Winter has truly come to the Atlas Mountains now. Above 3000m it is full-on snow and ice.

With almost two weeks of continuous bad weather and snowfall at the beginning of November, a significant amount of snow has been deposited.

Now that the weather has calmed the conditions are simply stunning. Clear blue skies and warm sun gleaming off the snowy peaks.

As this good weather is expected to last for a while, the snowline is expected to gradually melt higher. But as yet it is still snowy from the refuge upwards. Mules should be able to get through to the refuge since the path is now well trodden and no new snow is falling.

Remember to bring plenty of warm layers if you are climbing Toubkal this month, it’s a lot colder up there than in sunny Marrakech. Winter gear (ice axe and crampons) is pretty essential too.

Enjoy the snow. Winter has come early this year!

Marc