Teide National Park Welcomes Thousands on Inaugural Day of New Access System After Snowfall

On December 21, Teide National Park experienced a remarkable influx of over 2,100 visitors on the first day of a newly established security access system, which was implemented in response to the recent snowfall brought by storm Emilia. This initiative aimed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors while preserving the park’s natural beauty.

Positive Reception on Opening Day

The introduction of special security measures was a proactive response to the snowfall, which created both opportunities for winter recreation and challenges for visitor management. The inaugural day of the operation concluded without any major incidents, showcasing a commendable level of civility among the visitors, as reported by the Cabildo of Tenerife. This positive outcome reflects the effectiveness of the planning and execution of the new access system.

Throughout the day, the process for visitors eager to experience the snow was executed seamlessly. Public transport services were available from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, providing shuttle buses from key locations such as Aguamansa, Vilaflor, and La Esperanza. After 2:00 PM, the service transitioned to return trips only, continuing until 5:00 PM, ensuring that all visitors could safely return from their winter adventure.

Rosa Dávila, the President of the Cabildo, expressed her gratitude to the residents of Tenerife, highlighting that approximately 2,132 individuals took advantage of the shuttle buses. This initiative significantly alleviated the congestion typically associated with around 710 private vehicles, thereby aiding in the preservation of the natural environment while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Promoting Sustainable Mobility Through Public Transport

Eulalia García, the Island Councillor for Mobility, praised the dedication of the public transport staff, particularly the TITSA drivers, who mobilized the entire fleet early in the day to meet the high demand in the challenging environment of Teide National Park. Their commitment played a crucial role in ensuring that visitors could access the park safely and efficiently.

García emphasized that offering the shuttle service free of charge was a vital strategy to promote sustainable mobility. She stated, “Implementing this special system with free shuttle buses has been essential to ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for visitors.” This operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative planning, demonstrating how public transport can be a key asset for environmental protection and improved mobility during peak visitation times.

The designated shuttle routes included departures from Aguamansa to El Portillo Alto, from Vilaflor to the Cable Car, and from La Esperanza to Izaña. These routes were strategically chosen to facilitate easy access to popular areas within the park, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the winter landscape.

Ensuring Safety and Order with a Coordinated Effort

Approximately 120 personnel were involved in the operation, comprising staff from the Cabildo of Tenerife, including environmental agents, BRIFOR personnel, road staff, Local Police, and Civil Protection. Their collective efforts were instrumental in ensuring visitor safety and maintaining order at the entrances to Teide National Park, which can often become crowded during peak times.

Blanca Pérez, the Island Councillor for Natural Environment and Security, commended the operation’s effectiveness and the coordinated efforts of all personnel involved. She remarked, “The Snow Operation has performed exceptionally well, meeting all set objectives and allowing thousands of people to enjoy the snow safely and in an orderly manner.” This praise underscores the importance of teamwork and preparation in managing large crowds in natural settings.

The security operation is scheduled to continue until December 22 at 10:00 AM, ensuring ongoing monitoring and control of the area during this period. This commitment to safety and organization reflects the Cabildo’s dedication to providing a positive experience for all visitors while safeguarding the park’s delicate ecosystem.

Key points

• Teide National Park recorded over 2,100 visitors on the first day of a new access system.
• The operation followed snowfall from storm Emilia, with no significant incidents reported.
• Shuttle buses operated between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, facilitating smooth visitor returns.
• Approximately 2,132 people used the shuttle service, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• About 120 personnel were involved in ensuring visitor safety and order.
• The operation will remain active until December 22 at 10:00 AM.