I just wanted to comment on another reviewer's otherwise good advices. I live in Morocco and own a "chalet" in l'Oukaimeden (Oukaïmeden) and I've been skiing there since I was a child. February is the best month to ski in l'Oukaimeden (Oukaïmeden). Of course, some years there is some good snow from the end of December 'til the end of March, but February is a better bet if your purpose is really to ski the Atlas mountains.
Have a good one!
I'm a local mountain guide 39 years old who has never seen Oukaïmeden with a lot of snow in my life. If you love freeriding or ski de randonnee the Atlas mountain is the place to be this year.
Went snowboarding on January 21 and 22. The base is still solid but getting icy and skied off near the summit. Rocks starting to poke through a good bit. The locals said the last snow was on the 7th. The lower T-Bar lift areas looked pretty good still. Chez Juju cooks up an excellent dinner. Be ready to bargain with the Grand Taxi drivers for a decent rate up to the mountain, and you've got to be assertive about it. If you are taking your own gear, you'll have to buy out the taxi. In all, I had a blast and would love to return to l'Oukaimeden someday.
Went skiing at Oukaimeden on 27 December 2007. Conditions were pretty good though they definitely needed another good dump. Off the top of the chair coverage was decent enough but stay on the heavier skied runs otherwise you'll run into lots of rocks.
There were two places I saw where you could rent equipment; go to the one uphill from the first one you get to. The first one tried to charge me 500DH (over US$70). The second shop charges a flat 170DH; much more reasonable. Also, rent a car in Marrakech instead of taking a grand taxi. As a foreigner they'll rip you off big time.
1 Jan 2008
Despite "no report", the lifts at Oukaimeden were open on New Year's Day with good piste conditions on the short lower slopes and some excellent snow on the longer run from the top of the mountain but with some tricky rocky patches to contend with so don't use your own skis!
The fabulous views and the interesting journey up from Marrakech (not to mention the £3 lift pass and donkey transfers) made this an interesting excursion......but possibly worth a day trip only, unless there is more snow; when I guess the off-piste might be quite extensive.
February 19, 2007
James Allder
from
United Kingdom
I went up to Oukaimeden on Friday (15th of Feb.) The lifts were shut because there were so few people there. They said that they had been open the day before and would open up on the weekend. The snow was melting fast so it needs a good dump. You can walk up to the top in 1 hour 15 ish and ski down. It is worth it for the view alone.
Hi Domingo.
I gather that there is not enough snow at the moment. But if you wanted up to date resort information why don't you call the Hotel in Oukaimden and ask them.
Hotel Kenzi Loupa Tel: 00212 2447 6767
Regards
Hi,
I'm planning to visit Oukaimden on the first week of february. Does anybody know where can I find updated resort information (lifts open, snow depth, etc)? Snow-forecast info seems to be out of date (well, may be there is obsolutely no snow and this info is correct ...).
Thanks
Hi Guys.
I spent 9 weeks in Marrakech during the months of Sept, October & November. Two of which were spent in Oukaimden. I was lucky enough to be working there ( on a feature film called "Charlie Wilson's War") so all expences were paid. Yes Oukaimden is, by European standards,a poor resort but then again who goes ski-ing in Africa? Only those who are "collectors" or those who are there anyway !
Although there was some snow when I was there the lifts were not operating and indeed would not be expected to be until Jan/Feb.
However I have another small contract in Marrakech for the month of February - and I have packed my skis in the container!!!!!
So I will report back in March.
>>> london guy. Yes there is a lot of poverty, but I have also seen the locals having drag races with their Ferraris outside Pacha in marrakech at 4 a.m. So some certainly 'aint poor !
Hi. I think Omar is getting a little carried-away and has taken offense at a straightforward remark. It is all relative, and if you come from a wealthy part of Europe, you get the impression that it is very poor indeed. Yes there is some money there too, and there are upmarket facilities too. but Omar, its nothing to be ashamed about, don't have a chip on your shoulder about it, just accept that Europeans will sometimes, like me, be a little shocked at some of the poverty that exists. : ) I still love Morrocco.