35 Search Results for ""snow drawing""

• News: Winners Announced At 201 News: Winners Announced At 2012 World Heli Challenge Showcase Awards And Shootout

  • From: media-75233
  • Description:

    The Canon Shot. Photo by Mark Von Roy.

    
    Lake Wanaka, New Zealand  – Skier Jacqui Edgerly, from the USA, and Snowboarder Will Jackways, from New Zealand, took center stage at the World Heli Challenge ION Showcase Awards on August 16. They were named the X Factor Awardees for World Heli Challenge 2012, as another successful World Heli Challenge came to an end. In a first for the World Heli Challenge, skiers and snowboarders competed together for the top spots with only one male and one female taking the honors.

    Jacqui and Will were chosen based on their overall aggressive performance and not necessarily on points earned during the competition. 

    “Jaqui took the prize for her determination and amazing line choice, and pushing her limits,” said head ski judge Dion Newport. "Showing why she was invited to the World Heli Challenge by skiing a line on the extreme day that had a lot of exposure and risk. Not landing her run put her back in second position but her amazing show for the cameras and viewers earned her the XFactor Award.”

    “Will stood out during both days of competition,” said head snowboard judge, Mike Hygemann.  “He had an amazing first run in the freestyle day where he showed great control and use of terrain pulling off 360 spins, a tail grab air, a method air and an indy…an excellent run from the kiwi.  The extreme day saw him taking a very challenging line which he executed with aggression and style.”

    Narrowly missing the top spots were snowboarder Abby Lockhart, New Zealand, and skiers Natalie Segal from Australia and Markus Eder from Italy.

     

     Best Freestyle Day Shot. Photo by Miles Holden.

    The Winners

    The finale to the evening was the announcement of the 2012 World Heli Challenge champions.  The athletes were able to share their winning runs on screen to a packed house in the Lake Wanaka Centre.

    Individual winners from each day’s competition are as follows:

    Freestyle Day

    Snowboard Women

    1st place - Abby Lockhart

    2nd place - Ratty Sheidow

    3rd place - Jett Elkins

    Snowboard Men  

    1st place - Will Jackways

    2nd place - Shin Biyajima

    3rd place - J.J. Thomas

    Ski Women

    1st place – Natalie Segal

    2nd place – Jacqui Edgerly

    3rd place - Victoria Beattie

    Ski Men  

    1st place – Markus Eder

    2nd place – Sam Smoothy

    3rd place – Nick Devore

    
    Extreme Day

    Snowboard Women

    1st place – Abby Lockhart

    2nd place – Ratty Sheidow

    3rd place – Jett Elkins

    Snowboard Men

    1st place - Will Jackways

    2nd place - Shin Biyajima

    3rd place - Antti Autti

    Ski Women

    1st place – Natalie Segal

    2nd place – Jacqui Edgerly 

    3rd place - Victoria Beattie

    Ski Men

    1st place – Neil Williman

    2nd place – Markus Eder 

    3rd place – Nick Devore

    Overall

    The best all around skiers and snowboarders were chosen for their performance over the two days of competition, Extreme Day and Freestyle Day. 

    Top Three Female Skiers

    1. Natalie Segal 

    2. Jacqui Edgerly 

    3. Victoria Beattie 

    Top Three Male Skiers

    1. Marcus Eder

    2. Sam Smoothy

    3. Nick Devore

    Top Three Female Snowboarders

    1.  Abby Lockhart

    2.  Ratty Sheidow

    3.  Jett Elkins

    Top Three Male Snowboarders

    1.  Will Jackways

    2.  Shin Biyajima

    3.  Antti Autti

    Event organizers continued with the innovative online judging format, drawing on the experience of internationally regarded judges from around the world to review each run and analyze in detail when deciding this year's winners.

    Dion Newport and Mike Hygemann were the onsite ski and snowboard judges and were able to consult with the “virtual” judges about the days' conditions and any other specifics that may not have been discerned from the videos.

    In addition to competitor awards for best performances on the snow, the best images and cinematography captured throughout the two-week event in the Canon Shootout were also screened and announced to the packed Wanaka Centre audience and to a global audience via live webcast.

     Best Extreme Day Shot. Photo by Antony Hansen. 

    CINEMATOGRAPHY

    The outstanding cinematography showcase commenced with a five-minute overview of the two weeks of the 2012 World Heli Challenge produced by the talented Harro Art Production team lead by Trinity Ludlow. 

    The audience was treated to five mind-blowing five-minute mini documentaries. It wasn’t an easy decision for the judges as each film captured the spirit of the two-weeks of heli-accessed skiing and snowboarding and all of the off-snow adventures from a different perspective.

    “Each and every film transported the audience inside the unique experience that is the World Heli Challenge,” said event founder Tony Harrington.
    
    Winners were as follows with a $1,000 cash prize in each category:

    The Canon Shootout Best Documentary - Tomohiro Fujji

    Best Carlton Dry content placement - Tomohiro Fujii

    Best Extreme Sequence - Mic Simpson

    Best Freestyle Sequence - Mic Simpson

    Best ION POV Use - Sean Balmer

    
    PHOTOGRAPHY

    Seven top photographers vying for this year’s Canon Shootout photography awards created over 25,000 images, capturing the action and the lifestyle of the event, which will be viewed around the world.  Each photographer submitted one image from each category to be judged.
    
    Winners were as follows with a $1,000 cash prize in each category:

    Best Extreme Day Shot – Antony Hansen

    Best Freestyle Day Shot – Miles Holden

    Best Carlton Dry Branded Shot – Mitch Stubbs

    Best Exide Batteries Heli Branded Shot – Tess Carney

    The Canon Shot – Mark Von Roy

    
    All photos entered in the competition are featured in a gallery on the World Heli Challenge website and can be viewed on the World Heli Challenge facebook page.

    Click Here To Visit The World Heli Challenge 

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 508
  • Not yet rated

• Hiking into the lower sections Hiking into the lower sections of the mountain

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 117
  • Not yet rated

• Rentals Rentals

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 78
  • Not yet rated

• Welcome to Oukaimeden Welcome to Oukaimeden

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 84
  • Not yet rated

• Donating the Pickle to the ski Donating the Pickle to the ski school

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 219
  • Not yet rated

• Mama Marrakech Riad/Guest Hous Mama Marrakech Riad/Guest House

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 118
  • Not yet rated

• My fan club My fan club

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 162
  • Not yet rated

• Press to Nollie Press to Nollie

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 101
  • Not yet rated

• Method Method

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 126
  • Not yet rated

• My very cozy room - $23 includ My very cozy room - $23 including meals

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 156
  • Not yet rated

• On the edge of the world On the edge of the world

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 118
  • Not yet rated

• Taking a break half way down Taking a break half way down

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 142
  • Not yet rated

• Dropping in from midstation Dropping in from midstation

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 129
  • Not yet rated

• Halfway up the 1000m vertical Halfway up the 1000m vertical lift

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 141
  • Not yet rated

• My pre-teen guide My pre-teen guide

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 113
  • Not yet rated

• Oukaimeden - 4200M Oukaimeden - 4200M

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 76
  • Not yet rated

• Looking out from the highest A Looking out from the highest Atlas Mountains

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 54
  • Not yet rated

• Beginners area Beginners area

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 80
  • Not yet rated

• Approaching the base Approaching the base

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 67
  • Not yet rated

• Rental guy Rental guy

  • From: boredsoboard
  • Description:

    This is my first post/trip report, so bear with me. Enjoy...
    
    This past February, chasing my goal to snowboard on all 7 continents, I made my way to Oukaimeden, Morocco, Africa.
    
    Inspired by a Roxy video I found on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLN59EtFEng), the trip was impulsively booked on Christmas Eve with very little research on, well, anything. In the following days I made my first contact with Moroccan locals in Marrakech who advised me, "there is typically no snow on the dates you arrive...you should reconsider bringing your equipment...but...we have exciting camel trips to the Sahara." FML and a very merry Christmas to me!
    
    Hearing this my photographer buddy promptly bailed. I couldn't really blame him, but this did leave me solo and contemplating what I had got myself into.
    
    Despite weeks of research leading up to the February trip, I boarded my flight and was left wondering if I would actually find snow in Morocco. I knew there was a chairlift, I knew there were mountains and I knew I didn't speak Arabic or French. No one had been able to confirm any snow pack or if I had a place to stay when I arrived.
    
    It turned out to be the most epic snowboard trip of my life.
    
    I had arrived in Marrakesh and found myself a riad/guest house, Mama Marrakech, right in the middle of 'old town'. Stay here if you ever go. I pulled my board bag through the old wooden doorway only to find stacks of surfboards, not snowboards, and awkward glances from the other tourists. Most thought I was crazy and reminded me of the record snowfall Europe and North America was receiving.
    
    After a restless night sleeping on single mattress on the floor, I woke early to negotiate a 3 hour cab ride from Marrakech to the the Atlas Mountains and my final destination of Oukaimeden - a steal at only $35. The roads were dotted with stone huts, goats and camels. They became windy as we passed through various peaks climbing up 3000m towards the snowline. Finally, at shortly after 9am we had arrived.
    
    Oukaimeden was like no resort I had ever been to. The muddy street was bustling with delivery trucks, shuttle busses and of course goats and donkeys. There were several run down chalets painted in tones of pink and yellow, but not an obvious hotel in sight. My driver was happy to take me to one called Hotel Ju Ju. They promptly offered me a room for $80 or $120 if I wanted a view. This was ten times more than I had paid the night previously in Marrakech. My driver seemed to be insulted at this offer and pulled me to the next chalet. After a little negotiating they agreed to open a dorm situated over the boiler room. It had 2 bunks and would only cost me $23 a night including meals. Done!
    
    I payed and tipped my driver and gave him some ski shop stickers for his kids. The hotel allowed me to change in a janitors closet so I could hit the slopes ASAP. I rushed out the door and headed for the chairlift in the distance. A wave of heat consumed me, as did a heard of donkey shuttlers, each one offering me a ride to the chairlift for one or two dollars. Of course I took them up on this. Who wouldn't?
    
    The ride was 15 minutes to the base of a steep 1000m vertical chairlift. We passed the beginner tow ropes, more donkeys, ancient stone villages, make-shift ski rentals hocking 30 year old gear that was sitting in mud puddles and of course lots of local stares.
    
    More stone huts awaited me at the base, one of which was a ticket booth. I paid $10 for my day pass and went to board the lift. I hadn't even noticed it wasn't running. I found a local who spoke some english who explained that the lift would not open unless 4 people bought day passes. I thought to myself, "For $40 I could get this lift going?" As I pondered this the chairlift hummed into motion.
    
    It was bizarre to board a ski lift decked out in all the latest gear while surrounded by locals in burkas, not to mention I was the only snowboarder. A young Moroccan scurried through the line to ride next to me. He introduced himself on the lift explaining that he was "professional skier from Cassablanca...first class all way. He be me guide." Sure, why not.
    
    He proceed to take me right to the top - 4200m according to the signs. We unstrapped and hiked for 10 minutes. I dropped into one of the most terrifyingly epic runs of my life. Think about riding Whistler's Spanky's Ladder on an icy early season day except the cliffs surrounding you are 300-400m drops. I raced behind my per-teen guide at mach speed dodging exposed wires, safety-netting and boulders. Coming out of the thick of it he caught an edge and slid down 200m of icy slope before he was caught by a safety net. I edged down to make sure he was ok only to find a 300m cliff on the opposing side of the net. He was smiling ear to ear telling me that some people lose skies over that edge. Really? That should be the least of his worries.
    
    After a few more harrowing runs the locals were eager to see what snowboarding was all about. We built a little lip onto a rock ledge behind the base of the of the lift. I sessioned it for about an hour drawing crowds from time to time, even giving my autograph out to a group of teens. This must be what pros feel like. Lucky bastards!
    
    The evenings were relatively quiet, but myself and four other European and Canadian travellers did manage to find beer. As it turned out, it was school holidays in Casablanca and the chalet I thought I was staying in was actually a ski school for children. The school kids would kindly pester us and I rewarded them with shop stickers from home. Even my 'guide' would show up from time to time to introduce me to his friends.
    
    After three more days steep icy riding I was ready to head off. Prior to leaving for Morocco Gnu came through hooked me up with a snowboard to donate to the local shredders. My initial plan was to donate the board to a kid like my guide, but realizing I was staying in a ski school I thought they might get the best use of it. The kids were stoked! I can't even explain it. Each one thanked me as I left. A ski school became a ski AND snowboard school. We snapped a quick photo and I was off. By the next day I would be riding camels in the Sahara.
    
    Snowboarded in Africa? Check.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 78
  • Not yet rated