Skiing in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains

Skiing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a visit to Marrakech, but the proximity of the Oukaïmeden Resort in the High Atlas makes skiing in Morocco a very real and exciting possibility.

About Oukaïmeden

Perched at around 2,650 m up in the mountains of the nearby High Atlas, just 75 km south of Marrakech, the Oukaïmeden resort is, for much of the year, a sleepy Berber village. But it’s also a winter-summer destination ideal for outdoor adventure with its hiking trails criss-crossing spectacular carpets of wild flowers in Spring and snowfields in Winter. At the heart of the area is Lake Oukaïmeden, its still waters reflecting the sky’s blue while contrasting magically with the purity of the surrounding snowscapes and dark shadows of the brown rocky crags above them. 

Skiing in Morocco: Oukaïmeden

Thanks to its high altitude, the Oukaïmeden Ski Resort ensures pretty reliable snow conditions from January to late March and often into April. Situated at elevations between 2,610 and 3,268 m, the ski & snow-boarding area offers some 10 km of slopes covered in crisp, dry, virgin snow. Compared with the ski areas of Europe and North America the ski area and resort infrastructure is limited but competent skiers can still enjoy a day or two on the slopes taking advantage of the excellent snow conditions in the highest mountain area of North Africa.

Equipment hire is available on site as is a ski-pass for the 7 lifts (1 chair and 6 drag lifts) which transport visitors to the ski area’s upper slopes, most of them higher than those of France’s Val Thorens, one of the most “snow-sure” destinations in Europe. 

Promising an unconventional, fun day out for experienced skiers, the resort can be readily accessed by car via routes P2017 and P2030, a journey of around 90 minutes from Marrakech.    

Relax at the End of the Day

When you return from your skiing adventure, what better than a relaxing massage at our Arganier Spa to soothe those aching muscles. Then prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep after a delicious, warming dinner in our Le Jasmin restaurant followed, perhaps, by a nightcap in our comfortable bar/lounge.