY AND SECURITY The mountains of Afghanistan are not the Alps nor the Rocky Mountains. There is no mountain rescue service nor avalanche warning systems in place and local medical facilities are basic. Mobile phone service is patchy at best and non existent in the mountains. Although the province of Bamiyan is known as one of the safest in Afghanistan, the current political situation across the country is far from stable. We strongly advise all participants to arrange insurance before entering the competition and consider suitable personal security measures if desired. All participants take part solely at their own risk.