You suggest that your whole family goes on a local skiing holiday - and everyone gives you a funny look and carries on with what they're doing.

Going skiing in South Africa is nowhere near as ridiculous as it sounds. Yes we have sunny weather, beaches and lions, but we also have mountains, dunes and a far wider variety of skiing activities.

All you need to do is think a little bit out the box when it comes to your definition of skiing and an excellent adventure holiday is guaranteed. And naturally GoTravel24 is here to help.

Your South African skiing options:

Traditional snow skiing

This isn't as silly as it sounds - promise! South Africa does get snow and if we don't, being the industrious people that we are, we make it instead.

Tiffendell Alpine Resort is in the southern Drakensberg on the slopes of the Eastern Cape's highest mountain Ben McDhui. The private or family wooden chalets really get you into the winter spirit and there are loads of activities for everyone.

If you are a little wary of falling on your nose while skiing, you can go fly fishing at hidden trout spots instead. Or how about a drink up at South Africa's highest pub - prices are even as affordable as those at sea level. If you are there for the skiing, snow machines guarantee snowy slopes for 100 days of the year and a TiffSki snow fun-park offers daredevils Big Air, jumps and rails.

Wondering what "Big air" meant? Don't try this at home! Photo: Mouton van Zyl

If you would like to start small and simply learn to ski, there are a couple of options for your right in Gauteng. Snowscape and Ski Deck offer smaller, man-made slopes to teach all South Africans to ski in a fun and relaxed environment. From bum boarding for kids to party venues and ski clubs, these facilities offer a great alternative for a unique weekend activity or night on the town... or slopes rather.

Tip! If you are driving to Tiffendell, remember to fill up beforehand - there is no petrol station in Rhodes.

Book an all-inclusive package to Durban and enjoy the best of both worlds - time on the beach and a self-drive trip to the Drakensberg to ski.

Water skiing

South Africa is home to some of the world's best beaches, making water skiing a national past time. When the sun is shining and there is no hope of snow, there is nothing better than zipping across the water behind a boat and sinking down to cool off every once in a while.

You don't even have to venture far to do it. Rietvlei is only 25kms from the city of Cape Town and offers skiing in the company of pelicans and flamingos. WaterskiZone teaches everything from water skiing to barefoot skiing, wakeboarding, tube rides, parasailing and knee boarding from scratch - with Table Mountain as your spectacular backdrop.

Water skiing in winter is also a possibility in South Africa, as long as you avoid the colder West Coast. Port Edward is located on the southern border of KwaZulu-Natal and offers world-famous (and warmer) water skiing opportunities. There are also an abundance of other things to do in the area. From horse riding to quad biking, river cruising and fishing, Port Edward offers an idea alternative to snow skiing.

Tip! Always think about what you wear when you water ski. No one wants to rise up out the water bikini topless... or bottomless!

Sand skiing

South Africa may not have a lot of snow, but there sure is enough sand. Not exactly a selling point you say? It is if you attach a board to your feet.

Sandboarding is growing in popularity and has been dubbed the South African equivalent to skiing. And with so many beaches and dunes just crying out to be conquered, who needs snow?

Cape Town is the best place to go sandboarding with professional assistance in South Africa. Downhill Adventures organises sandboarding trips to Atlantis or Betty's Bay and includes all equipment, transport and instruction.

Sunscene Outdoor Adventures is another option where you can combine surfing and sandboarding lessons in one - really making the most out of our beaches. These day trips can happen as locally as Fish Hoek beach in Cape Town's southern suburbs, meaning sandboarding is an easy activity to fit in during your holiday.

Not quite how you are supposed to sand board. Try the professionals instead. Photo: Deon Ferreira

Tip! Sandboarding involves standing with two feet locked onto a thin tensile board and carving arcs down a dune. Using a boogie board or body board might seem like a good idea, but you are likely to simply end up with a mouthful of sand.

Book a sandboarding trip to Cape Town today. Packages start as low as R999.

Heli skiing

Before you panic (like I did), this doesn't mean being pulled behind a helicopter on skis. That would just be silly - and dangerous!

Heli skiing basically involves being air lifted to a remote peak and skiing down unchartered slopes. This is usually only recommended for experienced skiers and is a real challenge.

Seeing some of South Africa's most enthralling mountains from the air is a once in a lifetime opportunity and then navigating your own way down is a real accomplishment.

Tip! Heli skiing is both expensive and limited in South Africa. The runs are short and entirely dependent on erratic snow fall. Rather opt for a heli-flip over some of the country's incredible landscapes for a memorable trip that is guaranteed.

Surf skiing

Surf skiing combines the best of both worlds in South Africa - skiing and water. This type of paddling allows you to get out on the ocean and paddle into the sunset.

Either one or two people canoes can be used and there is nothing better than feeling super powerful as you cut through waves, slice through water and zoom across bodies you could never cross otherwise.

Surf skiing can be both relaxing and exciting. Photo: Halden Krog

From rivers to oceans, South Africa is guaranteed to have the ideal spot to go surf-skiing. The great thing about this sport is that anyone can do it, no huge arm muscles, unfaltering balance or nerves of steel required. A great family activity, surf skiing allows you to enjoy the outdoors and see the landscape from an entirely different perspective.

Tip! While surf skiing is not a difficult sport, it is advised to have a few lessons before you head out on a solo effort.

Port Elizabeth has also played host to the World Cup rated Surf Ski race - which means it a prime location. Book an all-inclusive package to PE now.