Winter
Toubkal, Morocco 2025
Two summits; Mount
Toubkal 4167m & Ouanoukrim 4089m
Course
overview
Mount
Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in North
Africa, and is snowy climb in the winter months,
where you get the opportunity to ascend using
crampons and an ice axe for security. No previous
winter experience is required, as all skills
are taught on the trek. The itinerary has
been designed for keen walkers, as the ascent
is non-technical, but involves some easy scrambling
and snow slopes.
As
with all our climbing trips, we focus on skills
training and acclimatisation, so before you
ascend Toubkal, you summit Ouanoukrim 4089m.
From both summits, the views are amazing across
the mountains to Marrakech to the north, and
the start of the Sahara to the south. All
around are the jagged peaks of the High Atlas
stretching as far as you can see in every
direction.
This
trip enables you to enjoy both the mountains,
and the colourful local culture of the Berber
villages that are built into the steep valley
sides. Your local guide can tell you all about
the local culture and traditions, so you get
an amazing insight into the region.
In contrast, Marrakech provides an interesting
start and finish, where you can relax and
enjoy shopping and eating in the French area
boulevards or the narrow alleyways of the
medina. For those who enjoy haggling, it's
a must to visit the Souk (local market) in
the centre of Marrakech, and to try and negotiate
a bargain.
Enjoy
the local cuisine, couscous, mechoui, pastilla
and tajine, as Moroccan food is considered
by many to be the best in Africa. In the souk
markets, many try and haggle for souvenirs.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are
included on trek. Whilst in Marrakech the
hotel breakfasts are included, but evening
meals are not, to allow you to go and eat
at a place of your choosing in the old town..
You
only normally require warm clothing above
3000m where it is cooler. During the winter
the skies are normally clear but as in all
mountain areas the weather can be unpredictable.
If you wish to hire kit locally, it is cheap
to hire; boots (c.£6/day), ice axe (c.£2/day),
crampons (c.£5/day).
We
also offer several alternative trips to Mount
Toubkal. If snow is your thing, we also offer
a ski touring ascent link.
In the summer we offer a long weekend link,
or even trail running ascents link.
Hopefully in that selection, there's something
for everyone! We've been operating Toubkal
ascents year round for nearly 20 years now!
Dates: these
are listed in the column on the right, and
they show the live availability from our secure
online booking system. When you book online,
you receive immediate confirmation, your Alpine
Information Booklet, course specific kit list
and invoice.
Film
footage from winter ascents
Our
USP's for Winter Toubkal ascents
We
do stress that no previous mountaineering experience
is needed for a Winter ascent of Mount Toubkal,
but winter hillwalking (even without crampons) experience
will help, as will fairly good hill fitness, as
the last couple of days are more demanding.
As
soon as two people have booked, the trip is guaranteed
to go ahead with NO surcharges at all. We offer
this price guarantee, so you have the confidence
to book flights immediately after booking.
Six days of guiding gives you sufficient time to build skills and acclimatise, to make the ascent of two 4000m peaks a realistic and safe objective for the week, and allows for weather flexibility.
If
you can't find a date that suits, we can provide
a bespoke date for just 2 people booking together
on any date you would like. For this option, get
in touch, and we'll put a bespoke date up for you.
Daily
Course Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary, as with all our
adventure travel trips, is highly flexible to cater
for changing weather and conditions in the mountains.
Be aware that the itinerary is likely to change,
and the outline below should be used for guidance
as an indicative plan. Obviously Toubkal is the
primary objective, and the guide will decide which
of the days to make this ascent, so sometimes it
is ascended before Ouanoukrim,
to make it happen.
Day
Itinerary
Night
Meals
Sat
Fly
out to Marrakech, where you are met at the
airport for a transfer to the hotel where
the group are staying. Typically this is a
4 star hotel, a short drive from the airport,
next to the old city walls. In the afternoon,
you have time to explore the old city, then
in the evening, a meal is provided at the
hotel. Here you will meet the rest of the
group, as some people may arrive on different
flights.
Hotel
n/a
Sun
After
breakfast, you are driven to the road head
at Imlil, and then the objective is to start
your acclimatisation by hiking to the high
pass of the Col Tizi M'zzik 2660m above the
nearby Mezzik Valley, before descending to
the valley for the night. Acclimatisation
such as this adheres to the well accepted
advice of climbing high, and sleeping low.
You stay in a gite in one of the old fortified
villages such as Ait Souka.
Gite
BLD
Mon
Enjoy
a good breakfast, then set off soon after.
Today the trail gains almost 1200m as the
trek passes the Muslim shrine of Sidi Chamarouch,
and the tomb of the Marabout. From here the
path leads upwards to reach the comfortable
Mouflon mountain refuge 3207m. This is the
highest hut in the Atlas mountains, and is
situated at the foot of Toubkal itself, and
you are likely to be based here for the next
three nights.
Gite
/ Hut
BLD
Tue
The
mountain refuge of Mouflon is a perfect base
for the final training climb and summit, before
you ascend Toubkal. Today you undertake the
day climb of Ouanoukrim 4089m, with its scramble
to the summit, which is the second highest
peak in the region. The climb will acclimatise
you perfectly for Toubkal. You descend to
the Mouflon, and there is time to rest and
relax in the late afternoon. Night in Mouflon
refuge.
Hut
BLD
Wed
A
very early start for the ascent of Mount Toubkal.
The trek starts up an easy angled snowy slope,
before heading left and traversing the south
ridge to reach the summit at 4167m. At the
summit pyramid structure you can enjoy the
panoramic view which stretches for miles in
all directions. The descent is made by retracing
your route to the col, and heading back down
to the Mouflon refuge for the night.
Hut
BLD
Thu
Today
is potentially a spare day for attempting
Toubkal, but generally this isn't required,
so after breakfast you leave the refuge and
trek down into the Aroumd Valley, via Sidi
Chamharouch to reach Imlil for the night.
As the main ascent was probably yesterday,
it's likely your legs are a bit tired, but
don't worry as the guide is well aware of
this, and you can take is easy today. Night
in a gite in Imlil.
Hut
/ Gite
BLD
Fri
After
breakfast, you are driven back to Marrakech,
arriving around lunchtime, and check in at
the group hotel (normally 4 stars) again.
There is time in the afternoon for you to
have a tour of Marrakech, and the Djemaa el
Fna market (souk). In the evening there is
a group celebratory meal in Marrakech, where
you spend your last evening together in Morocco,
and can chat about all the amazing experiences
of the week.
Hotel
BL
Sat
Enjoy
breakfast in the hotel, and maybe a final
dip in the pool, before you leave for your
return transfer to the airport and your
flight home. It is possible to extend your
stay with one or more extra nights in the
hotel. Just ask us for a quote.
ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries.
Mountain adventures are weather and conditions
dependant, so occasionaly we are forced
to alter the plans. If this is the case,
suitable alternatives are offered. Please
use this outline itinerary as a guide to
the types of route / activity that you will
attempt.
n/a
B
Mountain
focus article on Toubkal
Click
on the picture to the left of the BMC Summit magazine,
in which one of our guiding team had an article
published on the 'experts view' on the mountain.
The short article gives a fascinating insight
into the history of the first ascents of the mountain,
and of the classic ascent route. It is a great
example of how Icicle is recognised as a leading
operator of trips to this mountain, and of how
all our staff and leaders are very knowledgeable
about this peak. If you would like to speak to
one of our guiding team who has led trips to Mount
Toubkal, please get in touch with our Windermere
office by phone or e-mail. To contact an experienced trip
advisor please click on this link,
and if you prefer, we can even have a trip advisor
call you back at a time of your choice. Just give
us a landline number, and we'll call you.
Marrakesh
4**** hotel / riad accommodation
We've
added a touch of luxury at each end of this trip, so for
the nights at either end of the trek, whilst in Marrakesh
you stay in a 4**** hotel next to the old city walls, or in a riad with a pool.
This ensures you have a good nights sleep, and the hotel
we usually uses boasts a pool and spa facilities. There's
time to pamper yourself a little before and after your
efforts in the mountains. Full details of the hotel are
supplied before travel.
On the nights spent in the Marrakesh hotel / riad, it is possible
to upgrade to a single room, or to book extra nights if
you wish to arrive early and / or stay on. The single
room / extra night typically costs c.£80 per night.
If you would like any of these upgrades, please let us
know at the time of booking, as in key periods such as
over Easter, the hotel is likely to be busy, and there
will be limited availability of extra rooms.
Please note that if you do not
require our hotel accommodation, we can offer a discount
of £20pppn for the two nights. We have to pre-pay
our hotel to guarantee good prices, so cannot offer a
more generous discount. Also, if you are staying in your
own accommodation, you will also have to source your own
airport transfer(s), as our airport transfers are only
on the scheduled arrival and departure day to/ from our
hotel.
Course
Prices
Standard
course
6 full days trekking guiding, 1:8 max ratio
8 days holiday in total, Saturday-Saturday
£795
Live
availability
Click
on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
How to book
Secure
payments, bonded tour operator
Details of how to book, click
here
Standard
Course Inclusions: 1) Morrocan mountain guide(s)
for six days, 2) Accommodation from Saturday evening to
Saturday morning (7 nights), varying from hotel / riad to mountain
huts and gites, 3) All meals on the actual trek (breakfast,
lunch and dinner), 4) Pre course information booklet,
5) Airport transfers to and from Marrakech airport, 6)
Equipment discount voucher for our UK shop, 7) Free 36
page technical Course Instruction Booklet, 8) Icicle course host accessible via WhatsApp throughout your trip.
Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Marrakech, 2) Equipment hire, 3)
Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals
in valley, & any purchases in mountain huts / hotels
/ restaurants, 4) Lunches and evening meals in Marrakech,
5) Activities insurance, & excess baggage charges,
6) Allow up to 50€ per person for optional entry
into sightseeing places of interest and optional town
tour on the Friday.
Notes: Group sizes
2 - 8 clients, with 1
lead guide (and extra guides as required). If
you can't find a date that suits, or wish a private trip,
we can provide a bespoke date for just 2 people booking
together on any date you would like for just £845pp,
or for 1 person a private trip is £995. For either
of these options, get in touch, and we'll put a bespoke
date up for you. For private groups of 3 or more, the
scheduled price applies, and discounts are applied for
private groups of 6 or more.
Upgrades
and extra tours to consider
Three
day desert tour
£399 for 1 person, inc: transport, accommodation,
meals, guide, camels.
Day 1: Drive to Ouarzazate, and
cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Venture through
Berber villages, heading into the desert to a
riverside oasis, and see barren hillsides clustered
with Kasbahs. Visit the ancient fortified city
of Ait Benhaddou used as the backdrop for films
including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Overnight
in hotel in Dades valley.
Day 2: After breakfast you drive to Todra Gorge
and on to Merzouga at the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
After a short break you will ride camels into
the dunes, where you will spend the night in berber
tents. After seeing a beautiful sunset you will
enjoy a fantastic dinner.
Day 3: After viewing the fabulous sunrise and
after breakfast at the camp site, you ride the
camels back to the Merzoga. From there it will
be a long day driving back to Marrakech.
Three
separate day tours
£599pp, inc: transport, Marrakesh hotel
on B&B basis, lunch, guide.
Day
1: Agafay Desert, Lake and Atlas Mountains. A
wounderful journey across the Agafay Desert, berber
villages and the Atlas Mountains in a day and
a refreshment stop at the Takerkoust Dam! Take
a walk or ride a mule or a camel across the breathetaking
sceneries. You have the chance to visit a local
Berber house to experience the local life.
Day
2: Ouzoud Waterfalls. The drive takes about 2
hours, and you'll be told stories about the areas
you're passing through, and Morocco's culture
and customes in general. The waterfalls are stunning,
and you can have a swim and cool off at their
base.
Day
3: Take a private tour and enjoy the VIP treatment.
Your guide will take you to experience Essaouira.
These day are designed to allow you to enjoy the
beauties of Morocco.
Current
course availability
Course Dates Winter Mt Toubkal
[ 4 ] 14 - 21 Dec 2024
[ 4 ] 21 - 28 Dec 2024
[ 4 ] 28 Dec 24 - 4 Jan 25
[ 4 ] 30 Dec 24 - 5 Jan 25
[ 4 ] 4 - 11 Jan 2025
[ 4 ] 15 - 22 Feb 2025
[ 4 ] 5 - 12 Apr 2025
[ 4 ] 12 - 19 Apr 2025
[ 4 ] 19 - 26 Apr 2025
Spaces
are indicated by the
number in square brackets
before each course date.
As
featured in the
BMC Summit Mag... Read why Toubkal
is
one of our busiest trips
in the winter season; click
here to view
Express weekend option?
We also offer this as a long weekend, fly in on Thursday, ascend to a hut on Friday, ascent of Toubkal on Saturday and back to hut, spare day for ascent on Sunday and return to Marakkech , Monday depart. Price is £499pp for the weekend. Get in touch for this option, which is available for 2+ booking together.
Client
feedback
Just a quick email to say thanks so much! Everything went to plan, the food was great, the guest houses we stayed in were fabulous and we had the best weather! Mohammed, our guide in the mountains was just brilliant, all in all an absolutely magical trip! Liane & Andy, Winter Toubkal
Thank
you for a wonderful trip to Morrocco,
it was excellent.The Riad hosts were
just great they looked after me exceptionally
well and gave me excellent advice and
help on where to go and what to do.
Marrakech is just a Magical place, and
that is from a person who is not keen
on cities. The Trek of Mount Toubkal
was a joy, the scenery and local People
were delightful and as for the Guide
Mohamed the Porters plus the Mule they
could not have been better. The summit
day was very windy with lots spindrift,
so a hard cold ascent, but the views
from the top were sensational Frank
C, Winter Toubkal
Just
a little note to say I had a great time
in Morocco last week. From Mohamed,
who I thought was both competent and
professional but also approachable and
fun, to the great accommodation (even
the Nelter Hut wasn't as bad as I'd
heard or feared). The food was tip-top.
Also I feel a mention needs to go to
madam at the riad in Marrakesh who was
an absolute joy, she couldn't do enough
for us David
K, Winter Toubkal
Exploring
Marrakech before and after the trek
was great, and the two summit days were
just perfect. We couldn't have been
luckier with the weather Andrew S, Winter Toubkal
Testimonials
Press
& media
Films
& videos
Photo
gallery
Our
unique selling point?
Our
trips are exclusively for Icicle clients, and we
don't pool you with other companies guests, who
might speak another
language
completely! Unfortunately we have seen this practice becoming
more common with other operators, and it is our USP that
you travel with who you book with, not a random group.
Top
tips from our guides
Take
a good sleeping bag for using in the highest huts
such as Mouflon so you get a good nights sleep before
your main ascent.
Wear
well worn in B3 crampon compatable boots for the
summit days to keep your feet warm and to minimise
crampon shedding risks.
To
avoid stomach upsets, only drink bottled water,
and also use this to brush your teeth with too.
Use
trekking poles to provide you with greater balance
on the often broken and scree covered terrain.
We
provide a detailed kit list and expedition dossier
upon booking, so have a good read through it, and
don't hesitate to get in contact with any questions
you have, as you can speak to someone who has actually
been on or led one of these trips before, so has
expert knowledge.
View
full course equipment list,
with examples of kit, click
here
Pro top tips - geeks corner!
So
why choose us?
We
are true specialists in Mt Toubkal. See our blog,
by clicking on the logo.
Itinerary
flexibility to allow you to take full advantage
of the weather and conditions each day, so that
you maximise the amount you can achieve each day.
Our
prices are fixed in £ pounds sterling, to
protect you from euro currency fluctuations, so
that you can budget accurately.
We
have a team of over 30 guides, and a resort support
team, who all want you to have the best time possible!
For more details on the guiding team and qualifications,
please click
here.
Any
further questions?
A
key part of choosing a company is being able to come and
talk about your plans with an experienced course advisor
face to face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know
our clients value speaking to real people, getting open
and honest advice. The vast majority of our clients are
British, and our office and outdoor store is based in
Windermere in the English Lake District.
Get
in contact to arrange a meeting, and come in for a coffee
to discuss your course in person with a trip
advisor. Many people opt for this service,
and it is an integral part of what we offer, as we are
keen to ensure that you are prepared as possible, and
that you select a course that is suitable for you. It
makes it easier and more enjoyable for you and us, if
you are on the right trip.
