Oukaïmeden's Journey from Decline to Revival
Situated a mere 75 kilometers from Marrakech, Oukaïmeden stands as Morocco's premier ski resort, nestled amidst the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Established in the 1930s, this ski destination has long been cherished by winter sports enthusiasts. However, in 2019, the resort faced a significant setback when its chairlift, a vital component for transporting skiers to the summit, became inoperable. Since then, the Moroccan government, through its tourism agency, has been actively seeking innovative solutions to breathe new life into this beloved winter playground.
The state of the Oukaïmeden chairlift has deteriorated significantly, with signs of disassembly evident. The first attempt to award a contract for the management and operation of the resort took place in 2023. Initially, the contract was granted to STEM-Louka Park, a consortium with experience managing ski facilities in the Pyrenees, specifically Gavarnie-Gèdre and Hautacam. Unfortunately, this process was abruptly canceled a few months later. Imad Barrakad, the General Director of the Moroccan Society of Tourist Engineering (SMIT), explained that this decision was influenced by the necessity of finalizing the legal framework established in a 2022 agreement with the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), which has been overseeing the ski facilities for several years.
A New Bid to Restore Winter Sports
In August 2025, a second attempt was initiated through a tender process valued at 75 million dirhams (approximately 6.97 million euros). This ambitious project included a comprehensive technical restructuring with a projected completion timeline of 12 months. Plans featured the installation of a new 1,600-meter chairlift with an intermediate stop, five ski tows, ten kilometers of ski runs, as well as facilities for luge and tubing activities, and a restaurant located at the summit. Ultimately, only Doppelmayr submitted a proposal. However, the SMIT opted to reject the offer without explanation, potentially due to budgetary constraints.
Now, as of April 21, a third attempt is underway, as the SMIT has launched a new bidding process with notable modifications in both budget and facilities. The investment has surged to 100 million dirhams (around 9.30 million euros), marking a 33% increase from the previous attempt. The bid opening is scheduled for June 2, 2026, in Rabat. The technical specifications for this third project have shifted significantly from the 2025 plans, with a reduction in mechanical infrastructure aimed at prioritizing a winter and mountain resort model that is operational year-round.
Consequently, the proposed length of the chairlift has been reduced from 1,600 meters to approximately 600 meters, and the elevation gain has been decreased from 628 meters to 140 meters. Furthermore, the plans for five ski tows and ten kilometers of ski runs have been eliminated. This new technical approach emphasizes the preparation of the area for trekking activities, mountain biking (VTT), beginner zones, and recreational spaces.
In terms of access roads, a budget of 165 million dirhams (15.34 million euros) has been allocated for the expansion of the regional RP2030 road between Aghbalou and Oukaïmeden over a stretch of 32 kilometers. Plans also include widening 11.5 kilometers of the RP2017 road and installing signage and snow protection systems.
With these initiatives in place, the SMIT anticipates welcoming approximately 200,000 visitors annually following the program's execution. The projected visitor breakdown for the third year of operation is expected to comprise 190,000 domestic tourists and 58,000 international visitors. The Moroccan Society of Tourist Engineering (SMIT) is at the forefront of revitalizing Oukaïmeden, which boasts altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 meters and an average of 120 snow days each year. The overall investment program for the resort has been set at 395 million dirhams (36.73 million euros), with 230 million dirhams (21.39 million euros) earmarked for the development of the resort and 165 million dirhams (15.34 million euros) allocated for road connectivity.
As reported by nevasport.com.
