Oukaimeden Ski-Runs
(located 74 km (46 miles) from Marrakech)
Unfortunately, this year I was unable to make it out to the slopes. However, my sitemate just returned from there, and he was kind enough to float me some pictures for my website. For those of you who you don't know, Oukaimeden is North Africa's largest ski resort and has the continent's highest lift. It is a relatively short and easy drive from Marakech, where you can stay in relative luxury (unlike at the ski area itself).
Oukaimeden was initially developed by the French and more recently surveyed by international resort planners with the aim of improving the infrastructure. However as yet new lifts that were supposed to arrive from Spain have failed to materialise and snow conditions remain a big gamble for anyone planning a visit -- mid January to mid February are usually the best bet. No matter what the skiing is like, the views are always spectacular. When conditions are good there are up to 20 km (13 miles) of runs, the longest one 3 km (nearly 2 miles) in length. You can take a donkey ride up to access terrain not served by lifts, opening up some impressive steeps and chutes.
Vertical Drop: 663m/2,175'
Top Elevation: 3,258m/10,689'
Lifts: 8 (1 chair, 7 surface)
No comments:
Post a Comment