Oukaimeden and Snow in Morocco: Skiing in the High Atlas Near Marrakech
Yes, it snows in Morocco. The High Atlas receives snow most winters, and Oukaimeden, about 75–80 km south of Marrakech (around 1.5–2 hours), is Morocco's main ski area, with slopes between about 2,600 and 3,200 m. Snow cover is irregular and the season, when it happens, usually runs between January and March.
Oukaimeden at a glance
| Location | High Atlas, above the Ourika Valley |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Resort around 2,600 m; top lift around 3,200 m |
| Season | Typically January–March, depending on snowfall |
| Facilities | A chairlift and drag lifts, ski and sledge rentals, mule rides, simple restaurants |
Lift operations and rental quality vary from year to year; check conditions locally before going.
What to do in the snow
- Skiing and snowboarding on beginner-to-intermediate slopes
- Sledging, snowball fights and snow walks for families
- Visiting the prehistoric rock engravings around the plateau (in summer, when snow-free)
- Lunch with views over the Atlas peaks
Other places to see snow
- Imlil and Toubkal: winter treks in the snow with a licensed guide; see our Toubkal guide.
- Ifrane and the Middle Atlas: snow-covered cedar forests near Fes; read Ifrane and the Middle Atlas.
- The Tizi n'Tichka: snowy landscapes on the way to the desert (occasionally closing the pass).
Safety tips for a winter Atlas day
- Check road conditions: mountain roads can be icy, and chains may be needed.
- Dress warmly: it can be sunny in Marrakech and below zero at Oukaimeden.
- Rent equipment carefully and check bindings and boots.
- Go with an experienced driver or guide if you are not used to winter mountain roads.
Prefer a gentler winter outing? Our Ourika Valley day trip and Imlil day trip run year-round, with snowy peaks as a backdrop in winter. Check winter temperatures in the best time to visit Morocco.
For background on the resort, see Wikipedia's Oukaïmeden article.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Waterfalls — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Imlil & Three Valleys Atlas Day Trip with Berber Lunch — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 2-Day Mount Toubkal Summit Trek (4,167 m) — from €130 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Mountain Biking in the Atlas Mountains: Routes, Seasons and What to Expect
- Climbing Mount Toubkal: Route, Difficulty, Seasons and What to Pack
- Ait Bouguemez: Hiking Morocco's "Happy Valley" in the Central High Atlas
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Morocco?
Yes. The High and Middle Atlas receive snow most winters, and cities such as Ifrane are regularly covered in snow.
Can you ski in Morocco?
Yes, at Oukaimeden near Marrakech and on smaller slopes near Ifrane, when there is enough snow, usually between January and March.
How far is Oukaimeden from Marrakech?
About 75–80 km, around 1.5–2 hours by road through the Ourika Valley.
Is skiing in Morocco good?
It is a fun, unusual experience with basic facilities and irregular snow, best for beginners and curious travellers rather than serious skiers.
Main photo: User:China_Crisis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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