Visible on the horizon from a palm-tree covered Marrakech, the vast wall that is the High Atlas Mountains is cut off by snow from mid-November onwards. This trip takes place within a hidden Berber world and involves close contact with

the local villagers. The long valleys which are skiable in winter here have a reputation for being unmissable. They are steep and enclosed and snow which has blown off the summits remains there for a long time. Traveling over the high passes, we reach deep valleys and villages built above the terraced fields and walnut trees. Mules carry our equipment during this trek providing us with a welcome if somewhat unusual form of assistance.

Our base, the Kasbah du Toubkal, in the village of Imlil is somewhere you will not easily forget. The nights we spend in rustic mountain huts are largely compensated for by the comfort experienced in this impressive riad.

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : This is an unusual way to discover the Moroccan mountains at a time of year when they 

                             are not overcrowded.

                             It is easy to interact with the locals as we will be traveling with a Berber guide, cooking    

                             team and muleteers.

                             Our Moroccan friends provide us with a warm welcome and good organizational skills.

Best time of year : February - March

Dates : Saturday 5 March to Sunday 13 March 2011

Number of days away : 9

Number of days skiing : 6

Level : 4 to 5 hours to walk up - For competent skiers.

Number of participants : 6 people per 1 guide

Accommodation : We stay in a riad in Marrakech and with local people or in mountain huts during        

                                 the tour. Riads are comfortable houses located in the medina (the old town hidden 

                                 inside the city’s ramparts) that are built around a peaceful central square courtyard 

                                 usually containing plants or trees and a fountain.

Formalities : Passport that is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the routes can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported   

                                             by mules and porters.

Local transport : Minibuses and four-wheel-drive vehicles are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :  € 1940  per person excluding flights. + Flight to Marrakech.

                At the time we planned this trip, tickets cost approximately € 350.

Air Travel : Please ask us for more information.