Skiing in Morocco

Africa will never be a skiing destination as such but there are skiing opportunities to be had in Morocco, South Africa and Lesotho. South Africa and Lesotho offer skiing during their winter months June to August. If you want to ski in Africa during January and February then Morocco is your only option.

There are two ski resorts in Morocco where snow is somewhat guaranteed to fall and visitors can rent equipment. Neither of these skiing areas should set you back more than $25 for the day:

Oukaimeden lies just south of Marrakech (46 miles) in the High Atlas Mountains and is usually covered in snow in January and February. There are ski lifts (you can also use a donkey) and skis to rent but don't expect high quality. There are a few places to eat snacks and two hotels to overnight at. Oukaimeden is an easy day trip from Marrakech and will cost you about $40 to get to by taxi.

Mischliffen is a ski area near the town of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains (close to Fes and Meknes). There are ski lifts but they don't always work but you can always walk up the slopes. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi from Ifrane (6 miles away).

Brad Urani recently reported that he had the slopes more or less to himself and that most other visitors came up the mountain just to enjoy the snow rather than ski.

"There were definitely a number of middle aged women - covered from head to toe in black robes with only their eyes showing through the slits in their veils - who took delight in making snow angles, going out-of-control bonkers on their sleds and causing general havoc with snowballs and what-have-you." Read more of his blog entry.

Cross country skiing is possible throughout the Atlas Mountains but you have to bring your own equipment and camping supplies since the shelters are extremely basic.