Getting to know Ifrane
Ifrane is a peaceful mountain town in the Middle Atlas known for its cool climate, alpine-style architecture, cedar forests and nearby natural attractions. It is also a popular winter destination for skiing.
Tucked into the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is often called Morocco's 'Little Switzerland' for its distinctive alpine architecture, with sloped red-tiled roofs and stone buildings that stand in sharp contrast to the flat-roofed, earth-toned towns typical elsewhere in the country. It was originally developed during the French protectorate as a hill station retreat from the summer heat, and today is home to Al Akhawayn University, giving the town a notably young, international population for its size. The surrounding region is covered in cedar forests, part of the habitat for Morocco's endangered Barbary macaques, and the nearby Michlifen resort draws visitors for skiing and snow activities in winter. The combination of cool climate, greenery and mountain scenery makes it distinct from most other Moroccan destinations.
