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Exciting Snow Skiing - A Popular Holiday Activity in Morocco

Morocco may not be the first destination that comes to mind when one thinks of snow skiing – especially since you are more likely to picture mountains of sand than of snow. However, contrary to popular belief, Morocco does receive quite a high annual snowfall and snow skiing is fast becoming a very popular holiday activity in Morocco.

There are quite a few different snow skiing resorts in Morocco that you can choose from. Most of them are found in the High Atlas Mountains where temperatures plummet and snow is plentiful. Though the snow line in Morocco is situated at around 1000 meters above sea level, the snow is thicker with higher altitudes and this is why the High Atlas Mountains are preferred. The two most popular ski resorts in the country include Oukaimeden and Jebel Mischliffen. Oukaimeden is perhaps one of the better established ones and it features a ski lift that will take you to a breathtaking 3268 meters above sea level. Ski Equipment can be rented and there are plenty of mountain trails that you can enjoy if you are not that into downhill skiing. The resort is usually open between January and February and the hotels provide basic accommodation. Jebel Mischliffen was opened by the French in the 1950s and has remained in its original state since then. It provides only the most basic of facilities and would be a great investment for any potential developers looking for a deal since the ski area is frequented by many Moroccans from Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Casablanca.

Generally speaking visitors should find snow skiing in Morocco to be a pleasant, albeit simplistic, affair. You should not arrive expecting to find the latest in ski equipment, ramps and rails, but you certainly can expect to enjoy clean mountain air and plenty of space to yourself. Many Moroccans visit merely to enjoy the sights and pleasures of snow and do not even attempt to ski so the slopes are generally quite uncluttered. There are a number of other ski resorts but these are often more rudimentary or dangerous. Visitors will be happy to know that other activities such as snowshoeing, freestyle skiing and cross-country skiing are available at some of the resorts. Snow skiing in Morocco is a great way to spend at least a few days of your holiday – after all not many people can say that they’ve gone skiing this close to the equator.

Companies that offer snow skiing adventures in Morocco:

Adrar Aventure
Address: No 111, Cite Saada-Menara, Marrakech
Telephone: 212 44 43 56 63
E-mail: contact@morocco-travel-adventure.com

Ski Freshtracks
Located in London, Ski Freshtracks offers skiing holidays to exciting destinations – including Morocco
E-mail: holidays@skifreshtracks.co.za