"Have you been to Oukaimeden?" This question often comes up during the winter months. Indeed, skiing in Morocco is quite unexpected and exotic. The issue is, you never really know what to expect; how many slopes will be open? Is it possible to rent equipment on-site? What are the pass prices? Where can you grab lunch? So if you're planning to ski in the coming weeks, Made in Marrakech tells you everything you need to know about skiing at the Oukaimeden resort.
Where?
70 km from Marrakech
Altitude?
Entre 2,610 and 3,268 meters
How to get there?
- By car: follow the Ourika road
- By grand taxi: Expect to pay 150-200 dh per trip
Opening months?
It depends on the snow and when the National Office of Electricity and Potable Water starts up the station. A good season can start in December and end in mid-April.
Hours?
From 10 am to 4:30 pm
Number of slopes?
If there's heavy snowfall, there are potentially 3 green runs, 4 blue, 8 red, and 3 black. Typically, however, only 2 or 3 are actually open.
How do you get back up the slopes?
A chairlift takes you to the top of the mountain and five tow lifts service the lower altitudes. Depending on the snow, they may not all be operational. Thus, there might be only two tow lifts or just the chairlift to take you back up the slopes.
Price per lift pass?
20 dh per lift, 50 dh for half a day, and 100 dh for a full day.
Price for equipment rental?
About 150 dh per day, including skis and boots.
Where to have lunch?
There are options for every taste and budget.
- The most typical: the snail vendors
- The most traditional: small Moroccan restaurants where you can enjoy a hot tajine.
- The most French: Chez Juju for its cosy vibe and French dishes. Tartiflette, cassoulet, sauerkraut, or wild boar bourguignon are sure to give you a boost (or make you want to nap).
Where to sleep?
Hotels are few, but apartments or chalets are available for rent.
The plus?
After skiing the same slope five times, you might start to find it a bit repetitive. We recommend skiing for half a day, taking a nice lunch break, and then setting out on snowshoes or foot along the marked trails to climb the mountain and behold the breathtaking views. Once at the top, you can appreciate on one side the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas and on the other, the Marrakech plain and its agricultural fields. You'll hardly know where to look!
Why go?
To see the snow, experience a completely different climate, and get a breath of fresh air away from the city. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts will be thrilled with the rush, and beginners can discover the thrill. But beyond just skiing downhill, the opportunity to hike, enjoy a good fondue, and cuddle up by the fire in the evening—all just an hour's drive from Marrakech—is priceless!