Successful Weekend Operation for Snowy Teide Access
The special security operation established to manage access to Mount Teide this weekend following snowfall from Storm ‘Emilia’ has concluded with positive results. The Cabildo de Tenerife (Tenerife Island Council) reports that over 5,500 people were able to safely access the National Park on both Saturday and Sunday. The controlled and orderly access points ensured no significant incidents or dangerous situations, marking a successful end to a weekend of high visitor numbers in the National Park.
Authorities Praise Exemplary Public Behaviour
The President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, thanked the “exemplary” behaviour of all residents and the work of all services involved. “The civility, responsible attitude, and respect for the natural environment shown by the public were fundamental in allowing thousands of people to safely enjoy Teide and the snow,” she stated.
Shuttle Bus System Prevents Gridlock
A special transport service, organised by TITSA (Tenerife Interurban Bus Service), guaranteed ascent by bus between 10:00 and 14:00, with access points set up from Aguamansa, La Esperanza, and Vilaflor. A fleet of 30 buses was deployed for this purpose, with the return of users to their starting points carried out after that time. In total, 5,536 people used the shuttle buses over Saturday and Sunday.
The breakdown was as follows: Saturday, 20 December: 2,132 people (Aguamansa: 878; La Esperanza: 689; Vilaflor: 565). Sunday, 21 December: 3,404 people (Aguamansa: 1,310; La Esperanza: 1,376; Vilaflor: 718). It is estimated that this prevented at least 1,845 vehicles from entering the national park, avoiding the crowds and gridlock that could have occurred and leaving the roads completely clear for pedestrians.
Large Security Presence Ensures Safety
The human operation, integrated by approximately 120 personnel from the Cabildo de Tenerife, Environmental Agents, BRIFOR (Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigade), Rural Guards, the Red Cross, and Road personnel, along with Local Police and Civil Protection, remained permanently active throughout the operation. They oversaw user safety and guaranteed the correct development of ‘Operation Nevada’.
Access Controls to Lift on Monday Morning
Meanwhile, controls and access restrictions to Teide National Park will remain in force until Monday, 22 December, at 10:00. At that time, access points will reopen, unless new measures are adopted based on conditions.
Minor Incident Managed at Chío Access
Despite the smooth running of the operation, the Cabildo noted that minor, isolated incidents were recorded at the Chío access point due to a high volume of vehicles. This necessitated U-turn manoeuvres that, at times, partially encroached on the carriageway. These situations, authorities stated, were managed and resolved by operatives, guaranteeing safety and traffic flow “at all times”.
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