A Winter ascent of Mount Toubkal (4,167m) provides an amazing introduction to Winter mountaineering at high altitude. The hike is not very technically challenging but prior experience of Winter hill walking in crampons and with an ice axe is beneficial (but not mandatory).
It is a physically demanding hike, but suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness.
Not looking for a Winter ascent?
If you planning to summit Toubkal during the Summer months (April to November), then check out our Summer trek option.
Summary
DURATION
4 days
LOCATION
Morocco
START & ENDS
Marrakech, Marrakech
DIFFICULTY
Easy Moderate Challenge Hard
Highlights
Itinerary
- day 2
- day 3
- Day 4
MARRAKECH TO IMLIL (1,740M)
In the morning you will be picked up from either the airport or your hotel in Marrakech. We will then drive 1.5 hours towards Imlil valley (1,740m) where you will be met by a local guide. After checking in at a guesthouse we will set off on an acclimatisation hike through the Berber villages of Imlil valley. We will stop for a delicious lunch prepared by a cook. After lunch we will walk back to the guest lodge in Imlil where you will spend the night.
There will be time to visit a rental gear shop in Imlil and your guide might use the acclimatisation hike to conduct some crampon and ice axe training.
FOOD
Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Imlil Guest Lodge
ACTIVITY
Drive 1.5 hours. Hike 8 km (4 hours)
ELEVATION
466m to 1,740m
Dates & Prices
Below are our open group dates for this adventure. Toubkal winter ascents run from December through to the end of March. If you would like to do a Summer ascent click here.
If the dates below don't suit, please get in touch as we can open a new group on any day as long as you have at least 2 people in your party.
What's Included
Included
Not Included
FAQ
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Packing List
Clothing
- Base layer
- 1 x hiking shirt + 1 x long-sleeve hiking shirt
- Mid-weight fleece jacket
- Hard shell jacket
- Warm insulating down or synthetic jacket
- Light gloves and insulating warm gloves
Headwear
- Sun hat + Sunglasses
- Warm beanie
- Neck warmer
Footwear
- Mid-weight B1 or B2 hiking boots (i.e. ones that can take crampons)
- C1 Crampons
- 2 x hiking socks
- Trainers for camp
Bags
- 20-25L Daypack
- 50-60L Backpack (carried by mules, needs to be no heavier than 22 lbs)
- Plastic bags to protect sleeping bag and other gear from rain
Sleeping
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
Other Essentials
- Hiking poles
- Straight shaft ice axe
- Snacks
- Water bottle / hydration bladder
- Water treatment tablets
- Camera
- Sun cream
Rental gear and note on hiking boots
There are a number of good rental gear shops in Imlil where one can rent most items listed above, including crampons and ice axes for Winter ascents.
A Winter ascent of Toubkal requires the use of crampons. Without getting too technical, standard hiking boots (aka B0 hiking boots), have too much flexibility in the sole to take a crampon. We recommend bringing a more rigid sole hiking boot that is suitable for Winter walking. These boots are classified B1 or four-season B2 boots and take strap-on C1 crampons.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. We recommend World Nomads as they provide comprehensive cover for adventurous activities and are very affordable. Get a quote below.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Marrakech are wide and varied. Here are a few hotels / Riads we recommend. For more options check Agoda.com.
- Cheap and cheerful: Riad Lorsya
- Mid-range: Riad Zolah
- Luxury: Four Seasons Marrakech
meet Your Guide
Houssain and Team
Born and raised in the village of Imlil in the foothills of Mount Toubkal, Houssain has a passion for mountains. He began working as a mountain guide in the 90´s and today employs a talented and dedicated team of guides and porters. You will be in safe and capable hands with Houssain and his team.
Reviews
Great experience all round!
Just a quick thank you for organising such a fun tour. From the moment we were picked up in Marrakech to the moment we got back, we felt really well looked after and had an awesome summit experience of Toubkal. Special thanks to our guide Abdul for the crampon training and insights on Berber culture.
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Just wanted to thank the team at Mountain IQ for their super helpful advice. The trip we booked went smoothly and the local guides were amazing!
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United Kingdom
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