Essential Travel Ski Guides

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Travel to Oukaimeden with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Morocco’s finest ski resort is located a 1 hour, 30 minute drive from Marrakech and it boasts almost 12.5 miles of runs and loads of off-piste options. The surrounding scenery is awe-inspiring and Oukaimeden is a welcome change from the average European or American ski resort, being imbued with the exotic flavour of Africa.

The resort has been popular with wealthy Moroccans for many years and it has developed into one of the country’s classiest winter destinations. Its proximity to Marrakech makes it conveniently accessible from the city and its mind-blowing off-piste options will keep powder fans happy for days on end.

Oukaimeden presents a selection of 20 trails for various levels of ability, but the ski resort’s most outstanding attraction is the access it provides to countless untracked trails that wind through the High Atlas mountain range. The slopes are served by seven chairlifts including the continent’s highest at an altitude of 10,734 feet.

In the event that snow conditions are not good enough for visitors to enjoy the ski slopes, a range of other leisure activities located close to Oukaimeden include golf, mountain biking, rock climbing, camel riding and surfing in Morocco’s sparkling ocean. Marrakech is located within a 2-hour drive of the resort, presenting a plethora of sightseeing, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

A limited amount of accommodation is located close to Oukaimeden, but hotels in the area tend to be unreasonably expensive. Most skiers visiting the resort choose to spend the day there and return to Marrakech in the evening, where there is a wider range of lodgings to suit all preferences and budget requirements.

Ski conditions at Oukaimeden are best from around mid-January to mid-February. The resort lies approximately 46 miles from Marrakech and is accessible via shared taxis, though these can be pricey.

Skiing in Oukaimeden

Known as Morocco’s biggest and best skiing destination, Oukaimeden offers visitors an unforgettable holiday experience in the African wilderness. While not quite world class in terms of trail options, Oukaimeden’s off-piste skiing, stunning scenery and fabulous atmosphere provide the perfect recipe for a wonderful winter getaway.

Skiing is only really possible for two or three months of the year at Oukaimeden and snow conditions are not always reliable. However, when there is good snow coverage the resort offers almost 12.5 miles of trails suitable for all levels of experience as well as myriad off-piste options through the High Atlas valleys. The longest run provides excellent skiing for distance enthusiasts, while a system of seven ski lifts, including six T-bars and one chairlift, provide transportation to a lofty peak located 10,738 feet above sea level.

The area surrounding Oukaimeden encompasses some of Morocco’s loveliest scenery and presents an excellent variety of leisure alternatives to skiing including rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking and camel riding. The country’s beautiful coastal area offers excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing or simply soaking up the sun and there is plenty to explore in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Facilities at Oukaimeden are fairly limited with just a few restaurants and hotels located in the immediate area. There are no banks in the skiing area, so visitors should be sure to change money beforehand. Both eateries and lodging facilities nearby are quite expensive and visitors on a tight budget should consider staying in Marrakech and driving to the resort on a daily basis.

Skiing conditions at Oukaimeden are best at the beginning of the year, from roughly mid-January to mid-February. Visitors to the resort can choose between hiring a car from Marrakech and driving there or utilising shared taxi transportation to reach Oukaimeden.

Transportation to Oukaimeden

Oukaimeden is located approximately 46 miles from the city of Marrakech and is accessible by hire car or taxi transportation.

The quickest and easiest form of transportation to Oukaimeden is via self-drive. Visitors can hire a car from Marrakech and drive for roughly 1 hour, 30 minutes to reach the resort. If you are planning on staying in Marrakech and travelling to the resort every day, this is the best option available, as the taxis that provide transportation between the city and the ski resort can be outrageously expensive by Moroccan standards.

Marrakech-Menara International Airport (RAK) is located four miles southwest of the city and receives frequent flights from a variety of international destinations. Rental cars are available from the airport, while taxis are on hand to provide transportation to the city centre, with a journey time of 15 minutes. The ski resort is a 90-minute from the airport.

Shared taxis provide transportation between Marrakech and Oukaimeden on a daily basis, but it’s best to hone your haggling skills before making use of this option. Oukaimeden is renowned as the playground of affluent Moroccans and taxi drivers frequently attempt to take advantage of the absence of reliable public transport to the resort by charging exorbitant fees for their services.

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