The Morocco Skiing Experience

The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, often abbreviated as Dhs or MAD.

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, so by law you are not allowed to import or export Moroccan Dirhams. Technically you’re not even allowed to take more than 1000 Dirhams into or out of the country (approx. £65.00) so we recommend waiting until you touch down in Morocco before you think about getting hold of the local currency. There is an ATM and a couple of bureau de change offices at Marrakesh airport so you’ll probably be better off withdrawing the money there. Beware of inflated exchange rates; these can be particularly poor at airports. Banks will change foreign currency for you and rates are consistent across the board.

Most major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted throughout Morocco’s main towns and cities however cash is preferable particularly in the less built up and more remote areas of the country. While you’ll have no problem using your card to pay for drinks or dinner in places like Marrakech, do make sure you’ve got enough on you as well as small change for smaller purchases. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.

As a general rule, you’ll be able to have a good lunch for around £8 a head and will pay anything between £15 and £20 for a nice evening meal. Naturally, the type of establishment you choose to eat in and what you order will dictate the cost of your meals. Be aware that as a Muslim country, the cost of alcohol is typically higher than it would be elsewhere and ordering imported drinks can cause your bill to sky-rocket so drinking local wines, beers or spirits is advisable. We reckon around £140 for lunch,
drinks and snacks for two people is plenty for your time in the country. For your time in Marrakech you’ll need to add the costs of any shopping you’d like to do whilst you’re there. Please note that these are rough estimates and you can always choose to spend more or less depending on your budget and preferences. 

Tipping in Morocco is commonplace and practically anything can warrant a small tip. With that in mind, it can be a good idea to keep a supply of small coins with you just in case. Tip up to 10% in restaurants, a couple of dirham in cafés, and 2 to 3 dirham for the attendant when you need to use the loo. 

While the ski season in Morocco runs officially from December to March we only run our Ski Experience throughout January and February as the cusp months can be unpredictable in terms of snow in the Atlas Mountains. The main difference between these two months is down to the weather you’re likely to experience in Marrakech - January tends to be milder, while the temperatures in February begin to rise. The weather in the mountains is pretty stable throughout both January and February and as the skiing itself is more a novelty than anything else you’re unlikely to be disappointed whichever month you choose to travel. 

You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or info@untravelledpaths.com. Before you travel, you will also receive a personalised itinerary with the contact details of the local manager in Romania should there be any problems. Your guide will be on hand throughout the trip as well, so you're in safe hands. 

Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Please note that the payment for the optional activities will be taken locally in cash. 

It is! You are highly unlikely to experience any problems during your stay here. That said, being harassed by 'faux guides' and petty theft is fairly common. Applying basic common-sense rules should stand you in good stead when it comes to theft and petty crime so avoid walking alone at night around unlit areas, keep an eye on your valuables and don’t flaunt expensive jewellery. 

If you find yourself lost in a medina, follow the flow of people along the main paths and you’re sure to be spat out at an exit where you can find your bearings. Either that, or use a compass – street names will prove useless! If you want to ask for directions, the safest bet is to ask the shop-keepers. Be aware of 'faux guides'.

Unofficial or false guides. You will no doubt encounter unofficial guides and street hustlers at some point while you’re in Morocco. If you want to get them off your tail be firm but polite and walk with purpose as if you know exactly where you’re headed. A simple ‘no thank you, my friend’ will normally suffice. We would not recommend taking these ‘guides’ up on their offer under any circumstances.

As the weather is likely to be hot and sunny you’ll want to pack cool and comfortable clothes, ideally not exposing too much flesh. A scarf is also practical for women who can use it as a cover up over bare shoulders in local villages. For the skiing aspect of the experience, layers and a warm jacket are a must, with waterproof gear being preferable. A hat and gloves are also essential, as well as a good pair of boots.

It sure is! You will be travelling with our representative and a group, so you're in good hands. While wandering alone around Marrakech, there are a few common-sense precautions that female visitors should bear in mind when they’re in the country: don’t wander the streets alone after dark; if in doubt take a taxi! It’s unlikely that you’ll have any trouble but you’re likely to feel pretty uncomfortable and wary so it is best to avoid the situation. If you are approached, don’t react with aggression, keep it polite and carry on walking. It’s a good idea to save the number of your accommodation on your phone just in case you get lost, particularly in Marrakech. 

We highly recommend sticking to bottled water in order to avoid a tummy upset! Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive so please don’t risk it.