It’s been a while since we did our last Toubkal weather update. As you can see from the pictures, there has been a lot of snow over the autumn. The snowline is now down below the refuge, with good cover above 3000m.

As of this week, mules are still able to take baggage to the refuge. But if we get more snow in the coming days then it will probably be necessary to hire porters as mules can’t walk in icy conditions.

The normal route up Toubkal from the refuges (South Coll route) is hard packed and easy to follow. Crampons are essential as the snow is frozen solid in the early morning when most groups are leaving the refuge. An Ice-axe is optional, but we recommend a pair of trekking poles with snow baskets attached.

The North Coll route is doable but there is no broken trail, and the powder snow is currently knee deep, so leave extra time if you are attempting this. It will be quite hard work ploughing through the powder.

Conditions this autumn have been fairly unsettled. The pattern so far has been several days of rain/snow followed by a few days of sun, and then more rain. So make sure to check the forecast carefully before ascending.

There is now a weather information board in Imlil just after the bridge, by Café Soleil. This usually flashes up a bad weather warning when storms are predicted, which has happened several times this autumn.

Finally, watch out for flash flooding and landslides. The road from Asni to Imlil has been cut off several times in the past month by landslides. These happen after heavy rain.

Enjoy your Toubkal adventures, and stay safe!

For more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.