High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
~ 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 .
Extreme 3 Peaks Weekend
Our "Extreme 3 Peaks" itinerary gives you a chance to summit three 4000m peaks over a long weekend (4 days). The total distance covered is 35km with 3200m of ascent. An example itinerary is below:
- Friday: Meet at Marrakech Airport, taxi to the mountain village of Aroumd for evening meal, kit check and accommodation.
- Saturday: Early breakfast followed by a 5 hour trek to Mountain Refuge at 3200m. Trek: 10km; ascent: 1200m. Lunch in the Refuge then climb Mount Toubkal (4167m) the highest mountain in North Africa. Trek 7km; 1000m ascent. Totals for the day 17km, 2200m ascent.
- Sunday: Early breakfast, summit Ras (4082m) and Timesguida (4061m) descend back to refuge for lunch, then descend back to Aroumd for relaxation. 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 objective 4000m peaks are Mt Toubkal 4167m, Ras 4080m & Timesguida 4000m.
COST: £625 pp
Includes:
Not included:
- Two Guides
- All accommodation
- All meals from Friday evening to Monday morning
- All in-country transport, including airport transfers
- All drinks & local Berber tea (delicious!)
- Advice on gear
Not included:
- Personal travel insurance
- Flights to/from Marrakech (typically around £100 from several UK airports)
- Personal equipment
- Optional extra day to include an afternoon exploring and night out in Marrakech
Want to take this on? Please get in touch: mike@weswimrun.org
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:
1. Am I fit enough?
This Extreme 3 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 2 days. Get in touch if you're unsure and we will be happy to advise: 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 to Marrakech from lots of places. Some of the UK options are: Liverpool; London Heathrow; London Stanstead; 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 be required which can be hired locally for £10. Training will be given.
6. What's the accommodation like?
Where we stay in Aroumd (Friday & Sunday nights) 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 standard is similar to the modern YHA hostels which most people find very comfortable. The mountain refuge (Saturday night), at 3200m, is more like an old-style hostel. It is always warm and the food is plentiful and delicious!
This Extreme 3 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 2 days. Get in touch if you're unsure and we will be happy to advise: 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 to Marrakech from lots of places. Some of the UK options are: Liverpool; London Heathrow; London Stanstead; 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 be required which can be hired locally for £10. Training will be given.
6. What's the accommodation like?
Where we stay in Aroumd (Friday & Sunday nights) 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 standard is similar to the modern YHA hostels which most people find very comfortable. The mountain refuge (Saturday night), at 3200m, is more like an old-style hostel. It is always warm and the food is plentiful and delicious!
The Extreme 3 Peaks itinerary involves some early starts
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.
