This breathtaking ski resort in the heavens is about 150 km from Marrakech, North Africa, located in the Atlas Mountains near the mountain peak of Jebel Toubkal. Oukaïmeden is at an altitude averaging 2900 metres above sea level. Visitors to this beautiful ski resort may reach via the Ménara International Airport in Marrakech, Morocco or the train station in Marrakech. The best time to go there is January to mid-February.
Oukaimeden ski area has a couple of lifts, one at 3268 metres. Visitors coming to this area needs to be aware of the steep and slippery slopes and altitude sickness. Sturdy boots, windproof outer clothing, trekking poles and an ice-axe may be helpful in winter or early summer. Also, this ski area is not very crowded and most of the skiers are locals.
In winter, the ski area is covered with snow and ice and there is a risk of avalanches. However, for snow enthusiasts and experts in skiing, this may be a blissful experience. Updated information is available at the Marrakech tourist offices or at Imlil.
It takes about half a day to get to the summit. The snow is quite heavy from January to end of March or early April. The summit here is 3232 metres and the lower elevation is 2219 metres giving the mountain a vertical drop of 1013 metres.
There are twenty trails on Oukaïmeden ski area which are used for skiing as well as snowboarding. There are 7 lifts including 1 chair lift and 6 surface lifts.
The beauty of this ski area is the fresh snow, the remoteness and peace of the experience and the view of the sunset from up above the vertical cliffs looking out over Africa.
