Oukaimeden

Morocco’s best ski resort and Africa’s highest at 3270 m (10,734 feet). Drive towards the town of Setti Fatma in the Ourika Valley, the last exit before Setti Fatma at the foot of the mountain will take you to Oukaimeden. The road is covered and in good condition. To get you to the top you have your choice of chair lift, T-bar or donkey. The best skiing in the Atlas Mountains is found in January to February.

Oukaimeden is a popular ski resort and mountainous area located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. To get around Oukaimeden, you have a few options:

1. Walking: Oukaimeden is relatively small, and many of its attractions are accessible on foot. If you're staying at a hotel or lodge near the slopes, you can easily walk to the ski lifts and other nearby points of interest.
2. Ski Lifts: During the ski season (usually from December to March), ski lifts operate to transport visitors to the top of the slopes. These lifts are an excellent way to access higher elevations for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the mountain views.
3. Taxi or Private Transfer: If you're coming from Marrakech or another nearby city, you can hire a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Oukaimeden. The journey from Marrakech to Oukaimeden takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
4. Hiking or Trekking: Oukaimeden is surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain, making it a great destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. You can explore the surrounding trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
5. Mule Rides: If you're interested in a unique experience, you can hire mules to take you on a guided tour around the mountains. Mules are commonly used in the region for transportation and can be an interesting way to explore the area.
6. 4x4 Tours: Some tour operators offer 4x4 excursions to explore the rugged landscapes around Oukaimeden. These tours can take you to remote areas and provide a thrilling off-road experience.

It's essential to be prepared for the weather conditions, especially during the winter months, when Oukaimeden receives snowfall and becomes a popular ski destination. If you plan to engage in outdoor activities, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and always consider your safety during any mountain-based adventures.

In January and February it's possible to get the accomplishment of having skied in Africa under your belt. 45 km south of Marrakech, high in the Atlas mountains, lies the ski resort Oukaimeden, sitting at 2,600 m. The resort's single chairlift (or the optional donkey) takes you up to 3,258 m – at the peak of Jebel Attar. One you're up there, there are five runs to take you down again, the longest of which is about 3 km, alternatively take some of the less imposing drag lifts at the bottom of the slope. A one-day ski pass should set you back some 90 dirhams. There are four hotels to choose from if you want to sleep over.

• Amazigh Chalet (2700m), 57 oukaimeden circle (oukaimeden marrakech), ☏ +212 661618236, imzough@yahoo.fr. it is a nice new chalet in a spectacular landscape near mount Toubkal (4176 m), the highest peak in North Africa. 3 rooms, American kitchen, chimney, it is a suitable place to go skiing in Africa, and also for trekking. 185 dollar. 

• Chez Juju: tajines, French sausage cassoulet, mixed grill, salad with goat cheese. Sunny terrace. + 212 524 319 005.

• Hotel Club Louka, ☏ +212 524 319 080. On the right past the army camp just before the lifts. Decent sized rooms but dirty with broken tiles and loose power sockets. The hotel is in desperate need of a refurbishment but with 101 rooms it is quite likely to have a vacant room. Although open in summer, it's nearly abandoned and empty. 
• Chez Juju: new rooms chalet style with bathrooms. +212 524 31 90 05
• Club Alpin Français: the CAF refuge is quite substantial with rooms and dorms of various sizes. +212 524 31 90 36