Hundreds of families and visitors from several Moroccan cities flocked to the Oukaïmeden resort in Al Haouz province on Sunday. The strong turnout coincided with the end of the first midterm school break and the weekend.
The mild autumn weather and scenery more than made up for the absence of the snow that usually covers the mountain peak. The area’s springs and large lake offered a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to unwind and escape the bustle of city life.
“Even without snow, we come to Oukaïmeden to recharge, admire the scenery and see the waterfalls,” one Moroccan visitor said. “We arrived last night and spent the night here. The resort has very good accommodation, including hotels and guesthouses,” he added.
A scenic destination in every season
The mountain resort attracts visitors from across the Kingdom. A tourist from Agadir was equally enthusiastic: “The atmosphere is wonderful and the scenery is magical, especially the view of the lake. I really encourage everyone to come and discover this place.”
For residents of Marrakech and nearby cities, Oukaïmeden remains a favorite weekend getaway, whatever the season.
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“The snow hasn’t arrived yet, but people from Marrakech don’t wait for the first flakes to come here. Whenever they want to escape the noise of the city, they head up to enjoy the fresh air and scenery,” said a visitor from the Red City. Another regular visitor shared the same attachment to the resort: “I come every weekend to get some fresh air. It’s always just as pleasant, in winter and summer.”
Beyond outdoor recreation, the Oukaïmeden Astronomical Observatory offers visitors an opportunity to explore science. It adds another attraction to a destination whose appeal extends well beyond the winter sports season.
A boost for the local economy
The influx of visitors has given the local economy a fresh boost, increasing business for hotels, mountain guesthouses, casual restaurants and shops.
Local authorities have also stepped up security and traffic management measures to make access to the resort easier. These measures are particularly important as work continues to widen the road leading to Oukaïmeden.
