You’d think a ski resort without snow would be synonymous with a “closed ski resort,” or maybe a “poorly located ski resort.” But then you haven’t visited the Monte Kaolino ski resort in Hirschau, Bavaria, Germany. Skiers there have traded flakes for grains, slaloming down bunny hills of sand, which are the byproduct of a now defunct mining operation. In addition to being a popular ski destination, the hill plays host to the World Sandboarding Championships. Check out this crazy, backwards ski resort below.

At 360 feet high, Monte Kaolino is just a bit taller than Victoria Falls. Image by freeheeler.eu

This entirely man-made hill consists of about 35 million tons of quartz sand, all the byproduct of a kaolinite mining operation. Image by freizeit-as

Instead of the traditional ski lifts, and in keeping with the beach vibe, visitors can catch a ride to the top in boat-shaped cable cars. Image by WikiCommons

The first skiers sailed down this hill in the early 1950s. By 1956, a proper Monte Kaolino ski club had formed. Image by freeheeler.eu

Unlike your standard ski spot, Monte Kaolino is closed in winter, even though the area does get a fair amount of snowfall. Image by freeheeler.eu

In 2007, Monte Kaolino got a major rework. While it’s still the main attraction, new facilities allow visitors to camp, hike, and swim in addition to sand skiing. Image by freeheeler.eu

Many enjoy the novelty of taking to the slopes without the bulky winter gear. Bathing-suited skiers are not unknown on this hill. Image by freeheeler.eu

Since the water won’t freeze during ski season here, downhill enthusiasts can enjoy a splash landing after a successful run. Image by freeheeler.eu

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