Morocco

Skiing the Atlas Mountains

Intermediate-Expert
8 guests
From $7,000

The High Atlas Mountains of Morocco are home to the best skiing on the African continent. With a wide variety of terrain ranging from mellow bowls all the way up to 2,500’+ couloirs, there is something for every skier and condition.

Upcoming Trips

Feb 28 - Mar 8, 2027 9 days

1 Upcoming Trip View Dates

Overview

Join us for a slice of the people, culture and skiing of one of the most exotic locations on earth.

The High Atlas Mountains of Morocco are home to the best skiing on the African continent. This nine day trip includes a cross-section of the best natural and cultural attractions in Morocco. This unique trip captures a slice of the people, culture, and skiing of one of the most exotic locations on earth.

After arriving in the ancient city of Marrakesh, we will take a day to recover from jet-lag, collect any lost luggage and tour the vast central Medina marketplace. The following day we’ll move up into the mountains for a day and a half days of ski touring around the Oukaimden area before transferring to the town of Imlil. From here we will use mules to carry our ski gear up Toubkal where we will spend the next two days climbing and skiing around the highest point in Morocco, the 13,671’ (4167m) Jebel Toubkal. The ascent of Toubkal involves a day with 3,000’/1000m of skinning and booting to reach the spectacular summit, followed by a sweeping ski descent all the way back to the refuge.

Gallery

Itinerary

Arrival

Afternoon arrival Marrakech airport. Welcome dinner, night at Riad la Perle Rouge or equivalent.
Day 2

Morning tour Marrakech. Afternoon free to explore. Night at Riad la Perle Rouge or equivalent.
Day 3

Transfer to Oukaimeden. Afternoon ski tour. Night at Hotel Chez JUJU.
Day 4

Ski tour/hike Oukaimeden and Tachedirt area, transfer to Imlil. Night at Dar Imlil or equivalent.
Day 5

Morning departure from Imlil, hike/climb to Refuge Les Mouflons. Night at Refuge Les Mouflons or equivalent.
Day 6

Skiing in upper valley or summit Toubkal depending on weather. Night at Refuge Les Mouflons or equivalent.
Day 7

Toubkal reserve day or skiing in Toubkal valley. Transfer back to Imlil. Night at Dar Imlil or equivalent.
Day 8

Transfer back to Marrakech. Farewell dinner, night at Riad la Perle Rouge or equivalent.
Day 9

Depart for home.
*Itinerary is tentative and subject to change depending on conditions.

Inclusions

All transportation including airport transfers
All Accommodations in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
Breakfast and dinner in Marrakech
All meals in Oukaimeden, Imlil and Toubkal
Breakfast and dinner in the Sahara
Ski guide services, 4:1 ratio
Guides and mules to carry the luggage and your skis

Pricing Details

Cost (per guest):

: $7,000 per guest

Activity Options (per guest):

Sahara Sand Skiing Add-On:: $850 per guest

Learn More

Our Guides

Meet your guides.

Kai Girard

Jackson, Wyoming

Sarah Halas

Tahoe City, California

Glen Poulsen

Tahoe City, California

Andrew McLean

Park City, Utah

Questions

Get ready for the journey.

: Book your Expedition through our website or call +1-530-582-1246
: If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which Ice Axe Expeditions cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.
: All requests for cancellations must be received in writing (via email). Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person, with no exceptions. If cancellation is received between 180 and 95 days prior to departure, the 50% deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 94 days prior to departure, all deposits are forfeited.

If cancellation occurs within the 94-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. If for any reason the voyage on the vessel is cancelled, passengers will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation or damages, for any loss, consequential damage, expenses, loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation arising, whether or not such cancellation arises in whole or in part as a consequence of any act or omission of Ice Axe Expeditions or its servants or agents. For these and other reasons mentioned below, passengers are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance.

*Please refer to specific expedition pages for varying cancellation policies.
: We require that you have at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance coverage. Your insurance policy should cover ski mountaineering/hazardous sports. We cannot confirm each client’s policy individually; it is your responsibility to make sure your policy will cover you while you participate in your activities of choice on the expedition. We recommend including TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION coverage in addition to the mandatory medical evacuation coverage.

You can find medical evacuation insurance resources here.

Some expeditions have different coverage minimums, please refer to specific expedition pages for requirements.
: At 31 degrees north, the Atlas Mountains are at roughly the same latitude as Los Angeles, but quite a bit higher. The average elevations we will be skiing in are around 6,000’ to 8,500’ with a one day trek to 13,671’ to ski Toubkal, which at is the high point of Morocco. The snow can range anywhere from powder to hard pack and the terrain can be anything from gentle open slopes to rowdy couloirs.

Like all things skiing, it will depend on the conditions. The temperatures are fairly mild and similar to skiing in California or Utah. Strong winds are one of the most predominate weather features. Unlike the Alps or many places in North America, the Atlas Mountains have a very short spring skiing season where the temperatures heat up quickly and the snow melts off in a few weeks or a month.

The approach and ski ascent/descent of Toubkal is strenuous, especially in firm, icy conditions. Ski crampons, boot crampons, and an ice axe are required.
: Day 8: Imlil to Dades Gorge. Night at Xaluca Dades.
Day 9: Dades Gorge to Todra Gorge, morning Via Ferrata then continue to Merzouga, Sahara Desert. Night at Luxury Camp Chebbi.
Day 10: Sahara sand skiing, Merzouga to Ait Ben Haddou. Night at Riad Caravane or similar.
Day 11: Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech. Night at Riad la Perle Rouge.
Day 12: Depart for home.
: Skis/Splitboard (appropriate for ski mountaineering)
Skins (fit to skis/board)
Alpine touring boots
Ski poles
Ice axe (45-50 cm lightweight)
Ski crampons (compatible with bindings)
Boot crampons
Ski backpack (30-40 liters)
Avalanche Transceiver
Avalanche Shovel
Avalanche Probe
Sleeping bag (~20-30°F)
Headlamp
Stuff sack/spare duffel

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From Our Clients

“5 star 🌟 quality 👌, great guides and well planned. Was an epic experience! I would definitely use Ice Axe on any future adventure.”

Adam M., Edmonton, Canada
Atlas Mountains 2023

“The trip was a great experience, I would recommend Ice Axe as I felt everything was well organized. Guides were helpful and very knowledgeable about the terrain we were in. Well done!”

Neil M., Edmonton, Canada
Atlas Mountains 2023

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Overview

Join us for a slice of the people, culture and skiing of one of the most exotic locations on earth.

Gallery

Itinerary

Arrival

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9