Teide National Park Access Roads Set to Reopen Following Storm Emilia

Access roads to Teide National Park in Tenerife are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, December 16, at midday, following significant snowfall caused by Storm Emilia. This reopening marks a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in the area after a period of disruption that has affected both residents and tourists alike.

Details on Road Reopening

The reopening of these roads will be limited to private vehicles and will only take place after the island’s Highways Department has thoroughly cleared and properly marked them. This careful approach prioritizes public safety, allowing both locals and visitors to safely return to the park after several days of enforced closure. The decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken before reopening access to this popular destination.

Access Routes and Restrictions

Visitors will be permitted to access Teide National Park through two designated routes. However, it is important to note that the routes leading to Teide via La Esperanza (TF-24) and Arafo will remain closed until further notice. This decision was reached during a coordination meeting that included representatives from Civil Protection, Security and Emergency Services, as well as the Mobility and Highways departments. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of adverse weather conditions.

Traffic control will be managed collaboratively by Cabildo staff, with assistance from the Guardia Civil, Canary Islands Police, and La Orotava Local Police. Cabildo President Rosa Dávila emphasized that island services have been diligently working to ensure the safe reopening of these roads. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the park without undue risk.

Current Conditions and Future Preparations

As of Monday, December 15, all access roads remain closed until authorities can confirm safe driving conditions. Only hiking trails that have been deemed safe and fully passable will be reopened to the public. Routes that pose risks due to adverse weather conditions, such as flowing water or ice, will continue to be off-limits to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Access to the park and the ascent to the summit of Mount Teide will be restricted to properly equipped mountaineers. Those wishing to embark on this adventure will need to make arrangements through the official Tenerife On app, which provides essential information and facilitates the necessary permits for climbers. This measure is designed to enhance safety and ensure that only those adequately prepared for the challenges of the ascent are permitted to proceed.

Ongoing road maintenance and snow clearance operations are currently taking place across the island, particularly on the TF-24, where rockfalls have been reported alongside other key routes affected by rain and ice. Currently, three snowploughs and a heavy-duty loader are actively working in the area to ensure road safety. These efforts are crucial in maintaining access to the park and ensuring that the roads remain safe for travel.

Looking ahead, the Cabildo has announced plans to enhance its snow-clearing capabilities by adding three new snowploughs to the Teide National Park fleet in January 2024. This investment, exceeding €600,000, aims to improve response times and snow-clearing capabilities during future weather events. The Cabildo emphasizes that these actions reflect its commitment to public safety and the preservation of Teide’s unique natural environment, ensuring that the national park can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by all.

Key points

• Teide National Park access roads will reopen on December 16, 2023, at midday.
• Access is limited to private vehicles after roads are cleared and marked.
• Access routes via La Esperanza (TF-24) and Arafo remain closed.
• Traffic control will involve multiple local law enforcement agencies.
• Only safe hiking trails will be reopened; others remain closed due to risks.
• New snowploughs will be added to the fleet in January 2024.
• The Cabildo is committed to ensuring public safety and environmental protection.