About Toubkal Refuge

Our History

Historical Background

Following the initial forays of tourists in the High Atlas in the late 19th century, alpine activities began to flourish in the Toubkal Massif after World War I. In 1922, a select group of French climbers established the Moroccan French Alpine Club`s High Atlas section. Recognized as the highest peak in the High Atlas and North Africa in 1922, Jebel Toubkal (4167m), known as Adrar-n-Drer in the Amazigh language, was first ascended in 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger, and Hubert Dobeau. However, prior to this, local inhabitants in the high valleys had already paid homage to the peak by creating small kerkours (piles of stones with symbolic and religious significance.

The systematic exploration of the massif was initiated by members of the French Alpine Club as well as various scientists responsible for surveying these regions under the Protectorate`s administration. Consequently, the notion of establishing a permanent base at the foot of the northern slopes of Toubkal gained traction.

The Refuge Issougan not ouagouns (named after the local azibs, temporary dwellings utilized by mountain shepherds and transhumant populations) was constructed during the summer of 1938 at the base of the South Ighibi, the standard ascent route of Toubkal, at an elevation of 3207m above sea level on the left bank of the Assif Ait Mizan. The structure, later named after its principal benefactor Louis Neltner, a renowned geologist and mountaineer assigned to chart the maps of the Moroccan massif, was soon known as the Toubkal Refuge, currently managed by the CAF section of Casablanca.

Initially housing 17 berths, a communal room, and a single WC, the former Neltner refuge catered to the needs of mountaineers and passing skiers for two decades. However, in the late 1950s, Toubkal opened up to international tourism, leading to frequent overcrowding issues. Despite the addition of a dormitory in 1973, the situation remained untenable. In 1997, architect Claude Verdugo proposed a renovation project for the refuge. After a summer of work, the new Toubkal Refuge was inaugurated on November 22, 1999, as it stands today (with 86 beds for tourists and 20 beds for mules).

A micro hydro-electric power plant was installed to meet the refuge`s energy needs. The renovated Toubkal Refuge now boasts all the modern amenities of a comfortable and spacious shelter, making it a popular choice among hikers and mountaineers accustomed to the comforts of European shelters.

The architecture and layout of the buildings were meticulously designed to blend with the unique nature of the High Atlas massif and to honor the traditional Berber habitat. Specialists in this specific type of electricity production in high altitudes contributed to the project`s realization.

The power plant (3 KW) was selected to harness the best available water resources on the site and meet the shelter`s energy demands. The total cost of the project, including the micro center, infrastructure, control equipment, and installation, is estimated at 30,000 Euros. The French Alpine Club has already allocated 15,000 Euros for the implementation of water intake infrastructure, the penstock, and the turbo generator. This power plant will complete the renovation of the entire refuge, allowing the new buildings to run on clean, natural energy.