Oukaimeden Ski Resort in Marrakech

Posted by admin

June 1, 2009

ski

When we think of Marrakech we think of a city in subtropical Africa, at the doors of the Sahara, where Berber dromedary caravans bring their goods to one of the most authentic souks in the world. But Marrakech, believe it or not, also offers the chance of excellent skiing on the High Atlas mountain range, at the Oukaimeden ski resort, just over 40 miles or an hour drive from the city. Oukaimeden is usually visited as a day-trip from Marrakech and offers all sorts of services and lots of fun.

Oukaïmeden summary

Oukaïmeden was first opened as a ski resort in 1936 by the Marrakech French Alpine Club. It is located at 10738 feet above sea level (3273 meters) and is the highest ski resort in Africa and the best equipped in Morocco as well as one of the most popular in the continent, with an average of 24.000 visitors every weekend during high-season.

The snow season is quite variable and lasts a yearly average of 120 days, from mid-December to mid-April, although snow is quite reliable from January until late March or early April.

The Oukaïmeden ski resort has a relatively modest skiing area, of around 300 hectares, but very interesting, including 3 black, 8 red, 4 blue and 3 green trails. It also has the highest chair lift in Africa, at 7545 feet above sea level, as well as 6 ski lifts with a capacity for over 4.000 skiers per hour. There are several projects on the way in order to develop the ski resort, such as a plan to equip its trails with artificial snow machines.

Currently, the entrance fee to the resort costs just 10 dirhams, the half-day forfeit for skiing costs 30 dirhams and the rental of equipment from residents should not cost you more than 60 dirhams per day.

Getting there

There are no scheduled buses to get to the Oukaïmeden ski resort, but you can arrange for a taxi to get you there from Marrakech and pick you up for your return into the city for about 300 to 500 dirhams. You can also rent a car in the city for between 30 and 600 dirhams per day, depending on the season, the type of car and the services you require.

Accommodation and Restaurants

There are several hotels, villas and restaurants at the ski resort and the village. One of the two main hotels is quite expensive and the other one is reasonably affordable. For a small fee, you can hire the services of a local guide that will take you to a more authentic and traditional style cottage, villa or private houses, where you can rent a flat with different kinds of services and at different prices.

Leisure

Besides skiing, there are several exciting leisure activities that you can practice while at Oukaïmeden. You can go trekking and discover the amazing landscapes that the Atlas Mountains offer, as well as the wide variety of birds and plants for nature-lovers. You can also go fishing in one of the many rivers and lakes in the area, where you will find carp, bass and trout. Also, you can visit some of the most amazing archaeological sites in Morocco, where you will find several cave paintings dating back to 2.100 years BC.

Your visit to Marrakech will be even more exciting and complete if you experience the chance to ski that Oukaïmeden offers you. Most hotels in Marrakech will help you plan your skiing expedition to the last detail, including transport, accommodation and equipment. Also, many Marrakech riads will help you arrange your entire ski adventure so that you can make the most of your stay in the Ochre City.

Ski-Resorts