At 2 720m above sea level close to the tiny village of Rhodes (about 800km from Johannesburg) lies Tiffendell ski and alpine resort, the only place in South Africa where you can strap on a pair of skis and try your luck on the slopes.

Located on the slopes of the Scottish-sounding Ben McDhui (a truly Alpine 3 001m above sea level), when it doesn't snow, the resort is able to make its own snow and thus the ski season runs for three months from 31 May to the end of August.

The resort offers three-, four- and seven-night packages that include accommodation, breakfast and dinner, equipment hire, slope and lift passes, entertainment and all-important emergency medical support. Beginners are required to complete a day's skiing or snowboarding course at an extra fee.

They have some 150 beds (in chalets or mountain suites, all located within 100m of the ski slopes) and are also able to accommodate around 150 day visitors.
Aside from skiing they also offer snowboarding, while those who are just tagging along for the fun can enjoy tobogganing down 'Bumboard Alley' and just playing around in the snow.

Then there's the traditional Après-ski entertainment so that you can warm up with a glass of schnapps or glühwein in South Africa's highest pub, called Ice Station 2 720m.

People staying in the area who wish to spend a day at the resort should ensure that they book ahead.