Access to Teide National Park Remains Closed Due to Snow and Landslide Risks

As the festive season unfolds, the usually accessible Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands remains closed to visitors due to adverse weather conditions. The closure, announced by the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife), is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amidst the build-up of snow, ice, and the risk of landslides.

Road Closures and Safety Concerns

The roads leading to Teide National Park, including TF-21 (access from La Orotava), TF-24 (access from La Esperanza), and TF-38 (access from Chío), have been closed since December 22, 2024. These closures are in response to the hazardous conditions posed by snow and ice accumulation, which significantly increase the risk of accidents for drivers.

Despite efforts by road crews to clear the accumulated snow and address landslide risks, the current weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall and potential snow accumulations, necessitating the extension of these restrictions. For instance, TF-21 is closed between kilometre points 16 (Aguamansa) and 43 (Cable Car base station), while TF-24 remains closed between kilometre points 24 and 43 (junction with TF-21 at El Portillo)[3].

Official Statements and Public Advice

Rosa Dávila, the president of the Tenerife Island Council, has emphasized the importance of public safety during this period. "This second day of winter has left Teide beautifully snow-capped—a true Christmas gift for all Tenerife and Canary Islands residents. However, it also reminds us of the need to care for the island and act responsibly," she stated.

Blanca Pérez, the councilor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, has urged citizens to adhere to the regulations and access restrictions. "Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety. It is crucial to follow the directives of the security forces and avoid unnecessary journeys to the area until conditions are stabilized," she advised[2].

Additional Precautions and Trail Closures

In addition to the road closures, several hiking trails within Teide National Park have also been closed due to severe wind conditions and adverse weather forecasts. Trails such as Montaña Blanca-Pico Teide, Mirador de La Fortaleza, Telesforo Bravo, and others have been restricted since December 14, 2024, following the impact of storm Dorothea. These closures are part of the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) to safeguard public safety[4].

Public Recommendations

The authorities have issued several recommendations to ensure public safety during this period:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to mountainous and coastal areas.
• Monitor official channels for updates on weather conditions and road statuses.
• Follow all instructions from local authorities and emergency services.
• Use the Tenerife ON application for real-time information on weather and trail conditions[3].

As the situation continues to evolve, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and prioritize their safety until the weather conditions improve. The Cabildo de Tenerife remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.