Ifrane

Ifrane, town, north-central Morocco. Ifrane was founded in 1929 and is situated in the Middle Atlas (Moyen Atlas) mountains; it includes in its immediate environs Morocco’s premier winter and summer resort areas. Located at an elevation of about 5,400 feet (1,650 metres) above sea level, this modern town caters to international tourists. Nearby cedar-covered extinct volcanic craters are equipped with alpine ski runs. It is also the home of Al-Akhawayn University (1995), a public institution of higher education modeled on the American university system. Azrou, 11 miles (17 km) southwest of Ifrane at an elevation of about 3,950 feet (1,204 metres), is an old Amazigh (Berber) settlement that was developed into an all-seasons resort; trout fishing is especially popular. The local Beni Mguild tribe grazes sheep and produces quality carpets. Pop. (2004) 13,074.