There are two resorts

The first is Mischliffen, near Fès, which is the third largest city in Morocco and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas, so you truly feel like you’re in an old-fashioned mountain town (perfect for a snow vacation!) The second resort is Oukaïmden, near Marrakesh, a city just north of the Atlas Mountains.

More on the resorts

Mischliffen is considered Morocco’s Aspen but is more popular for sledding than skiing since powder days are touch-and-go here. It has two lifts but they only operate when the snow is good. Oukaïmden is a rural commune so it feels more rustic than Mischliffen. The resort has three restaurants and 20 trails.

Gear

At Mischliffen, gear vendors set up in the parking lot with stacks of skis, boots and other necessities. It can feel a little chaotic finding gear this way instead of in an official resort rental shop, but it does present the opportunity for bargaining. Oukaïmden is a proper ski resort with a proper rental shop filled with top-of-the-line boots and clothing.

The hills

Mischliffen is better for sledding, innertubing and snow sports other than skiing. There are a total of four ski runs, the highest reaching 2,000 meters above sea level, with the tallest vertical drop at 200 meters. Oukaïmden, on the other hand, offers a 1,000-meter vertical drop as well as North Africa’s highest lift. The lift is a thrill. It rises 3,265 meters above sea level and offers a fixed-grip, double-chair ride along a rocky, barren slope.

Suggested planning

At Oukaïmden, warm up on the beginner slope—you’ll feel like a kid again when the J-bar surface lifts lug you up the hill as if you’re in ski school. Once at the bottom of the hill (and after you’ve got your ski legs) take a donkey ride to the chair lift. That’s right: donkeys serve as transportation at this Moroccan ski resort. You can pay 10 to 20 dirhams (about $5) for a ride around the resort on a donkey.

Slope Conditions

All ski slopes at both resorts are made by Mother Nature. Translation: machines don’t smooth them over every morning, so be very wary of bumps and wet patches.

Weather

Weather can change rapidly, and chair lifts will often carry skiers up the hill even when there’s an impending blizzard, so keep an eye on the skies yourself. On a clear day, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view from the top of Oukaïmden.

A little rustic charm

If you ask nicely, the lift operators will make you hot thyme tea they brew on a little camp stove from their quarters.

Safety

Skiing in Morocco is very much a rogue activity. It’s entirely do-it-yourself. There is no ski patrol and nobody you can sue (should a slope be in less-than-safe conditions.) So ski slowly, and practice a lot on the bunny slopes if you’re a beginner.

When to go

The best snowfall is between January and March. Weekends are when the slopes are most crowded. Lift hours are limited during the week. Either way, a “crowded” day on a Moroccan ski slope is nothing compared to a crowded day in Aspen or Mammoth.