guided mountain adventure
A beautiful journey of discovery through the heart of the High Atlas mountains in winter ascending high peaks, enjoying some steep ski descents and experiencing remote Berber villages with their renowned hospitality.
This is an opportunity to combine excellent early season ski touring with the unique culture and customs of this fascinating North African country. We start and finish the trip in Marrakesh - a historic melting pot of frenetic activity!
Day 1
Arrive in Marrakesh. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel Riad Omar just a few minutes walk from the Jemaa el Fna Square. This is an authentic Moroccan Riad on the edge of the old town. Time to explore – the Souk, Medina, museums, palaces and gardens - and soak up the unique atmosphere of this enchanting and historic city.
Day 2
Depart the hotel at 6 am for the 2-hour journey by private Landcruiser 4x4s along mountain roads to the trailhead at Oukaimeden, which is also the highest ski resort in North Africa.
Once on our skis the route takes us over Tizi'n Eddi (2928m) followed by a descent into the Tachddirt valley and the villages of Tameguist and Tachddirt (2250m). Stay overnight in the village.
Duration: 4-6 hours.
Day 3
Ascent of Tizi'n Likemt (3615m) followed by a stunning descent.
At the foot of the mountains the mules will be waiting for us for the interesting trek over the Col de Tamatert (2279m) to M'Zik (1750m). Views en-route of the mountain oasis at Imlil. Stay overnight in the village.
Duration: 5-8 hours.
Day 4
A long uphill day, walking and skinning to the Toubkal hut (3100m)
Overnight at the hut
Duration: 4-7 hours.
Day 5
Toubkal ascent (4167m). This is the highest mountain in North Africa and with clear weather the panoramic views from the summit are just astonishing.
Depending on snow conditions you may not be able to ascend to the summit on skis but will need to climb in boots to reach the top.
Return to the hut via the same route.
Duration: 5-7 hours.
Day 6
The beautiful ski traverse and ascent of Tizi'n Tadat (3600m) with stunning panoramic views. This is followed by an excellent descent to Tazarharht hut (3300m).
Night in the hut.
Duration: 5-8 hours.
Day 7
Early start for the ascent of Tazarharht (3980m). Return to the hut and the ski down to M'zik and Imlil.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Drive back to Marrakesh via Asni, site of one of the largest souks. Celebrate a great trip with dinner on the terrace enjoying superb views across the city. Overnight at the Hotel Riad Omar**
Day 8
Breakfast in the hotel. Return to the airport for the flight home.
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Day 1
Arrive in Marrakesh. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel Riad Omar just a few minutes walk from the Jemaa el Fna Square. This is an authentic Moroccan Riad on the edge of the old town. Time to explore – the Souk, Medina, museums, palaces and gardens - and soak up the unique atmosphere of this enchanting and historic city.
Day 2
Depart the hotel at 6 am for the 2-hour journey by private Landcruiser 4x4s along mountain roads to the trailhead at Oukaimeden, which is also the highest ski resort in North Africa.
Once on our skis the route takes us over Tizi'n Eddi (2928m) followed by a descent into the Tachddirt valley and the villages of Tameguist and Tachddirt (2250m). Stay overnight in the village.
Duration: 4-6 hours.
Day 3
Ascent of Tizi'n Likemt (3615m) followed by a stunning descent.
At the foot of the mountains the mules will be waiting for us for the interesting trek over the Col de Tamatert (2279m) to M'Zik (1750m). Views en-route of the mountain oasis at Imlil. Stay overnight in the village.
Duration: 5-8 hours.
Day 4
A long uphill day, walking and skinning to the Toubkal hut (3100m)
Overnight at the hut
Duration: 4-7 hours.
Day 5
Toubkal ascent (4167m). This is the highest mountain in North Africa and with clear weather the panoramic views from the summit are just astonishing.
Depending on snow conditions you may not be able to ascend to the summit on skis but will need to climb in boots to reach the top.
Return to the hut via the same route.
Duration: 5-7 hours.
Day 6
The beautiful ski traverse and ascent of Tizi'n Tadat (3600m) with stunning panoramic views. This is followed by an excellent descent to Tazarharht hut (3300m).
Night in the hut.
Duration: 5-8 hours.
Day 7
Early start for the ascent of Tazarharht (3980m). Return to the hut and the ski down to M'zik and Imlil.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Drive back to Marrakesh via Asni, site of one of the largest souks. Celebrate a great trip with dinner on the terrace enjoying superb views across the city. Overnight at the Hotel Riad Omar**
Day 8
Breakfast in the hotel. Return to the airport for the flight home.
We will make every endeavour to carry out this itinerary. However, depending on the snow and weather conditions, the itinerary may have to change.
The price includes all guide fees and expenses, all accommodation and meals (except lunches and evening meals in Marrakesh); all transport in Morocco, local porters & mules.
The price excludes travel to/from Morocco, personal insurance, equipment hire, drinks, tips and any other personal expenses.
This is advanced ski tour in rugged mountain country with steep ascents and descents up to 40-45º. Previous multi-day ski touring is essential. Emergency rescue facilities in the mountains are very limited and you need to be able to deal with demanding conditions and basic facilities.
2 nights in an authentic Moroccan Riad in central Marrakesh
3 nights in CAF (Club Alpin Francais) refuges on Toubkal and Tazaghart. The refuges are basic mountain huts with dormitory style accommodation and very limited facilities. Food is plentiful and excellent.
2 nights in villages either staying with local Berber families or in CAF refuges.
This trip will be led by one of our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. We are teaming up with a local Moroccan Guide, Brahim Errachiki and using porters and mules to carry our gear on to/off the mountains so that you only need to tour with a light pack.
A copy of our recommended kit list will be sent to you at the time of booking.
Ski touring skis, boots, bindings, skins and ski crampons are essential for this tour.
You will also need an ice axe but a harness and boot crampons are not required.
All skiers will need to carry a pack (max 30 - 40 litres) with safety gear, a minimal change of clothes and personal items.
Everyone is expected to ski at all times with the three essential items of avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, shovel and probe.
Easyjet fly from London Gatwick to Marrakesh (2½ hour flight).
Return flight prices start at about £150 per person.
I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.
I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.
This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Alpine Ski Tours.
During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities – running cold water, European-style toilets, dormitory-style accommodation. All the huts provide ‘hut slippers’ – these days they are usually crocs - and so you will not need to carry additional footwear.
Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag at your first hotel ready for your return on the final night.
We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day ski touring, try taking your pack out on the slopes before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘skiing light’.
If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.
When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think lightweight, comfortable and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep out the chill to warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucsac. Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands have suitable clothing for backcountry skiing.
to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Although we do recommend helmets for off-piste skiing, for ski touring they are not essential and actually can be a hindrance – they are hot, heavy and you can’t hear very well when wearing it
a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name!
made of breathable material (Gore-tex or equivalent) with an excellent hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than a padded jacket and you supplement this with some good quality thermal base and mid layer tops following the principle of layering – i.e. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity
For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (longjohns). These can then be combined with either
in a goretex fabric (such as the Berghaus Couloir pant) or
together with a pair of lightweight, breathable overtrousers with long side zips
Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Icebreaker and Smartwool. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
2-3 thin fleeces rather than fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell
an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility
good quality goretex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell gloves for when it is hot and for skinning in
if you feel the cold
Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs
a light and comfortable shirt to change into once you get to the huts. Most huts sell their own t-shirts, so save weight and have a souvenir at the same time!
For our alpine ski tours we recommend an all-mountain touring ski that isn’t too heavy. A really lightweight ski comes at a cost to performance on the descents so are only recommended for really good off-piste skiers with a strong interest in ski touring.
There are plenty of great skis to choose from and here are 4 recommendations
a light touring ski which skis well in all conditions, 80mm underfoot
very easy to ski, lightweight for the uphills! 80mm underfoot
a very light uphill ski for expert ski tourers, 75mm underfoot
a good all round touring ski, 88mm underfoot
If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing then these are great recommendations. If you are going to be renting skis then these models are not always available in every shop but you will be able to rent something similar by another manufacturer that will work just as well.
Garmont and Scarpa lead the field in touring boots and we recommend
Lightweight Touring Boots (ideal for good skiers)
both 3 buckle boots which are light but good to ski in
very light, great to walk in but you lose a bit of performance - dedicated tourers only!
top choice! Awesome performance for skiing and pretty light. Particularly suitable for a narrow foot
this is the very light, 3 buckle version and is equally good to ski in but 400g lighter
Heavier Ski Tourers
both great downhill performers but not that light – ideal for fit but less adept skiers!
again both great downhill but rather heavy for the uphills
These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf¹ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
Fritschi lead the way here with their Diamir bindings, Marker have produced 2 touring bindings the Duke and the Barron which both work very well but are quite heavy. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the Dynafit “pin” binding system; they are very light, offer excellent security despite their minimalist looks!
We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks.
cut to fit exactly to your skis. Bring some duct tape in case of sticking problems
general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick, keep it short (50cm)
lightweight aluminum alloy crampons are suitable for this tour and are a great weight saver compared to steel crampons
most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding.
a simple lightweight harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots and crampons
most of our guides use and recommend the BCA Tracker although other digital models are entirely suitable
now compulsory in most huts
good quality with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
good quality with 100% UV protection
35-40 litre (2100-2400 cubic inches) with straps for carrying skis
we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they have a tendency to freeze
with small personal first aid items ie any medications, wet wipes, blister kit. The guide will carry comprehensive set for all other needs
Most huts have limited washing facilites
lightweight and carry spare batteries
optional. Your guide will have these
with a large capacity memory card
most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not the alpine huts. You should allow about 25-30 Swiss francs or €15-20 per day for lunch and drinks
for gear that is not required on the tour – can be left in your first hotel and collected on return
Please note that your guide will have a few “spares” and other saftey items that he or she will ask the group to carry between them; so leave a small space in your sack for an item e.g. spare skin, spare ski pole, emergency shelter
The Kingdom of Morocco is in North Africa. It borders Algeria to the east and has a disputed border to the south. It has a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean.
Morocco gained its independence from France in 1956 and so celebrated 50 years of independence in 2006. It is a constitutional Monarchy. The capital city is Rabat.
Marrakesh is the main city in the south-west of the country in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It is renowned for having the largest souk (market) in Morocco and the busines square (Djemaa el Fna) in all of Africa. It is a historic and vibrant city.
The Atlas Mountains extend about 2,400kms through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
The highest peak is Toubkal (4167m) in south-western Morocco. The range is divided into the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas.
The High Atlas mountains has a varied weather system with snow falling regularly in the higher elevations well into spring and with good conditions there is excellent ski touring.
Likewise in summer the High Atlas is an excellent venue for trekking.
250 York Road, London
SW11 3SJ, United Kingdom
info@mountaintracks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 2978
Fax: +44 (0)20 7905 0921
