Atlas Mountains
Oukaïmeden Day Trip from Marrakech
Africa's highest ski resort in winter, alpine meadows and prehistoric rock art in summer.
- Duration
- Full day (8–10 hours)
- Price
- From 35 EUR / 380 MAD
- Group size
- Private or small group (2–14)
- Difficulty
- Easy — mostly driving, with optional walking or skiing
Reply within 2 hours · Private or shared · Pay after we confirm your spot
Overview
Oukaïmeden is Marrakech's surprise: a genuine ski resort barely two hours from a city where the temperature can top 40°C. At around 2,600 metres it holds snow through the winter, when Marrakchis and visitors alike come up to ski, sledge or simply throw snowballs beneath Jbel Toubkal. Out of season it becomes a green alpine bowl of meadows, flocks and ancient rock art.
In winter (roughly January to March) the resort runs a chairlift and a handful of drag lifts, with skis, boards and sledges for hire at the base. The slopes are modest by Alpine standards but the novelty of skiing in Africa, with the Sahara-bound plains far below, is hard to beat. Even non-skiers enjoy the snow, the café terraces and the mountain light.
From late spring the snow melts to reveal high pastures grazed by sheep and goats, a small seasonal lake, and easy walking with huge views. Above the resort, weathered boulders carry prehistoric carvings of daggers and animals — some of the oldest rock art in the Atlas.
Either way it is an easy day: mostly driving up through the Ourika Valley, with the activity — skiing, sledging or a gentle walk — waiting at the top. Bring warm layers whatever the season, because it is always cooler up here than in the city.
Highlights
- Africa's highest ski resort at around 2,600 m, with a village chairlift
- Snowball fights and sledging with kids on a winter day
- Alpine meadows, grazing flocks and a mountain lake in summer
- Prehistoric rock carvings on the plateau above the resort
Your day, hour by hour
A typical trip runs about Full day (8–10 hours). Timings flex with the season, traffic and whether you go private or shared — here is the usual shape of the day:
- 8:00
Pickup & drive
Leave Marrakech and climb through the Ourika Valley toward the ski road.
- 10:00
Arrive Oukaïmeden
Reach the resort at 2,600 m; hire gear in winter or lace up for a walk in summer.
- 10:30
Snow or meadows
Ski, sledge and play in the snow, or walk the meadows and hunt for rock carvings.
- 13:00
Mountain lunch
A tagine or brochettes at a base café with a view down the valley.
- 14:30
More time up top
A second run, a lakeside stroll or simply soaking up the altitude.
- 16:00
Descend to Marrakech
Drive back down through the valley, arriving in the city for the evening.
What's included & what's not
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Bottled water
Not included
- Ski/sledge hire and lift passes in winter
- Lunch and drinks
- Local guide for the rock-art walk (optional)
- Tips
What to bring
- Warm layers, gloves and a hat — it is genuinely cold up here in winter
- Sunglasses and strong sunscreen (snow glare is fierce)
- Waterproof footwear in winter; walking shoes in summer
- Cash for gear hire, lift passes and lunch
Who this trip suits
- Families wanting snow near Marrakech in winter
- Curious travellers who like the novelty of skiing in Africa
- Summer walkers seeking cool alpine air and rock art
- Anyone escaping the city heat
Maybe not for you if: Serious skiers expecting Alpine terrain — the runs are short and facilities basic.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really ski near Marrakech?
Yes. Oukaïmeden, about two hours away, is Africa's highest ski resort at around 2,600 m and holds snow from roughly January to March. Lifts and gear hire are basic but functional, and skiing here with the desert plains below is a genuine novelty.
Is Oukaïmeden worth visiting in summer?
Very much so. Once the snow melts it becomes a green alpine bowl of meadows and grazing flocks, cool and quiet, with a small lake and prehistoric rock carvings on the plateau above — a lovely escape from the city heat.
How cold is Oukaïmeden?
Much colder than Marrakech at any time of year because of the altitude. In winter it drops below freezing with snow; even in summer mornings are crisp. Always bring a warm layer, whatever the forecast down in the city.
Do I need ski experience?
No. Beginners can hire gear and try the nursery slopes, and plenty of visitors come just to sledge and play in the snow. There is no need to ski at all to enjoy the day.