Morocco to Host its First Snow Polo Event
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Morocco is joining the global trend of hosting events on snow, following in the footsteps of France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Moscow, and Aspen in the US. This initiative marks a new chapter for equestrian sport with the announcement of the country's inaugural snow polo tournament.
Set against panoramic snow-covered landscapes near Khenifra, The International Snow Polo of AJDIR aims to establish Morocco as a pioneering destination for winter polo across North Africa and the Middle East. This initiative transcends sport; it seeks to elevate luxury tourism, create a global platform for brands, and celebrate cultural and athletic excellence in a novel setting.
Although traditionally associated with the European Alps, the potential for snow polo in the High Atlas Mountains — specifically near Khenifra — presents a compelling vision for the future of Moroccan sports tourism. It blends the country's deep-seated equestrian heritage with its diverse geography.
The inaugural International Snow Polo of AJDIR is the vision of Mr Hicham Bekkar, owner of the AJDIR Polo Club. Partnering with a British event production company and supported by businesses in the real estate sector, he is bringing to life a spectacular fusion of elite equestrian sport and winter lifestyle.
The event will be staged in a panoramic location overlooking the iconic cedar forest, offering a natural stage of rare beauty. Against this snow-clad backdrop, the pioneering experience combines athletic excellence with elegance and exclusivity.
Designed to attract international players, luxury brands, and high-end tourism, The International Snow Polo of AJDIR cements the Khenifra region’s status as the premier snow polo destination in Morocco and the wider region.
Morocco is home to the highest ski resorts in Africa. Michlifen, situated at 2,060 m and only a short drive from Fez or Ifrane — known as 'The Little Switzerland' — provides a stunning alpine backdrop to rival the scenic beauty of St. Moritz. This proximity to a world-class tourism hub facilitates a seamless 'Sand and Snow' luxury experience: guests can explore the bustling Medina of Fez in the morning and attend a prestigious polo match on snow by the afternoon.
Horses are central to Moroccan culture, ranging from the traditional Tbourida to professional establishments such as the Souissi Club in Rabat or La Palmeraie Polo Club in the Tangier region. The transition to snow polo is not a leap into the unknown, but an innovative adaptation of an existing passion. Morocco already possesses the infrastructure for world-class horse training and a pool of talented players capable of adapting to the nuances of the winter game.
As Morocco aims to attract 26 million tourists by 2030, diversifying its offerings is key. The International Snow Polo of AJDIR will act as a magnet for the international jet-set, echoing the appeal of the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz. Such events generate significant media exposure and attract high-spending visitors, thereby boosting the local economy and positioning the Atlas Mountains as a sophisticated winter destination beyond traditional skiing.
With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco is rapidly upgrading its infrastructure and seeking innovative tourism concepts. Snow polo fits perfectly into this strategy, offering a sustainable yet sophisticated sporting event that highlights the country's environmental diversity and organisational capacity.
