Oukaïmeden: MAD 100 million to transform the resort into a four‑season green destination

The Moroccan Society for Tourism Engineering (SMIT) is undertaking a deep transformation of the Oukaïmeden ski resort. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the site is set to evolve into a four‑season green destination, with an investment of 100 million dirhams (MAD).

The objective is to broaden the customer base, extend the length of stays, stimulate spending, and achieve a better distribution of visitor flows throughout the year, according to documents reviewed by us. Historically dedicated to skiing, the resort—which has welcomed Morocco’s first skiers since the 1930s—now suffers from structural limitations that hinder its development.

Dependent on increasingly unpredictable snowfall conditions, Oukaïmeden offers limited tourist activities outside the winter season and also suffers from ageing infrastructure that is poorly adapted to the technical and safety standards of modern resorts, SMIT points out. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in services and customer experience, reducing the resort’s attractiveness for longer stays by both domestic and international visitors.

To address these issues, a new development master plan has been defined. It provides for the creation of flagship tourism products aimed at a wide audience, particularly families, featuring a structured snow front, soft‑mobility facilities, and activities suited to year‑round operation. Signage, safety, and information systems will also be added to complement the offering.

The project also includes a green ski‑initiation area, designed for short sessions (2 to 4 hours), as well as recreational activities such as tubing. At the same time, new downhill activities, mountain biking, and sports‑related events will be developed to enrich the visitor experience.

An operator to ensure the first phase

To implement this repositioning, SMIT has launched a call for tenders to appoint a service provider. The mission covers the first phase of the project, including the supply of installations and equipment, the execution of the necessary development works, and the commissioning of the site under optimal safety and operational conditions.

The contractor will also be involved in the rehabilitation of the existing chairlift (TSF2), the creation of a viewpoint, as well as providing technical and logistical assistance to the project owner. Lastly, the operator will be responsible for preparing and running the site for a period of two years and five months. The identity of the successful bidder will be announced on 2 June.

The restructuring project for the Oukaïmeden resort dates back to 2022. At the time, an investment of 395 million dirhams was envisaged under a public–private partnership, divided between structural and tourism development (230 MDH) and the strengthening of road connectivity (165 MDH).

In September 2025, SMIT relaunched the tender for 75 million dirhams, but the process was unsuccessful following the exclusion of the sole bidder, Austria‑based Doppelmayr, the global specialist in cable transport and ski lift systems. The new tender is intended to be more ambitious, with a broader scope and a reinforced tourism vision.