THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS
~ Ascending to the mountain refuge, February 2016 ~
The High Atlas Mountains are a superb location for mountaineering, trail running, and altitude training. They provide an accessible option to summit some stunning 4000m peaks, experience the ancient Berber culture, and explore a relatively quiet mountain range in Alpine-esque conditions .
Want more than just the standard "climb Toubkal" itinerary? Then you are in the right place.
THREE 4000m PEAKS
Our "Extreme 3 Peaks" itinerary gives you a chance to summit three 4000m peaks over a long weekend. The total distance covered is 36km with 3200m of ascent. An example itinerary is below:
- Thursday (pm): Meet at Marrakech Airport, taxi to the mountain village for evening meal, kit check and accommodation.
- Friday: Breakfast followed by a 5 hour trek to the mountain refuge at 3200m. A relaxed late lunch in the refuge, followed by a pre-dinner ice axe & crampons skills walk. Trek: 12km; ascent: 1200m.
- Saturday: Our first 4000m peak is Mount Toubkal (4167m) the highest mountain in North Africa. Trek 7km; 1000m ascent. Although short in distance the gradient and altitude make it a challenging day.
- Sunday: Early breakfast, summit Ras (4082m) and Timesguida (4061m) descend back to refuge for lunch, then descend back to the village, and on to Marrakech for some city life and more comfortable Hotel accommodation. Totals for the day 18km, 1000m ascent.
- Monday: Breakfast and onward travel. Taxi to airport included.
We only run these trips when the High Atlas are at their finest, avoiding the heat and dryness of summer. Our main objective 4000m peak is Mt Toubkal 4167m, and if conditions allow Ras 4080m & Timesguida 4000m.
DATES
- Thu 18 - Mon 22 Jan 2024
If you want to hear about additional dates being added for 2024 please subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow on instagram.
COST
We have the option of a payment schedule to make it easier to manage:
- £50 deposit secures your place
- £200 payable by 01 Oct 2023
- £200 payable by 01 Nov 2023
- £195 payable by 01 Dec 2023
£645 pp
An early start for Ras & Timesguida, Feb 2022
Includes:
Not included:
- Two Guides
- All accommodation (Thurs to Mon)
- All meals (except Sunday evening)
- All in-country transport, including airport transfers
- Advice on gear
- Online Kit Q & A session
Not included:
- Personal travel insurance
- Flights to/from Marrakech (typically under £100 from several UK airports)
- Local tips
Secure your place on the 2024 expedition with a £50 deposit:
Are you a group of mountain walkers, trail runners, or just adventure lovers who want to make the most of winter? Get in touch to start the ball rolling.
For the runners, Marrakech Marathon takes place on the final Sunday of January. With this in mind, we can tailor an altitude training itinerary to your needs.
1. Am I fit enough?
This Three 4000m Peaks is a challenging itinerary which is made more difficult with the affects of altitude. You will cover a total of around 35km and 3200m height gain over 3 days. Ground conditions and/or weather can make this more difficult than expected. But don't over-tress, it's no where near as punishing as our Welsh 3000s itinerary.
Get in touch if you're unsure: mike@weswimrun.org
2. How old do I need to be?
The minimum age is 18, unless accompanied by a parent.
3. Do I need to arrange my own flights?
Yes, everything is included except international flights. We will meet you at Marrakech airport and drop you back at the end. All in-country travel, food, accommodation, guiding and instruction is included.
4. Where can I fly from?
You can fly direct to Marrakech from lots of places. Some of the UK options are: London Stanstead; London Gatwick; Manchester.
5. Do I need specialist kit?
You will need similar kit to what you would take when climbing British mountains in winter conditions. Fortunately the High Atlas Mountains have a dryer atmosphere so it is unlikely we will experience rain. You will be sent a full kit list once you have secured your place. Walking axes and/or crampons may well be required which can be hired locally for 10 Euros. Training will be given.
6. What's the accommodation like?
Where we stay in the mountain village (Thurs night) is a traditional guest house with fantastic views up the valley from the large sun terrace. There are a range of hostel style beds and some double en-suites. The mountain refuge (Friday & Saturday nights), at 3200m, is more like an old-style hostel. It is always warm and the food is plentiful and delicious! Sunday night is in a Hotel in Marrakech, much more comfortable.
This Three 4000m Peaks is a challenging itinerary which is made more difficult with the affects of altitude. You will cover a total of around 35km and 3200m height gain over 3 days. Ground conditions and/or weather can make this more difficult than expected. But don't over-tress, it's no where near as punishing as our Welsh 3000s itinerary.
Get in touch if you're unsure: mike@weswimrun.org
2. How old do I need to be?
The minimum age is 18, unless accompanied by a parent.
3. Do I need to arrange my own flights?
Yes, everything is included except international flights. We will meet you at Marrakech airport and drop you back at the end. All in-country travel, food, accommodation, guiding and instruction is included.
4. Where can I fly from?
You can fly direct to Marrakech from lots of places. Some of the UK options are: London Stanstead; London Gatwick; Manchester.
5. Do I need specialist kit?
You will need similar kit to what you would take when climbing British mountains in winter conditions. Fortunately the High Atlas Mountains have a dryer atmosphere so it is unlikely we will experience rain. You will be sent a full kit list once you have secured your place. Walking axes and/or crampons may well be required which can be hired locally for 10 Euros. Training will be given.
6. What's the accommodation like?
Where we stay in the mountain village (Thurs night) is a traditional guest house with fantastic views up the valley from the large sun terrace. There are a range of hostel style beds and some double en-suites. The mountain refuge (Friday & Saturday nights), at 3200m, is more like an old-style hostel. It is always warm and the food is plentiful and delicious! Sunday night is in a Hotel in Marrakech, much more comfortable.
An early start in 2019
To date our groups have a 100% summit success rate (since our first trip in 2011).
From January 2019 it is a requirement for anyone climbing into the High Atlas Mountains to have an additional local Berber guide, this is included in the price.
