(fotoğrafta) ile ayrı ayrı, Rusya’nın Ukrayna’ya yönelik askeri müdahalesini görüştü. Sarkozy, yapılan görüşmelerin ardından Elysee Sarayı’ndan ayrıldı. ( Loic Baratoux – Anadolu Ajansı )
When most people picture Africa, ski slopes probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But in Morocco, winter can transform parts of the Atlas Mountains into snow-covered landscapes where visitors can actually go skiing.
One of the best-known places is Oukaïmeden, a mountain village and ski area south of Marrakech.
Its slopes rise to around 3,200 metres above sea level, offering a completely different side of Morocco from its famous deserts, beaches and historic cities.
Where can you ski in Morocco?
Oukaïmeden sits high in the Atlas Mountains near Toubkal National Park.
Morocco’s National Tourist Office promotes the area as a destination for skiing and other mountain activities.
The ski area reaches approximately 3,200 metres in altitude.
Its location also means visitors can experience two very different environments within the same trip.
They can spend the day among snowy mountain peaks before returning to Marrakech.
Morocco has more than one ski destination
Oukaïmeden isn’t Morocco’s only place for winter sports.
The Middle Atlas Mountains also receive snow.
Near the town of Ifrane, the Michlifen ski area sits at an altitude of around 2,000 metres.
Morocco’s tourism authority says the area has five ski slopes and is surrounded by cedar forests.
Ifrane itself is well known for its colder mountain climate and Alpine-style architecture.
Why does it snow in Morocco?
Morocco’s geography creates dramatic differences in climate.
The country has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, dry interior landscapes and several major mountain ranges.
The High Atlas contains some of North Africa’s highest mountains.
Jbel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, reaches 4,167 metres above sea level.
At these elevations, winter temperatures can become cold enough for substantial snowfall.
That means a country often associated internationally with warm weather and the Sahara can also offer genuine winter landscapes.
From Marrakech to the ski slopes
The contrast is particularly striking around Marrakech.
The city is famous for its markets, historic architecture and relatively warm climate.
Yet the snow-covered Atlas Mountains can often be seen rising beyond the city.
Oukaïmeden lies roughly 75 kilometres from Marrakech, according to Morocco’s tourism authority.
That makes it possible to leave Marrakech and head into the mountains for winter activities before returning to the city.
So yes, you really can ski in Africa.
And in Morocco, the ski slopes can be surprisingly close to one of the continent’s best-known warm-weather destinations.