UKC

Moroccan High Atlas Winter Mountaineering

© Thomas Skelhon

For those looking for a winter mountaineering fix, the Moroccan High Atlas range offers a very different experience compared with the often fickle UK winter climbing conditions. Coupled with the contrasting North African Arabic/Berber culture, a winter climbing trip to Morocco is much more than just big mountains and technical routes.

During the summer, Mount Toubkal provides a popular cooling respite for overcooked tourists from Marrakech, who undertake the hike to bag the highest summit in North Africa. However during the winter, the range is transformed into an alpine playground with numerous winter walking, technical mixed and ice climbing routes, all easily accessible from several guarded refuges.

Mule service en route to the refuges  © Thomas Skelhon
Mule service en route to the refuges
© Thomas Skelhon

Climbing Area and Logistics

The Toubkal valley of the High Atlas range is accessed from the base village of Imlil – approximately 90 mins drive from Marrakech. Used to the summer rush of tourists, Imlil is well equipped with hostels and eateries as well as a guide's office and a few 'equipment shops'. Despite this, don't rely on these to get hold of gear or mountain food as the offerings are quite basic, especially if planning on undertaking long and technical routes.

In terms of places to stay in Imlil, the Dar Adrar hostel is a clean, warm and friendly hostel run by an English speaking guide who is very helpful. Another option is the Hotel Soleil Imlil, run by Abdulatef ,a basic, but very friendly and safe hostel. Again the owner is very helpful. Alternatively, the Kasbah du Toubkal is an upmarket Riad for a more luxurious stay in Imlil.

Imlil High Street  © Thomas Skelhon
Imlil High Street
© Thomas Skelhon

In order to get to the refuges in the climbing area, a trek south from Imlil through the villages of Aroumd and Sidi Chamharouch takes 4-6 hours following the valley base with the mountains rising either side. If you're feeling fit (and cheap) it's possible to carry all of your kit, but many use mules and porters available from Imlil and Aroumd. The daily rate for mules is currently around 130 Dh a day (but this doesn't include tip, or responsibility to feed and shelter the muleteer if on a multi-day trek). Be wary that the mule may stop at the snow line, necessitating yourself or the porter to carry your kit the remaining distance to the huts.

Hiring a guide for the day costs around 300 Dh, but bear in mind, most guides are only familiar with the three major summits (Toubkl, Ras and Timesaguida). Many opt for a complete package, including accommodation in Imlil, guides, porters, transfers and half-board in the refuges. These packages can be arranged by the refuges or an accommodation provider in Imlil (i.e. Dar Adrar and Hotel Soleil)

photo
Looking over the desert from the Toubkal SE ridge
© Thomas Skelhon

Once in the climbing area, there is a choice of two refuges: the Mouflons Hut or the CAF - Refuge du Toubkal, both guarded offering beds and full dinner service. The Mouflons hut is privately owned by the local Berbers and is the far less busy of the two huts, although the CAF is slightly cheaper – especially if a member of an alpine club. The food in the CAF is also more varied, and hot showers are available. Both can get very cold at night, so definitely take a 3-4 season sleeping bag and be prepared for snorers in addition to the 6 am punter headlight disco!

It is possible to camp outside the refuges for approximately 70 pence per night per tent if you are on a super tight budget (or don't like sharing with people who snore).

The Mouflons, (in foreground) and CAF (refuge du Toubkal) huts   © Thomas Skelhon
The Mouflons, (in foreground) and CAF (refuge du Toubkal) huts
© Thomas Skelhon

Climbing Routes

The highest peak, Toubkal (4167m) on the west side of the huts can be climbed by several great routes, the West flank being the voie normale (F) which is a direct hike from the huts and the best route in descent. The South West (Ouanoums) ridge (AD-) is an excellent sustained rock route with a grade IV corner pitch taking in the subsidiary Toubkal West peak (4001m). However, the finest route has to be the South East ridge (D-), a long complex route, with rock and mixed sections crossing out of the valley over the Tizi-Ouanoums col onto the East side of the mountain giving stunning views with an air of isolation. If the snow is firm, there is a choice of three technical couloirs on the West face of Tete Ounanoums (all three graded at AD – D depending on conditions) ultimately leading to Toubkal West.

Alternatively, a non-technical but lengthy trekking route, involving a bivvy, starts with an Eastern ascent from Sidi Chamharouch and traverses the ridge from North to South, taking in several summits before finishing on Toubkal.

photo
Charlotte Macdonald exiting the grade III chimney pitch on the Toubkal SE ridge
© Thomas Skelhon

On the west side of the huts, facing Toubkal, is Biguinnousenne (4002m), featuring a jagged ridge punctuating the skyline. The traverse of the Clochectons (bell-towers) and Biguinnousenne (AD+) is another fine route ascending a wide couloir to a col, and traversing North across a technical rock ridgeline over the 'bell-towers' to the summit, then further to a descent couloir back to the hut.

Sunset view of Biguinnousenne and the Clochetons from Toubkal   © Thomas Skelhon
Sunset view of Biguinnousenne and the Clochetons from Toubkal
© Thomas Skelhon

Further south-west in the valley, there are several other worthwhile 4000m peaks easily accessible from the huts, including the second and third highest in the range: Ras and Timesguida Ouanoukrim (4089m), as well as Akioud (4030m) and Afella (4043m). The most difficult alpine routes in the valley can are found on the East face of Afella with several TD offerings.

Charlotte Macdonald on the Clochetons traverse (AD+)  © Thomas Skelhon
Charlotte Macdonald on the Clochetons traverse (AD+)
© Thomas Skelhon

For a truly isolated mountaineering experience, the Tazaghart valley East over from Biginoiuseenne has several established routes, served by the Tazaghart (formerly Lepiney hut). Most of these routes take the couloirs to the Tazaghart summit plateau (3980m) via several narrow technical couloirs graded between AD+ and TD. However, the hut can only be accessed when the guardian is summoned from his village near Aroumd!

On the descent of Akioud  © Thomas Skelhon
On the descent of Akioud
© Thomas Skelhon

Ice Climbing

It's certainly worth bringing two axes and a few ice screws as all along the climbing valley, numerous ice cascades form a short distance from the huts. This allows quick access (10 – 60 minutes) to up to 3 pitch ice routes. Many of the routes are at accessible grades between WI 2 and 3+, however when the ice is bullet hard in early season, it can certainly pack a punch! A few particularly good spots include 10 mins south of the huts where the river has cut a cascade (WI 2), further south in the valley on the West side between the Akioud and Ras corries (WI 2-3).

Ice climbing in the sun  © Thomas Skelhon
Ice climbing in the sun
© Thomas Skelhon

South West of the hut on Biguinnousenne is a narrow couloir split into two icefalls, one with huge chockstone forming a tunnel (WI 3+). On the opposite side of the huts just north of the voie normale for Toubkal are a series of easy icefalls which get plenty of sun. Finally, 30 mins further north of the huts on the trail back to Sidi Chamharouch, a long ice curtain forms on the east side.

Toubkal ice curtain  © Thomas Skelhon
Toubkal ice curtain
© Thomas Skelhon

Logistics

When to Go

The first snow falls towards the end of November, with the climbing season running through to March/April. The coldest months are December and January, but depending on snowfall, the winter climbing season can last until April, after which there is plenty of opportunity for long days on the rock routes. The weather tends to be stable until a storm rolls in, which can last many days. In which case, an early retreat to Marrakech before returning to the area in better weather can be an option. Accurate weather forecasts and conditions reports once up in the mountains are basically non-existent, so you'll have to use your own well informed judgement (or a chat with a friendly mountain guide).

2 to 3 weeks is an ideal length of time to get a load of routes done in the mountains and have time to explore Marrakech. Bearing in mind how long it takes to get to Scotland for that magical week in the Cairngorms/Glencoe, getting to Imlil from the south of England can often be quicker! Therefore, it is possible to do a trip in a week.

How to Get There

Easyjet and Ryanair both fly to Marrakech for less than £200 return including hold luggage. There is plenty of information on getting to Imlil from either the airport or centre of town on the internet. In a nutshell, for the least amount of hassle and convenience, you can often arrange a transfer from your accommodation provider in Imlil. Realistically expect to pay £25-35. Otherwise, and this is more useful if staying in Marrakech first: Head to the south of the Old City (Medina) to the gate of Bab Rob. This is a large taxi station with serves south of the city. Haggle a taxi to Asni – a town just outside of the mountains approx 16km from Imlil. From here you can change taxi to finish the journey.

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Guidebook

Des Clarke's Cicerone guide 'Winter Mountaineering in the High Atlas' is a great guidebook with plenty information on getting from airport to summit. It contains a range of routes from walks, scrambles to mid-grade technical climbs and is available here. For more technical climbing routes in the area, the Desnivel guidebook is certainly worth a look as it contains multi-day treks, technical mixed, ice and climbing routes. However it is written in Spanish.

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Food

In the mountains, the food is generally limited to Tagine, cous-cous or pasta and can be repetitive if you're staying high for a while (bring some condiments!). Harira, a hearty broth with chickpeas is also commonly dished up as a starter. Other, more western options are available in Imlil, but tend to be abstract or involve the chef having to go shopping first! However, the night markets in the central square of Marrakech (Jemaa el Fna) make up for the simple mountain food. Here, kebabs, cous-cous snails, pigeons baked in pies and even sheep's heads are on the menu. Owing to the prevalent Muslim population, alcohol is hard to come by, especially in the hills. Instead, 'Berber Whiskey' - extremely sweet mint tea is served up virtually everywhere.

Genuine Moroccan tagine at Hotel Soleil, Imlil  © Thomas Skelhon
Genuine Moroccan tagine at Hotel Soleil, Imlil
© Thomas Skelhon

OtherActivities

A couple of days in Marrakech during your trip is a must; staying in the Medina (old town) for the full Moroccan experience. It really is a vibrant, cultural and wacky place. Once you've had enough of Marrakech – which is possible in a few days, book an excursion to the desert, gorges, beaches etc. Information on these options is plastered all over the net. Around Imlil, there are a variety of hikes and treks which supply beautiful views of the Atlas foot hills. After January when the snow depth is greatest, a trip to Oukaimeden – Morocco's only ski resort is worth a visit, being only 1 hour drive from Imlil.

Hints and Tips

Accept that you will have to haggle for virtually everything you purchase whilst in Morocco, especially in Marrakech. Some things, such as refuge and hostel prices are fixed, which can be a relief. As a general rule, try to knock the price down to a third of their initial offer.

Hygiene and sanitation is basic in Morocco; with traveller's illness prevalent amongst many tourists. Getting ill whilst in the mountains can easily scupper any ascent plans. Take hand sanitiser, and stay vigilant with hygiene.

Although the native languages are Berber and Arabic, many locals also speak French, therefore a working knowledge of French will go a long way.

The mountain rescue is very limited, and consists of assembling the local guides to assist in a rescue. We found that there were few experienced alpinists in the area at the time we visited who could also assist, so self reliance is key. This is especially valid for the longer more isolated routes which leave the safety of the valley. In this sense it is well worth leaving your itinerary and ETA with an English speaking guide staying at the same refuge.

photo
Chockstone gully to reach the summit of Afella – D+
© Thomas Skelhon




30 Apr, 2015
Fantastic hills for some big walks. I would add that if anyone is looking for walking, over the climbing (sacrilege eh?) then some of the companies like KE adventure and Exodus (been with both) do fantastic, and good value, treks. The high atlas trek from Exodus (I think was somewhere around £600) meant a decent length of trek, with a guide, camps set up for you and mules thrown in. Brilliant trip if you just want to book some flights and leave the rest to a company.
30 Apr, 2015
And if anyone wants walking and climbing guidebooks for the area Im selling a brand new copy of ' Mountaineerining in the Morrocan High Atlas' by Des Clark and also 'Trekking in the Atlas Mountains' by Karl Smith £15 for them both - includes p +p http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/611/title/mountaineering-in-the-moroccan-high-atlas#.VUIL0JO2qtM http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trekking-Atlas-Mountains-Cicerone-Mountain/dp/1852844213/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
30 Apr, 2015
We were there Feb this year. Excellent for both ice and big routes and, on the climbs etc, we were completely alone which was amazing. I put a video of our week here. https://vimeo.com/120972809
30 Apr, 2015
What dates was this trip taken? I went with some friends for a long weekend in Feb, but the weather was not playing ball, and after trying the normal route (toubkal) we had to turn around due to high winds. A great day, but horrible weather. Would love to go again, hence the first question, but would like a bit more time and adventurous routes. Is there a better guidebook for more technical routes in English, or is there only the spanish one?
30 Apr, 2015
We were there 7-14 Feb. Some windy days but climbable every day we were there. For technical descriptions the spanish guide is all, but I did run the whole guide text through google translate, so if you buy the guide the file will help (though the translations are a bit odd in places they generally work). Happy to share if you PM me. Our trip used the Mountain People logistics only package (as James mentioned above). Would recommend.
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