South Africa isn’t exactly top of the list when you think of snowboard destinations, but like many other unlikely spots (Kenya, anyone?) its mountains get a dusting of snow when the stars align.

This year, though, it was more than just a dusting. On 2nd July 2018 the rainbow nation received a record-breaking dump of snow – three foot, in places – which fell predominantly on the high peaks of the Matroosberg Reserve.

Local rider and film maker Luke Bell couldn’t resist the urge to dig out his snowboard (presumably, he keeps it at the back of a closet, behind the surfboards, speedos and rugby balls) and take the day off work.

“On 2nd July 2018 the rainbow nation received a record-breaking dump of snow”

Together with his buddy Ben, he drove three hours from Cape Town to the mountains in a battered old pick-up truck, then hiked a further three hours through waist-deep snow. The resulting top-to-bottom descent was definitely worth it.

The Matroosberg Reserve forms part of the Hex River Mountain range, which tops out at an impressive altitude of 2,249 meters (7,379 feet). With Luke and Ben using a 4k drone to capture their adventure, we’re treated to some jaw-dropping footage of the local landscape.

Of course, there’s not a kicker or handrail in sight out here, and the boys don’t do anything gnarlier than a spot of roadside towing at the end of the day, but that is the joy of this kind of snowboarding in a nutshell. Sometimes, just strapping in and immersing yourself in the beauty of the mountains is all you need to do.