Oukaimeden, Morocco: Snow, Skiing and a Day Trip from Marrakech

Short answer: Oukaimeden is a broad high plateau in the High Atlas above Marrakech, above the tree line. It is grazing land in the warmer months and usually snow-covered in winter — Morocco's best-known ski area. You can visit it in a day from Marrakech; Toubkal Views runs a full-day trip from your hotel or riad for €42.75 per person booked directly (public rate €45).

What Oukaimeden is

Oukaimeden is where the mountain road out of Marrakech stops climbing. At the top the landscape changes completely: open ground, rock, big sky and the main Atlas ridges in front of you, including the Toubkal massif.

In winter Moroccan families drive up at weekends for the snow. In summer the same plateau is used by shepherds and mules, with long views and much cooler air than the city.

Is there snow?

Usually in winter, but never guaranteed — it depends on the year and the week. We do not promise snow. Ask us on WhatsApp close to your date and we will tell you honestly what the mountain looks like.

Can you ski at Oukaimeden?

Oukaimeden is a ski area, but our trip is a mountain day trip: we do not sell ski passes or equipment. Any skiing or equipment hire is arranged by you on the plateau and paid locally.

How the day runs

1. Morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
2. Into the Ourika valley along the river road.
3. The switchbacks. The road climbs through walnut trees and stone villages, with photo stops as the valley opens below.
4. The plateau. Open ground above the tree line with the Atlas ridges ahead.
5. Time on the mountain to walk, take photographs and, in winter, be in the snow.
6. Lunch stop on the plateau or on the way down, paid locally.
7. Return to Marrakech the same way.

We do not publish a driving time: it depends on season, weather and the road. In bad weather the road can be closed or unsafe — then we offer another valley or a new date rather than drive it.

Practical planning

• Cold. Expect a large temperature drop compared with Marrakech in every season. Bring warm layers and a windproof jacket.
• Sun. Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen — the sun is strong at altitude.
• Road. It is winding; tell us if anyone suffers from travel sickness.
• Altitude. Most people only notice the cold and slight breathlessness walking uphill. Tell us about heart or breathing conditions when you enquire.
• Cash in dirhams for lunch and local purchases.

What is included

Included: round-trip transport from Marrakech, driver for the day, a local mountain guide, bottled water.

Not included: lunch, ski or equipment hire, personal expenses, gratuities, travel insurance.

Who it suits

It is a driving day with short walks, so it suits families (with warm clothes) and anyone who wants high mountain scenery without trekking. If you want to walk properly, look at the Imlil day trip or the one-day Toubkal trek from Imlil. If you want a gentler valley day, see the Ourika half-day trip.

Combine with Ourika

The road passes through the Ourika valley, so stops there can be built into the day — tell us when you enquire.

Plan your day

See dates and book on the Oukaimeden day trip page. If snow matters to you, message us first for an honest report for your date.