March 2021: Deep in the mountains of Afghanistan, 80 miles west of Kabul, lies a small group of brave young women and girls who have decided to breakthrough enforced restrictions and social norms to fearlessly follow their passion of skiing.

Afghanistan remains to be one of the most challenging locations for women, with many parts of the country still preventing public education for girls and work for women in public places. Violence and oppression of women is still rife in Afghanistan but it is these young women and girls who are bravely fighting against these notions, and who have managed to find hope and confidence through the power of skiing.

These pictures follow some of the courageous girls and young women: from ski training to time spent at their homes, and following them as they compete in the Afghan Ski Challenge, a two day ski event held each year in Bamyan Province.

The fact that these women are skiing, and are able to compete in a competition such as The Afghan Ski Challenge shows the birth of a new era, and another positive and exciting step for the power of women in such a country.

Update: Since the unprecedented takeover by the Taliban the ski club no longer exists. Some of the skiers are in Italy, others in Pakistan. Separated from their families. Direct and personal help is difficult, however if you would like to support a trusted charity who is working out there, please visit The International Committee of the Red Cross here.