White Silk Road – Snowboarding Afghanistan

WHITE SILK ROAD tells the story of three Australian snowboarders who travelled to Afghanistan to carry the sport across new frontiers. In one of the most dangerous parts of the world, they discovered incredible mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and heartwarming communities of hospitable people.

Transfer Snowboard Magazine | Alex Cameron

In February 2012, Clint Allan, Nick Gregory and Mitch Allan embarked on a trip that would change the way they viewed the world. They travelled to the town of Bamyan, in central Afghanistan, to explore the untouched peaks of the mighty Hindu Kush. Along the way they dodged riots, landmines, bombs and kidnappers to discover a side of the country usually ignored by the western media.

The spectacular natural beauty of Bamyan has endured through centuries of violence, and a culture of hospitality and optimism in the communities has prevailed through the previous decades of conflict. The snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush tower above the small town. All winter, they are covered in deep, dry powder. Most of them had never been ridden. With only their two legs to get them up the mountain, the snowboarders set about changing that.

In the foothills of the mountains, the riders met a small group of locals who had recently taken to the slopes with gumboots and wooden skis: forgetting the tribulations of the past and fostering a new tourist industry that could secure a brighter future. Clint, Mitch and Nick introduced them to snowboarding and helped them learn the fundamentals of a new sport and a new life.

Part snowboard film and part adventure documentary, White Silk Road will appeal to anyone with a desire to squeeze a little more out of life.

White Silk Road is scheduled for release in July 2012, be sure to check out their webpage for more info.

Transfer Snowboard Magazine went along to Afghanistan for the adventure preview the story & buy the issue here.