A three-day winter ascent of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) on snow and ice with crampons and an ice axe, including a skills session at the refuge. Challenging winter high-atlas trekking, December to April.
Day by day
Your 3-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge
Transfer to Imlil, a kit check and rental, then trek up the snowy Mizane valley to the Toubkal refuge (3,207m), using crampons where needed (5–6 hours).
- Imlil kit check
- Snowy Mizane valley
- Toubkal Refuge (3,207m)
- 2
Day 2
Winter skills and summit
An early crampon and ice-axe skills session, then an alpine-start ascent of the snow-filled south cirque to the 4,167m summit, descending carefully to the refuge. A long, cold day on snow.
- Crampon & ice-axe skills
- Jbel Toubkal summit (4,167m)
- Snow descent
- 3
Day 3
Descend to Imlil and Marrakech
Descend through the snow line to Imlil, return rental kit, and drive back to Marrakech by mid-afternoon. The summit can shift to day 3 if weather demands.
- Descent to Imlil
- Return to Marrakech
Good to know
Practical notes
- The winter season is roughly December to April; conditions and avalanche risk are monitored daily and the summit day can move or be cancelled for safety.
- You need stiff B2/B3 mountaineering boots; crampons, ice axe and harness can be rented in Imlil.
- No prior winter experience is required, but you must be a fit hill-walker willing to learn — guide ratios are kept low.
Frequently asked
Do I need experience to climb Toubkal in winter?
No previous winter mountaineering is required, but you must be fit and willing to learn. We run a crampon and ice-axe skills session before the summit and keep ratios low. The normal winter route is steep snow with no roped climbing.
When is the Toubkal winter season?
Roughly December to April, depending on snowfall. This is when crampons and an ice axe are essential — outside this window Toubkal is a non-technical walk on scree and rock.
Private & tailored
Want this Toubkal trip priced for you?
Every itinerary is private and fully adjustable — change the dates, pace, riads or length. Tell us your group and travel window and we'll send a written plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.
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