Known for
At 1,650 m in the Middle Atlas, Ifrane is a surprise: chalets with steep roofs, immaculate lawns, pure air and… snow in winter. Built by the French in the 1930s, the town is a cool haven in summer and a ski resort in winter, surrounded by cedar forests full of Barbary macaques.
What to see
A stone lion carved in the 1930s, the symbol of the town and a must-see photo spot.
A majestic cedar forest home to the famous giant cedar and colonies of Barbary macaques.
A small resort in a volcanic crater, open when the snow falls (Dec–Feb).
A mountain lake surrounded by hills, pleasant for a picnic and birdwatching.
A vast protected area of cedars and lakes, the heart of the Middle Atlas.
What to do
Middle-Atlas resort, snow from December to March.
Walk to the Gouraud cedar and free-roaming monkeys.
Dayet Aoua, springs and the Valley falls.
Where to eat
🍽️ Grilled river trout
Local trout, alpine feel near the cedar forest.
🍽️ Tagine, hot soup
Comforting after a walk in the cold.
🍽️ Grilled meats, kefta
Ideal after skiing or a forest hike.
Where to stay & book
Fireplace and pitched roof, cosy in the snow.
Relaxing greenery, pleasant year-round.
Simple and warm, a base for the cedar forest.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 22 to 27 °C by day, fresh and pleasant, cool nights.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 0 to 8 °C, frequent frost and snow (Dec-Feb).
✅ Best time: June-September (coolness) or December-February (snow).
🧴 Altitude 1650 m: much cooler than the plains, even in summer. · Snow and black ice in winter: roads sometimes difficult. · Do not feed the Barbary macaques (forbidden and harmful).
🎒 Warm coat (winter) · Sweater even in summer · Closed shoes · Hat & gloves (winter)
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: On the way to the Gouraud cedar forest, you will meet Barbary macaques by the roadside. Do not feed them (it harms them and is forbidden): just watch them.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.