Internationale groepsreis Mt Toubkal Winter Climb

The adventure starts in buzzy Marrakech, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to explore a little before our welcome briefing this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)

After a leisurely morning and lunch in Marrakech, we transfer by minibus to the village of Imlil in the heart of the High Atlas range. In the afternoon, we take a short walk to our mountain gite in the Amazigh village of Aroumd, where we have free time to explore the area. Accommodation: Gite Armed (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min

Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Aroumd, we follow the Mizane Valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man) albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the footbridge. After stopping for a soft drink or mint tea, we continue the climb to our refuge at 10,528ft (3,209m). The afternoon is used to get a feel for the crampons and ice axe. The guides find an appropriate patch of snow and demonstrate the important techniques of walking in crampons and ice axe arrest – stopping yourself with your axe if you are sliding on a snow slope. Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)

We have an early start (6am-7am) for our ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river outside the refuge, we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up the western flank. About an hour below the summit, we reach a wide-open pass for our first views of the south. We then turn north for a climb up the ridge to the summit plateau. Reaching the summit (13,671ft/4,167m) provides a great sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Marrakech, weather dependent. Descending by the same route, we should be back to the refuge in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and warm up with a lovely mint tea. Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)

Today, the group can choose from several trek options, including Ouanoukrim, the second highest mountain in North Africa, which dominates the head of the valley. It’s lower than Toubkal but technically more challenging. It has an exposed ridge where scrambling is required and will only be attempted if the wind conditions allow and the entire group is up to the challenge. The scramble is easy, but a little exposed in some places, so the guides set up a rope where needed. It’s about 330ft (100m) long, with only the middle section requiring any particular care. Your guides discuss the options with you. Another superb choice is the Tizi n’ Ouanoums pass, which offers views of the stunning Lac d’Ifni and Ouanoukrim. It is a steep, long climb through fantastic scenery and requires an early start to get the best weather. Again, you return to the refuge for a late lunch. Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)

We head back down to the gite in Aroumd, where we enjoy a final hot lunch with incredible mountain views. Here we bid farewell to our chefs and muleteers before we continue to walk for a further hour or so to Imili. This is where we pick up our bus transfer to Marrakech. En route back to the city, we stop briefly at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where we can learn the production process and purchase products if you wish. The evening is free to explore the city, perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink overlooking Djemaa el Fna. Drive time: 1hr 30min Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)

With a full free day, you have lots of time to explore Marrakech and do some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air marketplace around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, is an exciting place to visit. The name literally means ‘place of death’ as it was the spot where sultans displayed their enemies’ heads. Now – with food stalls, snake charmers, travelling musicians and acrobats – it is a place of entertainment. The best views over the square are at La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at 20 dirhams (US$2) it’s worth it for a great view. A top tip for great food is the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine, just off Djemaa el Fna. Made famous by Jamie Oliver’s visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between midday and 3pm or you’ll miss it. If you’re craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, head to La Salama, again just off Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere. Taxis are easily found around Djemaa el Fna to take you back to your hotel in the new city. Alternatively, the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, has beautiful botanic gardens to explore. Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)

Our tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech.