Morocco, this exotic land, always reminds people of the golden Sahara Desert, the bustling Marrakech market and the blue city of Chefchaouen. But did you know that deep in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, there is a place that looks like a Swiss town? This is Ifrane, a winter fairy tale world. Here, you can hear the sound of snowflakes falling.
Ifrane is located south of Fez in northern Morocco, at an altitude of about 1,665 meters. It is famous for its clean air, clean streets and unique architectural style. Most of the houses here adopt the European Alpine style, and the red pointed-roof villas and exquisite cabins are set off by the surrounding pine forests and snow-capped mountains. Stepping into it, you will mistakenly think you have come to Europe.
The name Ifrane means "cave" in Berber, because the landscape here is full of caves. Due to the high terrain, the climate is cool in summer and snowy in winter. In the 1920s, French colonists built this holiday resort in the mountains to escape the summer heat in North Africa. It was planned as a garden city from the beginning. The architectural style was based on Switzerland, and the urban layout was based on the mountains of Northern Europe. Even the vegetation, trees, flowers and grasses were introduced from Europe, giving the colonial rulers a sense of home and making people feel like they were on the streets of Europe. The subsequent urban development continued this style and became a university town. This is the most European city in Morocco and is known as the "Little Switzerland" of Morocco.
December to February of the following year is the most beautiful season in Ifrane, and Ifrane is particularly gentle at this time. A night of wind and snow shaped the trees in the city into a piece of pure and clean jade trees and flowers. The whole town was covered with snow, and the lake was frozen. When it snowed heavily, it seemed like walking into a quiet fairy tale world.
Compared with the heat and dryness of other cities in Morocco,. The snow here is not as fierce as in some places in Europe, but falls gently, giving people a sense of tranquility and healing. You can stroll leisurely on the streets and feel the coolness of snowflakes falling on your shoulders, or you can find a cozy cafe, hold a cup of hot chocolate, and quietly enjoy the snow scenery outside the window.
In addition to enjoying the snow, Ifrane is also one of the best winter sports resorts in Morocco. Michlifen Ski Resort, not far from Ifrane, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Morocco.
At an altitude of 2,000 meters, Michlifen Ski Resort has multiple ski slopes suitable for skiers of different levels. If you are a beginner, you can choose a gentle slope to experience the fun of skiing; and if you are a skiing expert, there are also steeper ski slopes for you to challenge. Children can also play sledding, make snowmen, and even have a hearty snowball fight. For people from warm areas, it is definitely a unique experience to experience skiing and ice and snow activities in North Africa.
One of the most famous landmarks in Ifrane is a lion statue carved into a rock. Legend has it that this statue was built to commemorate the wild lions that once lived in Ifrane, and now it has become a check-in point for tourists to take photos.
This is an institution of higher learning with a beautiful campus, co-founded by the King of Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The entire campus is full of European college style, and it is worth visiting even if you are not a student.
This is a paradise for nature lovers, with large cedar forests in the park, which is the habitat of Barbary macaques. You can hike in the park and feel the silence of the winter forest. If you are lucky, you can also see these cute macaques.
Ifrane is about 70 kilometers away from the cultural city of Fez in Morocco, and the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Starting from Fez or Meknès, you can choose to drive, charter or take a bus.
If you plan to drive, you need to pay attention to the fact that the roads may be icy in winter. It is recommended to check the weather conditions in advance and prepare for the cold.
Dress warm: Although the winter in Ifrane is not extremely cold, the temperature is usually around zero degrees, especially at night. It is recommended to wear thick down jackets, scarves, gloves, etc.
Ski equipment: If you plan to ski, the ski resort provides rental services, but it is best to book in advance to avoid not being able to rent suitable equipment during the peak season.
Taste local food: There are many cozy small restaurants in Ifrane. You can try Moroccan tagine, hot harira soup, or a cup of mint tea, known as "Moroccan whiskey", to dispel the winter chill.
Morocco's winter is not only about the cold nights in the Sahara, but also the romantic snow scene in Ifrane. In this small town known as "Little Switzerland", you can enjoy the snowy European street scenes, experience the fun of skiing, or even just listen to the sound of snow falling quietly.
If you are tired of the desert and ancient cities in Morocco, you might as well come to Ifrane and experience the winter fairy tale on this North African continent.
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
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