A ski expedition to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco will treat you to the best skiing on the continent of Africa and a great way to complete ski or snowboarding the Seven Continents.
The skiing is just one part of this adventure and other highlights include exploring the country’s rich and exotic history and culture. The skiing consists of various objectives (from 600m to1200m descents) including a summit and descent of Jbel M’goun (4071m; 13,356ft), the second highest peak in North Africa, Jbel Oumsoud (3883m), Jbel Tarkeddit (3650m), and Jbel Azourki (3677m).
Morocco is a land of inspiration, exoticism, awe-inspiring scenery, grand architecture and graciously hospitable people. Few places in the world will overwhelm your senses with contrasts as intense as Morocco’s sharp white sun against towering golden limestone cliffs; expansive vistas of palm trees framed in 4,000m snow-capped peaks; slow-cooked dishes bursting with the flavour of preserved lemons, green olives and cumin; robed and hooded nomads traversing the desert alongside masses of camels, sheep, and goats; and narrow, winding medieval streets bustling with merchants, artisans, storytellers and snake charmers.
Travel away from the trodden tourist circuit, deep into the heart of Morocco and North Africa. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable culture and inspirational journey.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Length of Trip: 12 days
Trip Dates: February
Trip Cost: Private groups only, reach out for a quote
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ITINERARY
This is a sample itinerary. We will fine tune the final agenda depending on the snow conditions and group fitness.
February 15 – Day 1, Group Arrives Marrakech – Meet Moroccan Mountain Guide.
• Stay at historical riad in ancient medina, Riad Kheireddine or similar.
February 16 – Day 2, Marrakech Tours.
• Morning bicycle tour of ancient city.
• Afternoon historic monuments tour with licensed city guide.
February 17, – Day 3, Oukaimeden
• Transport after breakfast to Oukaimeden ski area.
• Off-piste ski tour from resort to CAF Refuge Tacheddirt.
• Sleep Refuge Tacheddirt.
February 18, – Day 4, Jbel Adrar
• Ski north face of Jbel Adrar.
• Transport to Marrakech.
February 19 – Day 5, Travel to Central High Atlas Mountains
• Private transport to Ait Bouguemez Valley. (5 hours)
• Mule and porter assisted hike to Arouss village. (2 hours)
• Sleep at mountain gite. Rustic mountain gite, shared rooms, showers, toilets.
February 20 – Day 6, Tarkeddit Refuge Approach
• Mule and porter assisted hike to Tarkeddit Refuge.
• Sleep at Tarkeddit Refuge. Basic mountain shelter.
February 21 – Day 7, Ski Jbel Oumsoud
• Ski Jbel Oumsoud (3883m).
• Sleep at Tarkeddit Refuge.
February 22 – Day 8, Ski Jbel Mgoun
• Ski Jbel Mgoun (4068m).
• Sleep at Tarkeddit Refuge.
February 23 – Day 9, Ski Jbel Tarkeddit.
• Depart refuge after breakfast.
• Climb Jbel Tarkeddit (3650m), ski down to snow line, hike to Arouss. (5+ hours
hiking and skiing)
• Transport to Zawiya Ahansal. (2.5 hours)
• Stay in Maison d’Hotes Dar Ahansal.
February 24 – Day 10, Zawiya Ahansal and Ski Jbel Azourki
• Transport to Jbel Azourki after breakfast. (1 hour)
• Ski Jbel Azourki (3690m).
• Transport to Zawiya Ahansal. (1 hour drive)
• Stay Dar Ahansal.
February 25 – Day 11, Ski Jbel Azourki and Transport to Marrakech
• Transport to Jbel Azourki after breakfast. (1 hour)
• Ski Jbel Azourki (3690m).
• Transport to Marrakech. (4 hours)
• Stay at historical riad in ancient medina.
February 26 – Day 12, Fly home
• Airport transfers to Marrakech airport.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Moroccan mountain guide and translator/cultural liaison (French, English, Arabic, Berber), mules, porters. Please note: the Moroccan mountain guide is NOT a ski guide, these guides are licensed by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism to accompany foreigners in the mountains and have solid trekking skills.
- Private transfers to and from Marrakech airport on arrival and departure by licensed Moroccan tourist transport company.
- 4×4 or minibus transport by licensed Moroccan tourist transport company.
Riad, traditional courtyard house, in Marrakech. Double or single occupancy, private bath, a/c. - Mountain guesthouse in Ait Bouguemez. Shared occupancy, shared bathroom and showers.
- Tarkeddit Refuge. Shared occupancy, no modern toilet, no shower. Sleeping bag required.
- Dar Ahansal Maison D’Hôtes, Zawiya Ahansal. Double or single occupancy, private bath.
- Bottled and/or treated drinking water at hotels and guesthouses – participants must bring personal water treatment systems for nights camping or at refuges. Our staff will have a back up water treatment system for the group.
- Tips for drivers, porters, and muleteers.
- Registration with Moroccan tourism and internal affairs authorities.
- Organization of all logistics, meals, transport, local staff.
- Meals and drinks as specified in the itinerary. Lunches and dinners in Marrakech are NOT included.
- Mark’s guiding fees and expenses.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Medical, travel, and rescue insurance. Medical and rescue insurance are required. Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is highly recommended.
- Warm sleeping bag. (required for nights at refuge and camping)
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone charges, and all items of personal nature.
- Personal trail snacks (protein bars, jerky etc.).
- International air travel.
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary. Lunches and dinners in Marrakech are NOT included.
- Items on packing list.
- Mobile phone minutes, satellite phone or Internet communications.
- Tips for Moroccan Mountain Guide (suggested tip: 250 Moroccan dirhams per day)