Climbers return to Mount Toubkal as region recovers from Al Haouz quake

As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake, resilient climbers are making their way to Mount Toubkal, a snow-capped pinnacle soaring to 4.167 meters and a favored winter destination among climbing enthusiasts.

The apex of Toubkal is distinguished by an iconic landmark, a substantial four-legged metal pyramid adorned with the names of intrepid climbers who have conquered the arduous two-day ascent, reports “Much Better Adventures” media.

Despite the seismic disturbances that shifted the earth around the pyramid, locals have fortified its foundation with a cluster of stones, steadfastly maintaining its position.

Mohamed Aztat, an Amazigh guide based in Imlil, reflects on the unique allure of Toubkal in winter, stating, “If you climb in winter, you see the mountains covered in snow, and because the temperature is down, there’s less haze, so you can see a lot further to the south from the summit, whereas in summer, because of the heat, you can’t see as much.

Since the earthquake, hundreds of climbers have ascended Toubkal, and operations are running as smoothly as they did before the seismic event. However, this business is still grappling with the aftermath, and things are moving a bit slower, added Aztat.

Recounting his personal connection to Toubkal, Aztat in an interview with Much Better Adventures, “I first climbed Toubkal in 1991, as a child. Before I worked as a guide, I worked as a muleteer during the school holidays. My first time climbing Toubkal was when I was 13 years old, and now I’m 45.”

The journey to the summit of Mount Toubkal typically spans two days, commencing from Imlil. The first day entails a hike through the Toubkal Valley, passing Amazigh farming villages and ascending from the foothills into the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The night is spent at the Neltner Refuge, or ‘Refuge de Toubkal,’ situated at 3.207 meters. 

Originally constructed by the Club Alpin Français in 1938 and completely renovated in 1999, the refuge serves as a vital waypoint for climbers embarking on this challenging expedition.