We followed Toubkal in Winter Feb 1st to 8th – 2014 – with Mgoun in Winter Feb 8th to 15th 2014.
If you are of average fitness, linking the two trips together is something we would suggest you consider as we found it rewarding.

Toubkal

We were lucky it was good settled weather, after a fall of snow as low as Imlil 4-5 days previously.
The Islane Hotel in Marrakesh is ok & centrally based, the breakfast on roof terrace is good with great views over city.
Trek leader Mustapha was great, food was good, and you get snacks each day while you walk.
We used plastic Scarpa Vega and crampons (as we had these) and took 2nd lighter boots.
Something like a Scarpa Manta and crampons would have been better to keep to one pair of boots.
Take a light trainer or slip on beach shoe for Gites as you cannot use boots inside on carpet areas.

The main mountain days are fairly long, especially with the snow. You need to focus to get the best from the experience and great views – Day 4 walk to refuge took 7-8hrs with breaks, Day 5 Toubkal summit was another 8hr day with breaks. Day 6 optional further summit Ras Ouanoukrim  was another 8hr day. Some people in group did not feel like further 3rd day but we would suggest it’s well worth the effort for the interesting scramble & impressive  views.

There was fair amount of hot drinks and soup to aid hydration and some iodine water and boiled water for small flask.  We would suggest you have some water tablets if you want to ensure hydration.

The “all in” meals in Marrakesh were really nice.  All the organisation and support crew were good.
The snow was in good condition

Mgoun

A great trip to follow on from Toubkal.  Mustapha led the trek again, with Hassan.  Mgoun  is more remote than Toubkal.  Because we had a snowfall whilst in Agouti the paths & mountains had a depth of soft snow on them which added to the effort required.  We, or mostly Mustapha broke trail.

This was our first use of snow shoes, no need to worry they are easy enough to learn the basics. We were lucky on the walk in on Day 3 Monday 10th Feb as the falling snow stopped around midday & the sun returned for the trip.  Day 4 walk to refuge was 9hrs with breaks, some great views crossing the cols.  The setting for the refuge with all the snow & views was beautiful.  Couldn’t imagine grazing animals there in the summer.

Day 5 summit, we set off at 5am, daylight by 7am – on reflection unless you are a really strong group or have little snow,  it would be better to start by 4am – Again great views & ridge walk – spot the fossils!   A more sustained & and demanding day than Toubkal.  We got on summit ridge for 12.30pm, 4035m & it was agreed we probably would not have time to get to highest point on ridge. We got back to refuge for 5pm, so a 12hr day with breaks and it might be best to factor in 13hrs.
The snow was a little deep & soft with a crust in sections.but ok.

Great trip we would highly recommend both either separately or together - If you did plan the two together do Toubkal first as Mgoun is more demanding.

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