The Hero’s Climb to Oukaïmeden

Highlights

The “hero day”: 1,660 m of climbing to Oukaïmeden
A 2,290 m descent from Oukaïmeden to Ourika
4-star hotels and lodges with pools and great food
Private guide and support van all week

What awaits you

Hard days on the bike, soft beds at night. This week builds from a shakedown ride in the Ouirgane valley to the “hero day” up to Oukaïmeden, North Africa’s highest ski resort, followed by one of the best descents in the Atlas down to Ourika.

You stay at Kasbah Alili in Marrakech, Kasbah La Dame Bija in Ouirgane, Dar Imlil, Riad Asalda in Asni, Chez Juju in Oukaïmeden and a garden guesthouse near Ourika. The price is a guide for a private, fully supported group; we confirm it with a formal quote.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Marrakech

Transfer from Marrakech airport to Kasbah Alili. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or explore the city.
Day 2
Shakedown ride in the Ouirgane valley (~45 km, +1,020 m)

A one-hour drive into the foothills, bike assembly at the lodge and a mix of dirt roads and flowing singletrack to test the bikes. Night at Kasbah La Dame Bija.
Day 3
Ouirgane – Imlil, the first big day (~44 km, +1,670 m)

A long, steady climb on gravel tracks and old Berber paths, rewarded by a fast descent into the Imlil valley on singletrack and mule tracks. Night at Dar Imlil.
Day 4
Imlil loop: high passes and valleys (~43 km, +1,200 m)

A circuit over two high passes with big views and technical, rocky descents through traditional villages. Night at Riad Asalda in Asni.
Day 5
Asni – Oukaïmeden, the “hero day” (~42 km, +1,660 m)

A relentless climb up a steep valley, with a likely push on the final approach to Oukaïmeden. Huge views and a well-earned dinner at Chez Juju.
Day 6
Oukaïmeden – Ourika, the epic descent (~46 km, +800 m, −2,290 m)

A short warm-up climb, then one of the best descents in the Atlas on fast, flowing singletrack and jeep tracks down to the Ourika valley.
Day 7
Ourika – Marrakech, the final ride (~30 km, +490 m)

Forest trails and valleys linked together back towards Marrakech, then a farewell dinner. Night at Kasbah Alili.
Day 8
Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Marrakech airport.

Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.

Route details, day by day

Asni – Ouirgane shakedown ride

Distance44.3 km
Duration4–5 h
Ascent↗ 1,020 m
Highest point1,320 m
Lowest point750 m

Route overview

Ascents and descents

Approximate profile

Types of paths and surfaces

Asphalt 16.1 km36%
Compacted gravel 11.6 km26%
Unpaved track 8.6 km19%
Singletrack / natural trail 8.0 km18%

Points of interest

Ouirgane lakeViewpoint
Kasbah La Dame BijaOvernight

Weather report · 5-day forecast at the start of the stage

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Historic sites along the way

Bahia Palace

19th century · 1 km from the route

Painted cedar ceilings, zellige and quiet gardens in the medina of Marrakech.

Koutoubia Mosque

12th century · 1 km from the route

Marrakech’s landmark minaret, 77 m tall, next to Jemaa el-Fna square.

Photos from this tour

Four riders taking in a wide valley from the viewpoint – cross-country mountain bike tour in Morocco — Four riders taking in a wide valley from the viewpoint

Two riders watching the light on a rock peak – cross-country mountain bike tour in Morocco — Two riders watching the light on a rock peak

Fresh salad, served with a smile at the lunch stop – cycling tour in Morocco — Fresh salad, served with a smile at the lunch stop

The support van doubles as a kitchen: tagine, tea and fresh vegetables – cycling tour in Morocco — The support van doubles as a kitchen: tagine, tea and fresh vegetables

A long line of riders in the sun with the High Atlas behind – cross-country mountain bike tour in Morocco — A long line of riders in the sun with the High Atlas behind

A group stopping on a dirt road beside the support vehicle – cross-country mountain bike tour in Morocco — A group stopping on a dirt road beside the support vehicle

A rider heads through a village on a red dirt road – cross-country mountain bike tour in Morocco — A rider heads through a village on a red dirt road

What’s included

Airport transfers in Marrakech
English-speaking mountain bike guide
Support vehicle with driver all along the route
Luggage transported between overnight stops
4-star hotels and lodges
All meals during the tour
Water and snacks during the rides

Not included

International flights
Bike rental where needed
Single room supplement
Drinks and alcohol
Travel and medical insurance
Tips for guides and drivers

What to bring

Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers
Padded shorts and gloves
Warm layer and rain jacket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Small backpack or hydration pack

Season

April to October

1–2 people	On request
3–5 people	€2,640
6–8 people	€2,280 −5%

Highlights

What awaits you

Itinerary

Arrival in Marrakech

Shakedown ride in the Ouirgane valley (~45 km, +1,020 m)

Ouirgane – Imlil, the first big day (~44 km, +1,670 m)

Imlil loop: high passes and valleys (~43 km, +1,200 m)

Asni – Oukaïmeden, the “hero day” (~42 km, +1,660 m)

Oukaïmeden – Ourika, the epic descent (~46 km, +800 m, −2,290 m)

Ourika – Marrakech, the final ride (~30 km, +490 m)

Departure

Route details, day by day