Ski Touring
Toubkal (4167m) 8 days
Period: February to April
Duration: 8 days about 6 days descent by ski
Altitude variance positive and negative 1400m.
Can you believe that in Morocco, in North Africa, you can ski? And wonderful it is to. Once you’ve tried it, you will want to give it another go!
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech, met by our staff, transfer to a local Hotel. Visit old Marrakech, steeped in magical tales with its labyrinth of cobbled streets, packed with souks inside the imposing high city walls. Explore the Saadian tombs, countless museums, admire the minarets of the mosques, royal palaces, and lush gardens.
Day 2: Transfer by 4X4 or Minibus with your ski guide and the supplies for the week. Our journey starts with a scenic drive to Imlil, 65km in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The altitiude is 1750m. We need to pack light for the first 3 days only taking the barest essentials in your smaller day sack. Your remaining items will be stored securely for our return to Imlil. Our party will head out on foot to Tmsoulte (2250m altitude) with the support crew. This is a good place to fit the skis for the first time. We then head towards the valley of Azaden and then rising to the refuge of Lepiney (named recently Tazarhart). With any luck, we may reach 2600m. Spend the night in the Refuge Lepiney Tazaghart 3000m. The crew will be one muleteer between 2 people and your baggage will be be carried when reaching the snow. You will carry your skis in the snow.
Day 3: Rise at 7am, then leave full equipped around 9H00, to go up to the beautiful Col Aguelzim (3500m altitude) – zigzag descent by ski towards the Toubkal refuge at 3200m.
Day 4: Climb up to ski from the Toubkal (4167m altitude) summit, accompanied by the guide and the porter. Descent to the Toubkal refuge again at 3200m, Climb back, an ascent of 1000m, and repeat the ski descent.
Day 5: Go up at the summit of N Ouanoukrim (4080m altitude) and descent to the same refuge for lunch. Return with the crew passing Sidi Chemharouch (2300m), returning to Imlil (1750m), for a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Day 6: Head on foot towards Ousarou (2400m). Here a camp will be set up. Later we will climb to the of top of the spectacular Iguenouane (3800m) with superb views of the valley of Tachedirt and neighbouring summits (Angour 3600m, Likkemt 3600m, Aksoual 3920m). Descend after midday towards the camp. Length of day 8-9 hours.
Day 7: Explore the Imenane valley on foot heading towards Oukaimden via col Eddi (2900m). There is a chance of fitting in a skiing session around the collar before heading towards famous runs between 2900m to 3300m, and then descend by the station of Oukaimden, the highest ski resort in Africa at 3260m. We will have lunch and then we will be transferred by car back to Marrakech. Stay in local Hotel overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport. End of Tizi Trekking Service.
Please do not hesitate to contact Tizi Trekking if you require any further information.
What to Bring
For Tizi Trekking you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
Tizi trekking are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Tizi trekking:
