MARRAKECH SKI RESORT,OUKAÏMDEN.

Een sneeuwtapijt bedekt de Atlas.

THE SNOW SEASON HAS BEGUN.

Snow is not uncommon in Morocco: every winter, this year a little earlier than usual, the Atlas Mountains at an altitude of 4000 metres are covered with snow and remain white until April or even May and June, depending on the weather conditions and altitude.

We are now at the end of November. For this last weekend of the month, more than a metre of snow is expected in the "Moyen Atlas" over an altitude of 2000 metres.

Winter has its unpleasant sides for many families living in the mountains. Those who love the season will find that the snow has transformed many villages into beautiful landscapes. For example, the mythical Figuig Oasis or Ifrane, also called Little Switzerland because of its typical architecture and its romantic location amidst cedar forests that evoke an instagrammable winter atmosphere, or Midelt, Errachidia and Boulmane, the town against the hills.

Let's talk about Oukaïmden, the "ski resort" that the Marrakchi call their own.

Oukaimden image arabic blog noonpost.com.

Oukaïmden

Oukaïmden, also known as the highest ski resort in Africa, is located just 77.8 km (50 miles) north of Marrakech. This village, which only pretends to be an idyllic mountain village all year round, turns into "the place to be for the ski enthusiast" during the ski season.

Tell me more.

Oukaïmden is a small but fine ski resort that is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. The village is situated at an altitude of 2620 metres. The 18 slopes that welcome you are located at an altitude between 2600 metres and 2668 metres. The three green, four blue, eight red and three black pistes and the six ski lifts operate according to snowfall and occupancy. It is, therefore, possible that not all the slopes or ski lifts will be in use when you visit the station.

How to get there?

From Marrakech, follow the road to Ourika, just past Ourika there is a road that turns right in the direction of Oukaïmden. Here there is usually a brigade of gendarmes who control access and close the road if extreme snowfall makes this necessary. During the winter, the use of snow chains may also become mandatory. Therefore, always enquire before you leave whether the ski area is accessible. The weekends themselves are usually quite busy. If you have to choose between weekends and weekdays, I would prefer the latter option.

PS: If you do not have a car. You can always book an excursion or take a grand taxi or hire a car with driver. In winter, all roads lead to Oukaïmden :).

What are the opening hours of the slopes?

From 10am to 4.30pm

How long is the season?

The season runs from December to March. In 2019 they had the first snowfall in the first week of December. So this year we seem to be starting a little earlier.

Can you stay there?

There is not a big choice of hotels.

Usually, you will find guesthouses and flats which you have to book in advance in high season, but generally, most visitors only stay for one day.

Can I rent equipment?

Ski equipment hire is possible with prices starting at around 150 Mad a day.

Oukaïmden in a nutshell.

Oukaïmden is a no-nonsense ski resort in development where you go skiing and enjoy the snowy landscapes.

You will not find big après-ski parties and luxury accommodations here.

And as far as I am concerned, that is a good thing.

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Always check the latest weather reports and the state of the roads with the official services. (DMN)

Always check your vehicle and take enough provisions and equipment with you to keep you and your family or friends warm in case you are blocked.