Mt Toubkal Winter Climb

• Three nights in three-star hotels, four nights in a gite/refuge
• Five days of walking; one free day
• Altitude maximum: 13,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)
• Full porterage included. No previous ice axe and crampon experience required
• Group normally 4 to 10, plus winter guide and staff. Minimum age: 18

All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices: Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Dinners: In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) Small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90) Alcohol: Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5) Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home. We also advise you to bring water bottles and your own water purification methods. Bottled water can be purchased throughout the trip, but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste. Please note, recycling is not fully established in Morocco so plastic bottles are an increasing waste problem.

Marrakech is likely to be warm (rather than hot) during the day, and a little chilly at night. In the mountains, expect temperatures to vary from 10C (50F) or so in the sun to below freezing out of the sun and at night. Any warmth provided by the sun soon goes after the sun disappears behind the mountains in the late afternoon. Heavy snowfall, rain and storms can be expected in the mountains during winter, but they are normally reasonably short-lived. Although it would be unusual to experience more than two days in a row of bad weather, prepare for all conditions. If there is stable high pressure over the mountains in winter, which is common, we enjoy clear, crisp days, and nights with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The first snows often come in late October or early November, but some years can see little snow cover up to December.

This trip is rated Activity Level 7 (Tough). For more on our ratings, please visit our Activity Level guidelines.

Trekking conditions: This is a strenuous winter trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. The trip is designed for confident trekkers who are well equipped, even if new to winter walking, plus those who have some experience of trekking on snow. Some sections, especially on the Toubkal and Ouanoukrim ascent days, can be steep and rough. Large parts of the mountainside should be covered in snow; therefore, an ice axe and crampons are normally necessary on all departures. Although these sections are not technically difficult, they are high and can be exposed, meaning ropes are required. Where there is a high level of exposure, the guide cuts steps in the snow and/or provides a rope. It is mandatory to obey the wishes of the guide(s) in these circumstances. Snow cover will, of course, vary but ice axes and crampons are essential when crossing steep snowy terrain. Some previous experience is helpful in order to quickly pick up the necessary skills needed to use both the ice axe and crampons but is not essential. The guides will give a full briefing and run a training session before the ascents of Toubkal and Ouanoukrim.

Risk warnings: This trip goes to high altitudes (maximum: 13,671ft/4,167m; average: 8,530ft/2,600m) where there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning below for further information. It is imperative that if you feel unwell, you advise the guides so they can assist you. Winter walking can be dangerous and although we take important steps to manage and minimise this risk, we can never eradicate it altogether. The main danger is from tripping then sliding down a snow slope and, in certain conditions, an avalanche. The guides are well trained and experienced in handling all of these scenarios and have the necessary equipment to do so.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.