Jbel Toubkal Winter Trek | 2025 Trip Report

Morocco stands out as one of our favourite destinations to take clients. The contrast between the bustling streets of Marrakech and the serene Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains is truly striking. Marrakech’s vibrant energy, filled with lots of noise and aromas, gives way to the peaceful, timeless charm of mountain life.

For those unfamiliar with Morocco, the Atlas Mountains lie about two hours south of Marrakech. The snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas were formed by tectonic plates pushing the sea bed over 4,000 meters into the sky. In winter, the climate is far more stable than the Alps or the UK, often boasting weeks of clear blue skies paired with freezing temperatures—perfect for a unique winter trekking experience.

The proper start of the trek began in Imlil after our guests arrived at our Riad in Marrakech the day before. We enjoyed coffee at a friend’s hotel before wandering the village to stretch our legs. After picking up snacks for the trek, we walked along a mountain track with sweeping views of the valley before arriving at our Riad in Armed Village, our base for the night.
That evening, we gathered around the fire, sipping tea while the temperatures plummeted outside. The cosy warmth of the fire was very welcome as the cold began to bite, our guides Mohamed, Ahmed, and our talented chef Fumar joined us for a chat, ensuring everything was prepped for the days ahead.

The next morning welcomed us with another clear blue sky and breathtaking views towards Jbel Toubkal from the Riad. After breakfast, we packed our daypacks, leaving our overnight bags for the muleteers to carry to the refuge.

Lunchtime brought a delicious spread: Beef Kofta, Vegetarian Tagine, fresh bread, and the iconic Moroccan mint tea. We soaked in the views and reapplied SPF 50 under the intense sun.

We reached the refuge around 3 PM, where our team had coffee and tea waiting. We checked into a spacious dorm reserved exclusively for our group, giving us plenty of room to relax and prepare for the days ahead. The evening was filled with hearty food, laughter, and an early bedtime.

The following day focused on winter skills training. Many clients hadn’t worn crampons all season, so it was the perfect opportunity to get comfortable again, reduce any gear-related fuss, and fine-tune what to carry for summit day. We hiked to a nearby 3,800m pass, a great chance to enjoy the snow and acclimate to the altitude.

Back at the refuge, we discussed summit day plans and gear while mingling with other trekkers. Another early night awaited us, with a 5 AM start looming.

Summit day greeted us with clear skies and biting cold. To avoid reaching the peak at sunrise - when wind chill would be brutal - we set off at 6 AM. The wind at the summit could drop the temperature to -25°C, so timing was important for a more enjoyable trek to the summit. 

Walking under the stars, we watched the sunrise as we neared the 3,900m shoulder. The cold intensified, prompting us to layer up with heavier jackets and gloves for the final push. The ridge walk to the summit was a bit more tricky with the firm snow but our team made steady progress to the top.

Reaching the summit, we were rewarded with solitude and sweeping views. The sun began to warm us, and our timing paid off as other groups had already descended. Our 2:1 guide ratio ensured safety on the firm snow, and watching Mohamed and Ahmed expertly lead the group was great, those guys really work hard and are very skilled in the mountains.

The descent was smooth, though the summit ridge demanded careful footing. Firm snow made for a quick return to the refuge, where tea, coffee, and biscuits awaited. We basked in the afternoon sun, sharing stories and enjoying a well-earned rest.

Our final night at the refuge was filled with great food and a celebratory atmosphere. The next morning, we trekked back to Imlil, stopping for an espresso at a local trader in Chamharouch. After a short break in Armed village, where the guides changed clothes, we completed the walk back to Imlil.

A late lunch awaited us, followed by a minibus ride back to Marrakech. There, we enjoyed a few days of sunbathing, relaxation, and, of course, more excellent coffee.

Our last evening featured a memorable meal in the Medina, the perfect ending to an incredible trip shared with a fantastic group.

Our Winter Toubkal Treks offer an ideal introduction to high-altitude trekking, especially for those with some winter walking experience. Led by TMC owner Matt Cooper, alongside expert Moroccan Mountain Guides Mohamed and Ahmed, these treks combine adventure, culture, and unforgettable mountain moments on Jbel Toubkal. Come and join us in February or our summer trek in June.

[Click here to view our Morocco Treks]