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**Cyri** · #1 12 Jan 2015

Am I crazy to think I could cross the Tichka pass on moto this week from Ouarzazate to Marrakech? just a little bit outside of Taroudant right now. Does the heat of the day normally return the blacktop to dry conditions after a snow in January? Are there any links to road conditions in the pass?

Also does anyone know where I could get camping gaz in Marrakech?

**Chris Scott** · #2 12 Jan 2015

I dont think the Tichka is blocked with snow for weeks at a time - more like a few days at most and the ploughs get right on it.
Ask around - if Tichka is closed it is big disruption so word will get out.

No official links (phone lines/www) to High Atlas road conditions afaik.
Best seems to be the sticky 'Severe weather and closures…' post at the top of this forum.

Test pass is less snow prone I am told, but currently being widened on the south side so up to an hour's delay.

**Cyri** · #3 12 Jan 2015

Thanks Chris. I guess the main question is whether the road returns to blacktop after being driven on with snow. Hard pack becomes ice and the plows go right over it, so only warm weather or Sun can take it off, or a lot of traffic..

Maybe I'll do the test and then go Marrakech to Ouarzazate when the weather's good.

**Chris Scott** · #4 12 Jan 2015

Oh I see what you mean. I would say Tichka returns to tarmac after ploughing. It doesn't become an 'ice road' like the Dalton Highway in winter. No trucks could manage the switchbacks, even with snow chains.

**Tim Cullis** · #5 13 Jan 2015

The authorities grit the roads and any remaining snow tends to go direct to water vapour via sublimation rather than turn to water that freezes. It been hot sun for a few weeks so no problems on the N9.

**Cyri** · #6 14 Jan 2015

Thanks Chris and Tim. Would you be able to tell me how far the nearest access to Sahara dunes is from ourzazate? I would like to at least see them before I head back north!