General Information

"Son [from Hotel Ali]  enquired of the helpful bloke about gas cartridges, and whether we'd need to head off out to the huge air-conditioned 'Super Store' at the end of the road for them. He swiftly led us out of Ali's back door, over the road, through an arcade, turned left, and about the third tiny shop on the left was able to supply blue Camping Gaz in pretty well any size, from the pierce-able 140g, up through the Camping Gaz re-sealable (no use if you use the normal world-standard screw on re-sealables, unless you have the MSR universal (=£60 or more) burner). I bought two of the blue jobs, at a bargain asking price, and never used them! (The www.summitpost.org page on the CAF refuge is wrong about being allowed to use your own cooker: at the summit, it was probably too cold for butane, and in any case I doubt even my JetBoil would have lit in the gale!) I gave them both to the Gardien at the refuge, and he seemed pleased."

Snow Conditions
Q. We are planning a short trek in the High Atlas at the beginning of May this year - starting in Imlil and doing a small circuit to include Toubkal (probably by N Cwm). Having problems getting definitive advice on expected weather conditions and need for ice axes and maybe crampons at that time (current sources have said definitely not, and yes, they are needed!). Not keen to carry them if not required - could you advise?

A. The reason you get different answers is because it is a difficult question to answer clearly. Some years the snow is completely cleared off by May, certainly on the upper sections where the slopes are exposed to the sun. However, some years there are places in the valley where pockets of hard snow will hang on for a good while. I would check nearer the time, and if worst comes to worse you can always rent out some kit when you get here.