3 Days Winter Toubkal Climb Trekking : 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.
(We would not recommend you climbing Toubkal in winter without a winter experienced guide if you do not have prior winter walking / climbing experience).
Marrakech
09:00
For Trekking Atlas Mountains you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
Atlas Treks are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Atlas Trekking:
Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech. After a transfer to the little village of Imlil you will start your trek. Heading along the Mizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. You then continue east and by crossing the flood plains your route takes you along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river you eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the refuge (3206m). Here you will spend the night. About 5 to 6 hours walking.
Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas Mountains in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and spend the night at the refuge again.
After breakfast, we head back towards Imlil. After Lunch in Imlil you transfer back to Marrakech.
