2nd Highest Ski Resort on Earth = 15,700 Feet in the Maoke Mountains of Indonesia

There are hints and legends of a ski resort at 15,700-feet on the Indonesian half of Papua New Guinea in the legendary Maoke Mountains.  There is very little corroborating information nor evidence to be found anywhere.  I believe that it existed and maybe that it still exists today.  This region of Indonesia is very restricted and only accessed through special permits acquired once in the country.  Everything on this half of the island is steeped in fantastic mystery.

Despite teetering on the edge of reality and myth, this ski resort must have been stunning.  When the snows were deep, the lifts were running, and the mystery was a reality, this must have been one of the most magical places ever skied.

The world’s 2nd highest ski resort exists at -4 Latitude in the Indonesian half of Papua New Guinea.  It’s hard to believe that an equatorial nation is known for the best surfing on Earth also has the 2nd highest ski resort on Earth, but it’s a reality I can’t ignore nor completely confirm.

The Maoke Mountains of Indonesia hold a 16,023-foot peak called Puncak Jaya or Carstensz Pyramid.  This peak is one of the Seven Summits as it is the highest peak in Oceana (basically Australia and it’s surrounding islands).  These peaks are significant with at least 3 glaciers, many peaks over 12,000 feet tall, a tree line of 12,000 feet, and a handful of peaks over 14,500 feet.
There is reportedly a small ski resort located on the Meren glacier here started by Sir John McCisk in 1979.  This whole enterprise seems a truly clandestine affair, but we can’t help indulge as far as we possibly can.

MAOKE SKI RESORT FACTS:

– 2nd highest ski resort on Earth at 15,700 feet
– Base elevation of 14,500 feet
– 3 ski lifts on the Meren Glacier, 2 pomas and 1 rope tow
– Best skiing = May – October
– First opened in 1979 with a rope tow and ski lodge, ski resort completed in 1982