Popular resort Oukaïmeden, about 70km south of Marrakesh, has North Africa’s highest ski lift,
and equipment for hire. There are other spots dotted around the Middle Atlas, including
Mischliffen, although some seasons the snow is thin on the ground.
Ski Trekking
Ski randonné is increasingly popular, especially from late December to February, when the Aït
Bougomez Valley has prime routes.
SURFING, WINDSURFING & KITESURFING
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, the Moroccan Atlantic is a fine, if underrated,
destination for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Lessons, equipment hire and surf holidays
are available.
Northern & Central Morocco
North of Rabat, Mehdiya Plage ( Click here ) has strong currents but reliable year-round
breaks. Moving south, Plage des Nations and Temara Plage, both within 20km of the city, are
also good for surfing. Sidi Bouzid ( Click here ) and the beaches around El-Jadida also attract
surfers.
Oualidia is known for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. En route to Safi, the Lalla Fatna
area ( Click here ) has some of Morocco’s best breaks: one of the world’s longest tubular right-
handers has drawn some of the biggest names in surfing.
Southern Morocco
Essaouira has been singled out by some surfers, although the ‘Windy City of Africa’ is a better
windsurfing and kitesurfing destination year-round. Nearby Sidi Kaouki is an upcoming
destination for all three sports.
Near Agadir, the Taghazout area has some of Morocco’s best surfing beaches and numerous
businesses catering to surfers.
Other destinations to consider in southern Morocco are Agadir, Aglou Plage, Mirleft, Sidi Ifni
and Dakhla.
TOURS
Hiring a guide or going on a tour is a good idea if you want to gear your trip towards enjoying a
certain activity. Not only will a local expert help you sniff out the best spots, which might be
deep in the mountains or desert for some activities, but they will help organise gear,
accommodation and transport, practical details that could take days to arrange in remote
areas.
An important fringe benefit is that the guide will give you a greater understanding of Morocco
and its people. Two areas where joining a tour is recommended, as it can be tricky to get
around and enjoy activities independently, are the Sahara and higher sections of the Atlas. In
addition to the specialist operators listed in this chapter, tour companies offering activity
holidays are listed on Click here and Click here.
TREKKING
Morocco is a magnificent trekking destination offering an array of landscapes and treks to suit
all abilities. The snow-capped High Atlas are justifiably famous, especially North Africa’s highest
peak, Jebel Toubkal (4167m), which can be tackled as a straight ascent or as part of a circuit.