1. Overview
This article explores skiing opportunities in Africa, focusing on the unique experience of skiing in Morocco. It highlights notable ski resorts, such as Oukaïmeden and Ifrane, alongside adventurous skiing tours available in the region.
2. Skiing in Africa
Snow is not a weather condition that many associate with Africa, but several African nations see snow each winter. While the snow may not be deep enough for extreme sports like skiing and snowboarding in most regions, Morocco does offer ski resorts, particularly during the southern hemisphere winter (June – August). Your best bet for an adventure on the slopes is Tiffindell Ski Resort in South Africa or Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho. For those who wish to ski during the festive season in December, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are an excellent choice.
A Unique Adventure
Skiing in Morocco presents a distinct experience compared to high-end resorts in Europe and North America. Depending on where you visit, infrastructure can be limited, with few ski hire outlets, ski lifts, or après-ski facilities available. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to be self-sufficient by bringing your equipment and catering for yourself. However, if you come prepared, skiing in Morocco can be incredibly rewarding. The breathtaking scenery, uncrowded pistes, and significantly lower costs compared to other skiing destinations make it an appealing choice.
Additionally, skiing in Morocco allows you to go off the beaten path and embrace your adventurous spirit. The novelty of skiing in Africa adds immense value to the experience.
Oukaïmeden Ski Resort
The charming village of Oukaïmeden, located 49 miles (78 kilometers) south of Marrakesh, is nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Perched at an elevation of 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), the winter sports area reaches a maximum altitude of 10,603 feet (3,232 meters). The resort features a single chairlift leading to six downhill runs, each enhanced by an absence of piste maintenance. There is also a nursery area, a ski school, a family sledging area, and a series of intermediate slopes served by four drag lifts. For a quirky alternative, visitors can hitch a ride to the top of the slope via local donkeys.
Although runs are not well signposted, you may encounter locals offering unofficial guiding services. It is wiser to hire an instructor from the ski school rather than relying on these guides. Equipment rental is available, ranging from outdated but functional gear to lower-priced options at unofficial kiosks. Regardless of your choice, skiing at Oukaïmeden is quite affordable, with daily equipment hire going for about $18 and lift passes around $11.
Between runs, traditional Moroccan street food can be found at numerous locally owned stalls. The area boasts a hotel and restaurant, Hotel Chez Juju, though reviews on accommodation quality vary. Many visitors prefer day trips from Marrakesh or opt to stay overnight at luxury kasbahs in the Atlas foothills. Kasbah Tamadot and Kasbah Angour are excellent selections that can assist in arranging transportation to Oukaïmeden. For those taking taxis from Marrakesh, expect to pay roughly $45 for a round trip. If you prefer driving, the journey takes about two hours.
Skiing Near Ifrane
Although Oukaïmeden is Morocco’s primary ski resort, the Middle Atlas village of Ifrane is famous for its snowy winters and unexpected slopes. Situated 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of both Fez and Meknes, Ifrane is a short taxi ride from Michlifen Ski Station, where easy trails provide a fun experience for beginner and intermediate skiers. While a ski lift is available, hiking to the top of the slopes is also an option. It is advisable to bring your gear if possible, though there are rental shops offering equipment of varying quality at both the ski station and in Ifrane.
Moroccan Ski Tours
For dedicated skiers, joining a ski tour, such as those offered by Pathfinder Travels, can be an exhilarating option. Each year, this company organizes an eight-day expedition to the High Atlas Mountains. Guests are based at Refuge Toukbal, located at the base of Morocco’s tallest mountain, and explore backcountry skiing opportunities surrounding Jebel Toukbal. With an average altitude of 13,120 feet (4,000 meters), this region offers ample deep couloirs and stunning open snow fields. The trip is priced at €1,480 per person.
For the truly adventurous, there is Africa’s only heliskiing service, Heliski Marrakech. They offer two packages: a 3-day/2-night excursion featuring up to four helicopter drops daily on High Atlas slopes over 11,480 feet (3,500 meters), or a single heliskiing day paired with a half day at Oukaïmeden. Both options include meals and accommodations provided by luxurious Kasbah Agounsane, with prices starting at €950 per person.
