Toubkal in Winter: Difficulty, Tips, Tricks & What to Expect

Mount Toubkal is not only the highest peak in North Africa, it's surrounded by the stunning High Atlas Mountains.

Whether you're a seasoned Alpinist or a novice walker, read on for everything you need to know

Mount Toubkal difficulty: How hard is it?

Toubkal in winter isn't as extreme as some mountain environments, but it still demands respect.

You won't need technical climbing skills but Mount Toubkal is a challenge, and you'll need a good level of physical fitness and to be equipped for winter walking conditions.

A winter climb is an adventure alright - you against Morocco's snowy High Atlas mountains.

Let’s get into what you'll need to know to make the dream a reality.

Fancy tackling Mount Toubkal in winter?

If you book to climb Mount Toubkal with Call to Adventure, you can hire crampons and an ice axe from the guide so you don’t have to bring them from home.

The guide will also give you any training needed on how to use them so beginners are very welcome!

The Altitude Challenge in the High Atlas Mountains: Altitude Sickness

One of the biggest fears people have is altitude sickness.

At 4,167 meters Mount Toubkal is a serious mountain and sure, there’s less oxygen.

Severe cases of mountain sickness can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which can be deadly.

However, mountain sickness on Mount Toubkal is incredibly rare, so you're extremely unlikely to get symptoms beyond breathlessness, even on a winter climb.

If you're still concerned, following these tips will help to nip any symptoms in the bud:

Acclimatisation: Spend a day or so at a lower altitude before starting your trek. Imlil is a good place to acclimatise.


Hydration: Hydration is key to preventing symptoms - carry and drink plenty of water.


Pace Yourself: Walk slower to give your body time to adjust to the altitude.


Some trekkers take medication to guard against mountain sickness but you won't need this for Toubkal.

What it takes to climb Mount Toubkal in winter

Climbing Mount Toubkal is a massive achievement, but it'll test you both physically and mentally. Toubkal is not a technical climb but should not be taken lightly, especially when there’s deep snow and ice.

You’ll be walking for 6-8 hours on rough and rocky terrain and you’ll need crampons and an ice axe.

As with any winter mountain climb, be ready to face strong winds, rain, snow and full-on winter conditions.

Temperatures can drop as low as -10 ° (or sometimes lower) on the summit but the wind chill factor can make it feel even colder.

The climb starts with easy angled snow slopes which will help your body adjust before hitting the steeper terrain further up. As you climb, be ready for steeper sections, loose rocks and uneven trails.

You'll need to don crampons and have your ice axe at the ready when we hit the steep snowy sections.

Reaching the summit and looking at the vista of the stunning snowy Atlas Mountains and a huge chunk of North Africa will be an amazing experience.

But be sure to leave something in the tank for the descent. And watch your footing.

Training:

Cardio: Running, cycling and swimming will all help build your fitness and endurance. Aim for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.


Strength training: Focus on exercises to strengthen your glutes and core. Squats, lunges and calf raises are good options.


Endurance: Get out on some long walks, gradually increasing the distance. Get used to carrying a rucksack and go find some tricky terrain and some hills to negotiate. Get out in some of the gnarliest weather you can find - it will help build mental and physical endurance. Get used to keeping moving even when you want to stop! If you can fit in some winter walking, that's ideal!


Flexibility: Stretching isn't the most popular thing out there but stretching before and after your workouts is a good idea.


Have a chat with your doctor if you have any worries about your health - best to be safe!

The fitter you are the more you’ll enjoy the climb and the better you'll be able to cope when things get tough - both mentally and physically.

Want more info? Check out your ultimate guide to Toubkal  with tip from a local guide with  30 years of experience.

Time Commitment

A trek to the Atlas Mountains and a climb of Mount Toubkal can be done over 4 days.

Giving yourself  5  days to summit Mount Toubkal in winter means some contingency time in case of bad weather but we find a 4 day trip (2 days hiking) is enough.

Summit day is the toughest as you could be walking for 8-12 hours.

Tip: if you want maximum snow, the best months are between December and February.

October and November treks will probably see some snow, but the weather's still fairly dry so you might only see snow at the summit. Remember though - those lovely dry, crisp days make for awesome mountain views!

Essential Gear:

The right gear can make or break your winter climb.

You'll ideally have some basic winter walking skills but you won't need to be a full-on mountaineer to climb Mount Toubkal in winter. Again, if you book with us you'll be taught all the skills you need on the trip so beginner are welcome

Climb Mount Toubkal

For a winter climb you'll need the following:

Think layers - thermal base layers, fleece and down jacket.


Crampons and an ice axe are needed - or can be hired - for icy terrain.


4-season boots: Compatible with step-in crampons.


Gloves and Hat: It can be bloomin' cold!


Emergency Gear: Personal first aid kit, whistle and head torch - winter means shorter daylight hours so you may well be setting off or finishing in the dark.

Use your winter walking skills to fully enjoy the snowy peaks and culture from December to April.

Why Do I Need A Guide to Climb Mount Toubkal in Winter?

Thinking of going it without a guide?

For better or worse that's no longer an option.

In 2018, after two tourists were found dead in the foothills of Mount Toubkal, the Moroccan government made it mandatory to hire a guide (don't worry though it's very safe there now, especially with this new requirement).

There are advantages to hiring a guide though - they can actually enrich your trek and make it even more enjoyable:

Safety: Guides are trained to deal with emergencies and know the mountains better than the back of their hand.


Logistics: Everything from permits to meals is taken care of so just turn up and enjoy the experience.


Cultural Insights: Local guides will give you a deeper insight into Moroccan culture and the areas you'll be walking through.


Equipment: You'll be able to easily hire what you need for your winter climb.

Climb Mount Toubkal with us and you'll get a planned, all inclusive package so you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can just focus on the experience and make your climb of Mount Toubkal in winter one to remember.

What to Expect in Winter Conditions on Mount Toubkal

Day 1 - transfer to Imlil in the Atlas Mountains

The adventure begins! You'll be picked up from Marrakesh Airport and taken to the Berber village of Imlil at 1,740m where you’ll spend the night at the lodge.

If you arrive earlier in the day you can go and explore the city. We run 2 transfers from the airport, one at 11am and the other at 3pm. These are included in the price.

Or we can do a custom pick up at any time for a £10 extra per person.

You’ll see your first views of the High Atlas Mountains over dinner.

We’ll stay at the lodge overnight.

Day 2 - trek to Mountain Refuge de Toubkal through the Atlas Mountains

We start the trek!

We’ll head along the Mizane Valley, pass the village of Aroumd with its views of the Atlas Mountains, and climb up to the shrine of Sidi Charamouch, a pilgrim’s haven.

You have to try the fresh orange juice from one of the stalls!

From here the trail climbs gradually, zig-zagging up to the snow line and the refuge at 3,206m and base camp for Mount Toubkal.

We’ll stay at the mountain refuge (or camp if needed) overnight. Bring a warm sleeping bag!

Day 3 - Jebel Toubkal Summit

This is the biggie!

We’ll get an early start for our attempt of Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa!

Although initially easy walking, the scree, the cold temperatures and the altitude can make it feel harder. Expect to encounter deep snow and loose rocks as we climb.

Your local team will assess weather conditions as we climb, and they'll advise when to break out the crampons and ice axe.

It'll test you - it's not North Africa's highest peak for nothing - but we promise those views from the top will be worth it!

Once we reach the 4,167m summit marked by the iron pillar you’ll be amazed.

If it's clear, we’ll be able to see all the way to the Marrakesh Plain and the High Atlas mountains in the North and if we’re lucky the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara Desert.

After summit selfies and taking in the views, we’ll head carefully back down the mountain and down to Imlil, passing through Sidi Charamouch.

Back in Imlil, we transfer to Marrakesh where we’ll stay overnight in a basic but comfortable riad.‍

Day 4 - transfer to the airport and home

We’ll transfer you back to the airport (or the city centre if you prefer) and say goodbye after an epic adventure climbing Mount Toubkal in winter.

Due to local regulations in Marrakesh, mobile boarding passes aren't valid for return flights.

You'll need to print your boarding pass out and show it at the check-in desk even if you're not checking any bags.

So, are you ready for a winter ascent of the highest mountain in North Africa?

An ascent of Mount Toubkal in winter is more than just a trek; it’s an epic adventure that will challenge you.

However, if you're prepared to work on your fitness, take the right gear and go with an experienced local guide, a winter climb is achievable even if you've no previous experience.

Ready to climb the highest peak in North Africa and have the adventure of a lifetime?

Let's get ready to tick this one off your bucket list.

Climb Mount Toubkal