Skiing in Morocco: Oukaïmeden and the High Atlas
Skiing in Morocco at Oukaïmeden in the High Atlas, about 1h30 from Marrakech: ski day trips, gear rental in the village and ski touring with a guide.
Skiing in Morocco
Skiing in Morocco surprises most visitors: in winter, snow falls on the High Atlas, and Oukaïmeden, one of the highest ski areas in Africa, sits only about 1h15 to 1h30 by road from Marrakech. You can spend the morning on the slopes and be back in the medina for dinner, with views over snowy peaks that few people expect to see in North Africa.
Oukaïmeden is simple, not a big Alpine resort: a few lifts, open slopes, and ski and snowboard rental in the village. The season usually runs from about January to March, but it depends on snow and changes every year. For experienced skiers we also organise ski touring around Toubkal with a qualified mountain guide. We check snow and road conditions before you go.
Best seasonUsually January to March, depends on snow
Why choose skiing in the atlas in Morocco
Ski and city in one day
Few places let you ski in the morning and walk through a souk in the evening. Oukaïmeden makes that possible from Marrakech.
High mountain scenery
The ski area lies high in the Atlas, with wide views of bare peaks and Berber valleys under snow – very different from a crowded Alpine resort.
Relaxed and uncrowded
Outside weekends and holidays the slopes are often quiet. It is a laid-back, local ski day rather than a polished resort.
Ski touring around Toubkal
For experienced skiers, the area around North Africa’s highest peak offers real backcountry ski touring with a mountain guide and nights in a refuge.
An unusual travel story
Skiing in Morocco is something most friends at home will not believe – it adds a different winter day to a desert or city trip.
Who is skiing in Morocco for?
Skiers visiting Marrakech in winter
If you are in Marrakech when there is snow, a day at Oukaïmeden is an easy add-on. Bring your own boots if you prefer them.
Beginners and families
Gentler slopes and simple rental make a first try possible. Lessons can be arranged with local instructors when available – we confirm with you.
Experienced ski tourers
Strong skiers with touring experience can join a guided trip around Toubkal. You need fitness, avalanche awareness and suitable gear.
Snow lovers who do not ski
You can also enjoy the snow, the views and a mountain lunch without skiing. It is not ideal for anyone expecting a large modern resort with many lifts.
“Oukaïmeden is simple, not a big Alpine resort: a few lifts, open slopes, and ski and snowboard rental in the village.”
— Our team in MoroccoHow it works
- Tell us your dates
Send us your dates, where you are staying and how many you are – on WhatsApp or by email.
- We plan it with you
We suggest the best time and option for skiing in the atlas and send you a clear price.
- Meet our team
On the day, our team meets you and explains everything before you start.
- Enjoy every moment
Live the experience – and add more adventures to your trip if you like.
Ways to do it with us
Book it on its own, or as part of one of our itineraries.
Oukaïmeden ski day from Marrakech
Morning drive into the High Atlas, rent gear in the village, ski or snowboard, and return to Marrakech by evening.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Two days in the snowy Atlas
Ski at Oukaïmeden, sleep in the mountains and add a snow walk or a second ski day if the weather allows.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Ski touring around Toubkal
For experienced skiers only: guided ascents and descents around Toubkal with nights in a mountain refuge.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Toubkal Trek 5 Days
Outside the snow season, explore the same mountains on foot with a local guide.
See the itinerary →A typical day
Times are approximate for a day trip and change with snow, road conditions and the length of winter days.
- Pick-up in Marrakech
We collect you from your riad and drive south towards the High Atlas.
- Arrive at Oukaïmeden
Rent skis or a snowboard in the village and get your lift pass.
- Morning on the slopes
Ski or ride at your own level, with views over the snowy Atlas.
- Mountain lunch
A warm tagine or snack in the village to recharge.
- Afternoon skiing
A few more runs while the snow and light are good.
- Back to Marrakech
Return the gear and drive down to arrive in the city in the early evening.
Where it happens
Skiing in the Atlas with us takes place in these parts of Morocco – tell us where you are staying and we suggest the closest option.
- 1Marrakech
- 2Toubkal
- 3Ourika Valley
Useful information for skiing in Morocco
What a ski day looks like
We pick you up in Marrakech in the morning and drive up through the Ourika area to Oukaïmeden. In the village you rent skis or a snowboard, buy a lift pass and ski until mid-afternoon, then drive back before dark.
Snow and road conditions
Snow at Oukaïmeden varies a lot from year to year, and some winters have only a short season. Heavy snow can also close the road for a while. We check conditions before every trip and suggest another day or plan if needed.
Lifts and rental
The lifts are simple and some may not run every day. Rental gear is basic, so experienced skiers often bring their own boots. Lift passes and rental are paid locally – we tell you what to expect when we confirm.
Ski touring safety
Ski touring in the High Atlas is done only with a qualified mountain guide. You need touring skis, skins and avalanche safety equipment, and the guide decides the route by snow and weather.
Cold and altitude
Oukaïmeden is high, so it is much colder than Marrakech and the sun is strong. Dress in warm layers and protect your eyes and skin.
Before you book
- Snow
- Skiing depends on snow, so keep your dates flexible – we check conditions and confirm with you before the trip.
- Level
- Tell us your ski or snowboard level so we can plan the day or a lesson.
- Gear sizes
- Send us shoe sizes and heights; rental is basic, so bring your own boots if you can.
- Ski touring
- Touring is only for experienced skiers – tell us your experience and check your insurance covers backcountry skiing.
Best time for skiing in Morocco
The ski season at Oukaïmeden usually runs from about January to March, depending on snowfall. Some years snow arrives in December or lasts into April, others are short – we always check the snow before you book. Outside winter there is no skiing.
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarGood
- AprPossible
- MayAvoid
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecPossible
BestGoodPossibleAvoid
Request your skiing in the atlas
Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the details and a clear price.
- No payment to send a request
- We adapt the option to you
- Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
Skiing in Morocco: 10 questions
Can you go skiing in Morocco?
Yes. In winter, snow falls on the High Atlas and you can ski at Oukaïmeden, about 1h15 to 1h30 from Marrakech. The season depends on snow and changes every year.
Is skiing in Morocco good?
It is fun and unusual rather than world-class. The lifts are simple and the season can be short, but the mountain views and relaxed atmosphere make it a great day out when there is snow.
Where is the ski resort near Marrakech?
The ski area is Oukaïmeden, high in the Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech, about 1h15 to 1h30 by road. There is a small village with rental shops and simple places to eat.
When is the Oukaimeden ski season?
Usually from about January to March, depending on snowfall. Some winters start earlier or last longer, others have little snow, so we check conditions before you go.
Can you ski in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco?
Yes. Oukaïmeden offers lift-served skiing, and experienced skiers can go ski touring around Toubkal with a qualified mountain guide.
How much does skiing in Morocco cost?
Lift passes and rental are paid locally in the village. For transport, a guide and any ski touring trip, send us your dates and group size and we will send a quote on request.
Can I rent skis at Oukaimeden?
Yes, ski and snowboard rental is available in the village. The gear is basic, so experienced skiers often bring their own boots.
Can beginners go skiing in Morocco?
Yes, there are gentler slopes for beginners. Lessons with local instructors can be arranged when available – we confirm with you before the trip.
Is there ski touring in Morocco?
Yes, the area around Toubkal is good for ski touring in a snowy winter. It is only for experienced skiers and always with a qualified mountain guide and avalanche safety gear.
Can you ski in Ifrane in Morocco?
There is a small ski area near Ifrane in the Middle Atlas, but it depends heavily on snow. From Marrakech, Oukaïmeden is much closer and the usual choice.
Combine it with
Two experiences in one trip – our favourite pairings.
+Skiing in the Atlas + Hiking & trekking adventuresSki at Oukaïmeden one day and take a winter walk in the Atlas valleys the next.See hiking & trekking adventures →+
Skiing in the Atlas + Cultural explorationSpend a day on the snowy slopes, then explore the souks and palaces of Marrakech.See cultural exploration →
Add skiing in the atlas to your trip
Tell us your dates and where you are staying – we organise everything with you.