This is a wonderful winter mountain trek to the summit of Toubkal which is also a great learning experience for winter skills. We normally run two or three trips in January and February and our groups average four to six people.
Climbing Toubkal is a perfect non-technical short break in the Atlas mountains, only around 50 miles to the south of Marrakech. On a clear day, the range can be clearly seen from the city. The blue skies, bright sun and crisp snowy peaks are a wonderful antidote to the winter of northern Europe.
These winter climbs are on snow and ice and require additional mountaineering equipment such as crampons and a walking axe. Mount Toubkal at 4167 metres is not a technical peak to climb but on you will learn some basic alpine techniques during the trip, such as walking on crampons and how to use a walking axe correctly and safe movement on snow and ice.
"Just dropping a mail to sincerely thank you & your company for the trip to Mt Toubkal. It was a fantastic experience that I thoroughly enjoyed all round. It was my first trekking trip abroad so I was not sure what to expect. The hospitality, local knowledge, food, guidance, training & courtesy we received was top class. Give a shout out to your employees Rosie & Chris who offered a professional response to any queries I had prior to the trip. I would recommend Adventure Alternative to anyone wishing to go on the trip of a lifetime. You can quote me on that!" (J. Colcannon, Galway, Ireland)
WINTER ITINERARY Day Activity
1Arrive Marrakech, go to the hotel and explore the medina, dining out in town
2Drive Marrakech to Imlil and go to the local riad, acclimatisation walk up to 3000m
3Trek from Imlil to Toubkal Refuge, using mules and porters for bags
4Acclimatisation and training on snow
5Jebel Toubkal (4167m) climb
6Trek back to Imlil and riad for local dinner and celebrations
7Drive to Marrakech for lunch and then depart for home or optional days in Morocco. Contact us for options
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CLIMB TOUBKAL?We charge £595.00 for a guided climb which is all-inclusive, no kitties. There are a few extras like snacks you can buy in the mountain hut plus meals in Marrakech.
HOW FIT AND EXPERIENCED DO YOU NEED TO BE? You do not need to be super-fit for this trip, however, the climbs are fairly demanding with some long days of sustained walking with a backpack. may also further tax your body. You will enjoy the trip all the more if you are in good physical shape having exercised regularly leading up to the trip. Sometimes the weather can be quite extreme and it is hard work trekking up the valley and to the top in deep snow or on hardpack or ice. It's certainly a good idea to work on thigh and calf muscles and be used to carry a day pack with at least 10 kgs.
The climb will require the use of crampons, ice axe and possibly a safety rope for some sections, it is preferable to have prior experience using them but this is not essential as training is provided. By the end of the trip, you will feel comfortable and confident in their use and the trip is, in fact, a good learning trip with guides to help and good equipment and clothing to rely on.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE LIKE? The trek from Imlil to the Refuge is on a well-established path over rocky ground which is snow-covered and icy. It winds its way up the valley and is generally of a gentle gradient. Initially, you can walk in trekking boots but at the snowline, it will be better to put on bigger mountain boots that can take crampons if they are needed in the higher part of the valley. The mules will go as far as the snowline but if there is deep snow then we use porters all the way.
The ascents of Toubkal South Cwm is graded F meaning facile (easy) and Toubkal North Cwm F+ which is occasionally an option for the descent. Mount Toubkal in winter is beautiful but is also challenging and can be cold and windy. The snow can be very deep or it can be very icy, especially in the early morning, so it will be important to be well equipped for a winter climb and fit for the day.
The difficulty of the route is greatly determined by weather and snow conditions, acclimatisation and general fitness. The itinerary has been planned to allow a gradual increase in altitude so that all the objectives are achievable by a moderately fit person with good co-ordination and experience of mountain terrain.
Some parts of the climbs will involve ascending, traversing or descending snow slopes of up to around 30 degrees. Subject to conditions, this is easily achievable using crampons and with guides cutting or stomping steps where required. It will, however, need confidence and concentration in places, including taking direction from guides and leaders.
DAILY ROUTINE ON THE TOUBKAL MOUNTAIN TREKIn line with good mountaineering practice, we will be starting our climbs from the refuge early and acclimatising slowly. We will have plenty of breakfast and hot drinks before leaving the refuge and snacks for the summit or one of our rest stops. We will usually be back at the refuge by early afternoon, at which time we will have a full cooked lunch. There will be time to relax and socialise at the refuge before dinner at around 7 pm. As we are usually making early starts we inevitably go off to bed fairly early, however, there is a fire in the communal area and guests are welcome to stay there until later in the evening.
WHAT TO WEAR ON TOUBKAL IN WINTERFrom Marrakech to over 4000m on the top of Toubkal, there is a big change in temperature. Be prepared for very cold conditions with rain low down and snow up high. Expect as low as minus 15 Celsius on summit day in the morning with the windchill.
Clothing needs to be adaptable and suited to winter conditions, and the best way to achieve this is through a layering system with a good base layer, several mid-layers of fleece, an outer shell and a proper down jacket. For extremities and your head, you need good quality gloves, mitts and a warm hat. You will also need sunglasses and goggles because there is a good chance of whiteout.
It could also be very hot and sunny with plenty of UV reflection from the snow, so also take proper sun protection and a sunhat. It is likely that you will leave the refuge for the summit trek with trekking trousers over-trousers, a base layer, warm mid-layer, soft-shell or fleece jacket, windproof layer, hats, gloves and mitts. Down jacket and goggles will be in your day pack along with a flask of hot drink and bottle of water for later, snacks, sunglasses and camera. The daysack needs to be about 40 litres and your main gear can be carried in a duffle bag with all kit in waterproof sacks.
We have a full, but in summary:
We definitely do recommend walking poles, they are particularly useful on this trip. However taking a helmet is according to your own preference, there is no danger of falling rocks above you, but there is a danger of a head injury if you slipped and fell.
MOUNTAIN GUIDES ON TOUBKALWe pride ourselves on very good guides. The ascent of Toubkal in winter is not a walkover and the weather, altitude and snow conditions can combine to create a situation where you need proper guides and a good acclimatisation plan. They bring their innate mountain knowledge, their culture and a lot of fun to the trip.
Our Moroccan guides and staff provide a wonderful opportunity to understand what life in the Berber mountain communities is like. They will lead us through the areas in which they, and their forebears, have grown up and sustained a uniques way of life. They will explain the customs and beliefs of the people and the specific challenges of this mountain.
Location and culture
Situated in the North-west corner of Africa, Morocco is a land of great contrasts from the white-washed houses on the fertile Mediterranean coast to the arid brown mountains, which are snow-capped during winter. Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the country.
The gateway to the mountains is Marrakech, the red city, and Morocco's fourth largest with a population of around one and a half million. You can explore this ancient city with its exotic souks, palaces, gardens and heaving mass of dust, noise and colour. We stay in a lovely local riad run by a French couple who moved to Morocco from the Alps twenty years ago. In the evening there are plenty of places to eat and explore.
Morocco will feel a world away from northern Europe, not least because northern Europe is still in the midst of winter. In Marrakech, you will usually enjoy clear blue skies, temperatures of 20-30 degrees and enough sunlight to sunburn the unwary within the hour. The snow-clad summits of the High Atlas provide a wonderful back-drop to the ochre-coloured buildings of the city.
In comparison with more popular trekking and climbing areas in the Alps, the Atlas Mountains are quiet in terms of tourism. You can see something of the traditional Berber way of life and have an appreciation of what a magnificent wilderness area this is. On the mountain itself, we stay in the mountain refuge which has visitors from all over the world to stand on the top of the Atlas range and enjoy the spectacular views.
Why us?
Our Mount Toubkal trek has been planned by experienced mountain professionals to give you the maximum from your week away in Morocco, including:
Climbing Toubkal is a perfect non-technical short break in the Atlas mountains, only around 50 miles to the south of Marrakech. On a clear day, the range can be clearly seen from the city. The blue skies, bright sun and crisp snowy peaks are a wonderful antidote to the winter of northern Europe.
These winter climbs are on snow and ice and require additional mountaineering equipment such as crampons and a walking axe. Mount Toubkal at 4167 metres is not a technical peak to climb but on you will learn some basic alpine techniques during the trip, such as walking on crampons and how to use a walking axe correctly and safe movement on snow and ice.
"Just dropping a mail to sincerely thank you & your company for the trip to Mt Toubkal. It was a fantastic experience that I thoroughly enjoyed all round. It was my first trekking trip abroad so I was not sure what to expect. The hospitality, local knowledge, food, guidance, training & courtesy we received was top class. Give a shout out to your employees Rosie & Chris who offered a professional response to any queries I had prior to the trip. I would recommend Adventure Alternative to anyone wishing to go on the trip of a lifetime. You can quote me on that!" (J. Colcannon, Galway, Ireland)
WINTER ITINERARY Day Activity
1Arrive Marrakech, go to the hotel and explore the medina, dining out in town
2Drive Marrakech to Imlil and go to the local riad, acclimatisation walk up to 3000m
3Trek from Imlil to Toubkal Refuge, using mules and porters for bags
4Acclimatisation and training on snow
5Jebel Toubkal (4167m) climb
6Trek back to Imlil and riad for local dinner and celebrations
7Drive to Marrakech for lunch and then depart for home or optional days in Morocco. Contact us for options
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CLIMB TOUBKAL?We charge £595.00 for a guided climb which is all-inclusive, no kitties. There are a few extras like snacks you can buy in the mountain hut plus meals in Marrakech.
HOW FIT AND EXPERIENCED DO YOU NEED TO BE? You do not need to be super-fit for this trip, however, the climbs are fairly demanding with some long days of sustained walking with a backpack. may also further tax your body. You will enjoy the trip all the more if you are in good physical shape having exercised regularly leading up to the trip. Sometimes the weather can be quite extreme and it is hard work trekking up the valley and to the top in deep snow or on hardpack or ice. It's certainly a good idea to work on thigh and calf muscles and be used to carry a day pack with at least 10 kgs.
The climb will require the use of crampons, ice axe and possibly a safety rope for some sections, it is preferable to have prior experience using them but this is not essential as training is provided. By the end of the trip, you will feel comfortable and confident in their use and the trip is, in fact, a good learning trip with guides to help and good equipment and clothing to rely on.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE LIKE? The trek from Imlil to the Refuge is on a well-established path over rocky ground which is snow-covered and icy. It winds its way up the valley and is generally of a gentle gradient. Initially, you can walk in trekking boots but at the snowline, it will be better to put on bigger mountain boots that can take crampons if they are needed in the higher part of the valley. The mules will go as far as the snowline but if there is deep snow then we use porters all the way.
The ascents of Toubkal South Cwm is graded F meaning facile (easy) and Toubkal North Cwm F+ which is occasionally an option for the descent. Mount Toubkal in winter is beautiful but is also challenging and can be cold and windy. The snow can be very deep or it can be very icy, especially in the early morning, so it will be important to be well equipped for a winter climb and fit for the day.
The difficulty of the route is greatly determined by weather and snow conditions, acclimatisation and general fitness. The itinerary has been planned to allow a gradual increase in altitude so that all the objectives are achievable by a moderately fit person with good co-ordination and experience of mountain terrain.
Some parts of the climbs will involve ascending, traversing or descending snow slopes of up to around 30 degrees. Subject to conditions, this is easily achievable using crampons and with guides cutting or stomping steps where required. It will, however, need confidence and concentration in places, including taking direction from guides and leaders.
DAILY ROUTINE ON THE TOUBKAL MOUNTAIN TREKIn line with good mountaineering practice, we will be starting our climbs from the refuge early and acclimatising slowly. We will have plenty of breakfast and hot drinks before leaving the refuge and snacks for the summit or one of our rest stops. We will usually be back at the refuge by early afternoon, at which time we will have a full cooked lunch. There will be time to relax and socialise at the refuge before dinner at around 7 pm. As we are usually making early starts we inevitably go off to bed fairly early, however, there is a fire in the communal area and guests are welcome to stay there until later in the evening.
WHAT TO WEAR ON TOUBKAL IN WINTERFrom Marrakech to over 4000m on the top of Toubkal, there is a big change in temperature. Be prepared for very cold conditions with rain low down and snow up high. Expect as low as minus 15 Celsius on summit day in the morning with the windchill.
Clothing needs to be adaptable and suited to winter conditions, and the best way to achieve this is through a layering system with a good base layer, several mid-layers of fleece, an outer shell and a proper down jacket. For extremities and your head, you need good quality gloves, mitts and a warm hat. You will also need sunglasses and goggles because there is a good chance of whiteout.
It could also be very hot and sunny with plenty of UV reflection from the snow, so also take proper sun protection and a sunhat. It is likely that you will leave the refuge for the summit trek with trekking trousers over-trousers, a base layer, warm mid-layer, soft-shell or fleece jacket, windproof layer, hats, gloves and mitts. Down jacket and goggles will be in your day pack along with a flask of hot drink and bottle of water for later, snacks, sunglasses and camera. The daysack needs to be about 40 litres and your main gear can be carried in a duffle bag with all kit in waterproof sacks.
We have a full, but in summary:
- BAGS - Large rucksack ~80 litres (for a porter to carry) plus a medium daypack ~40L (carried by you)
- SHELL - Top and bottom, quality Goretex or equivalent wind/rainproof.
- INSULATION - Fleece tops and jacket, warm trousers and a down jacket, hats, gloves and mitts, warm socks
- BASE LAYER - Thin layer to wick away sweat and to strip down to when it gets hot
- FEET - Crampon compatible boots (B2 or B3) and trekking boots, plus hut shoes
- CLIMBING - Crampons, walking poles, walking axe, harness, sling and some screwgate karabiners
- SLEEPING - 3 or 4 season sleeping bag (the Refuge can get very warm with a full dormitory!)
- EATING/DRINKING - Thermos for hot drinks, water bottle and favourite snacks
- PERSONAL - Wash kit and personal first aid kit, sunglasses, suncream, lip cream, towel, headtorch, powerpack for electronics
We definitely do recommend walking poles, they are particularly useful on this trip. However taking a helmet is according to your own preference, there is no danger of falling rocks above you, but there is a danger of a head injury if you slipped and fell.
MOUNTAIN GUIDES ON TOUBKALWe pride ourselves on very good guides. The ascent of Toubkal in winter is not a walkover and the weather, altitude and snow conditions can combine to create a situation where you need proper guides and a good acclimatisation plan. They bring their innate mountain knowledge, their culture and a lot of fun to the trip.
Our Moroccan guides and staff provide a wonderful opportunity to understand what life in the Berber mountain communities is like. They will lead us through the areas in which they, and their forebears, have grown up and sustained a uniques way of life. They will explain the customs and beliefs of the people and the specific challenges of this mountain.
Location and culture
Situated in the North-west corner of Africa, Morocco is a land of great contrasts from the white-washed houses on the fertile Mediterranean coast to the arid brown mountains, which are snow-capped during winter. Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the country.
The gateway to the mountains is Marrakech, the red city, and Morocco's fourth largest with a population of around one and a half million. You can explore this ancient city with its exotic souks, palaces, gardens and heaving mass of dust, noise and colour. We stay in a lovely local riad run by a French couple who moved to Morocco from the Alps twenty years ago. In the evening there are plenty of places to eat and explore.
Morocco will feel a world away from northern Europe, not least because northern Europe is still in the midst of winter. In Marrakech, you will usually enjoy clear blue skies, temperatures of 20-30 degrees and enough sunlight to sunburn the unwary within the hour. The snow-clad summits of the High Atlas provide a wonderful back-drop to the ochre-coloured buildings of the city.
In comparison with more popular trekking and climbing areas in the Alps, the Atlas Mountains are quiet in terms of tourism. You can see something of the traditional Berber way of life and have an appreciation of what a magnificent wilderness area this is. On the mountain itself, we stay in the mountain refuge which has visitors from all over the world to stand on the top of the Atlas range and enjoy the spectacular views.
Why us?
Our Mount Toubkal trek has been planned by experienced mountain professionals to give you the maximum from your week away in Morocco, including:
- Training in winter mountain skills and techniques
- A good rate of acclimatisation to altitude.
- Knowledgeable advice from our qualified staff from the moment you make an enquiry
- Local employment that is fair and responsible
- Financial security guaranteed as we are ABTOT bonded
TOUBKAL WINTER ITINERARYDayElevationTravel TimeInfo
1450m Arrive on international flight into Marrakech, and transport with our staff into town. There will be time to explore the city souks and the famous Jamaaa El Fna Square before a team dinner in the evening. We spend the night in a traditional and comfortable city riad.
21850m1.5-2 hrsAfter breakfast we have around a 3 hour transfer directly south toward the Atlas mountain peaks. In Imlil you can stay in a local homestay owned by our staff or opt to take a room in the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal. After lunch we go for a walk round the town and pick up any rental gear that people may need.
33207m5-7 hrsAfter breakfast we trek up the valley to a small shrine and buildings of Sidi Chamharouch at the foot of a steepening of the trail and narrowing of the valley. From here we wind further up the Isougouane valley to the Nelter Refuge at the foot of the main west face of Toubkal and surrounded by a cirque of peaks.
44088m7-8 hrsToday we walk up the valley towards the peak of Ouanoukrim. The mountain is Toubkal's neighbour and the second highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. First we climb the remainder of the Isougouane valley, perhaps up to the narrow but impressive col of Tizi n'Ouagane, with views out and down to the next valley. Weather may dictate that we try to climb Toubkal itself on this day but the preference will be to spend this day acclimatising to around 4000m and sleeping back at the refuge for a second night.
54167m8 - 9 hrsAscent of Toubkal. We traverse and ascend the south facing cwm over mixed ground of snow, ice and rock, through various undulations and bowls. Eventually we emerge out into the sunlight at the col of Tizi n Toubkal at 3940m. From here we move up along the SW ridge and a little higher up get a spectacular view of the SE face of Toubkal and the black triangle of the summit trig point. Our steady acclimitisation over the last two days, and in particular our ascent to over 4000m the day before will pay dividends here as we pass other climbers on shorter programmes as they wheeze their way up the final slopes!
After enjoying the views at the summit we will make our way over to the North cwm for our descent. This is a less used route but allows a very satisfying traverse of the summit and allows us to see more than twice as much of the mountain. The descent is fairly steep but easy to complete in crampons. Eventually, we emerge out into the main Isougouane from behind a spur and make our way around to the refuge.
6 4.5 hrsThis morning is a possible second option for climbing Toubkal but we have to get back to Imlil so most people rest in the morning and then pack up and head back down the valley to get to the riad for a shower and celebratory meal.
7450m1.5-2 hrsAfter breakfast we head back down the valleys to Marrakech, possibly stopping for tea and cakes at the rather swish Kasbah run by Richard Branson. We should be in Marrakech in time for lunch leaving the rest of the day free to explore or for an evening flight. Return flights should be booked for departure no earlier than 14:00 to give us time to get back down from the mountains. Some people wish to stay longer in Marrakech to enioy this famous city.
1450m Arrive on international flight into Marrakech, and transport with our staff into town. There will be time to explore the city souks and the famous Jamaaa El Fna Square before a team dinner in the evening. We spend the night in a traditional and comfortable city riad.
21850m1.5-2 hrsAfter breakfast we have around a 3 hour transfer directly south toward the Atlas mountain peaks. In Imlil you can stay in a local homestay owned by our staff or opt to take a room in the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal. After lunch we go for a walk round the town and pick up any rental gear that people may need.
33207m5-7 hrsAfter breakfast we trek up the valley to a small shrine and buildings of Sidi Chamharouch at the foot of a steepening of the trail and narrowing of the valley. From here we wind further up the Isougouane valley to the Nelter Refuge at the foot of the main west face of Toubkal and surrounded by a cirque of peaks.
44088m7-8 hrsToday we walk up the valley towards the peak of Ouanoukrim. The mountain is Toubkal's neighbour and the second highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. First we climb the remainder of the Isougouane valley, perhaps up to the narrow but impressive col of Tizi n'Ouagane, with views out and down to the next valley. Weather may dictate that we try to climb Toubkal itself on this day but the preference will be to spend this day acclimatising to around 4000m and sleeping back at the refuge for a second night.
54167m8 - 9 hrsAscent of Toubkal. We traverse and ascend the south facing cwm over mixed ground of snow, ice and rock, through various undulations and bowls. Eventually we emerge out into the sunlight at the col of Tizi n Toubkal at 3940m. From here we move up along the SW ridge and a little higher up get a spectacular view of the SE face of Toubkal and the black triangle of the summit trig point. Our steady acclimitisation over the last two days, and in particular our ascent to over 4000m the day before will pay dividends here as we pass other climbers on shorter programmes as they wheeze their way up the final slopes!
After enjoying the views at the summit we will make our way over to the North cwm for our descent. This is a less used route but allows a very satisfying traverse of the summit and allows us to see more than twice as much of the mountain. The descent is fairly steep but easy to complete in crampons. Eventually, we emerge out into the main Isougouane from behind a spur and make our way around to the refuge.
6 4.5 hrsThis morning is a possible second option for climbing Toubkal but we have to get back to Imlil so most people rest in the morning and then pack up and head back down the valley to get to the riad for a shower and celebratory meal.
7450m1.5-2 hrsAfter breakfast we head back down the valleys to Marrakech, possibly stopping for tea and cakes at the rather swish Kasbah run by Richard Branson. We should be in Marrakech in time for lunch leaving the rest of the day free to explore or for an evening flight. Return flights should be booked for departure no earlier than 14:00 to give us time to get back down from the mountains. Some people wish to stay longer in Marrakech to enioy this famous city.