The Island Council (Cabildo) of Tenerife has activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) in a preventive pre-alert due to the expected large number of visitors heading to Teide National Park after the heavy snowfall left by Storm Emilia. The measure begins Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at 11:00 a.m. and lasts until 6:00 p.m.; from 17–19 December, controls will operate daily between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Why the emergency plan has been activated
Storm Emilia, which hit the island between 12 and 14 December, caused:
- Intense rainfall
- Very strong winds
- Rough seas
- Exceptional snowfall at high altitudes
These effects have persisted for days, creating safety risks and prompting thousands of residents and tourists to plan trips to see the snow on Teide. To avoid overcrowding, protect the environment and ensure safety, the Cabildo is activating the PEIN before problems occur.
Call for citizen responsibility
Authorities urge the public to:
- Follow all self-protection guidelines issued by emergency services
- Respect access restrictions to trails, recreational areas, forest tracks and protected natural areas
- Comply with temporary measures designed to manage the influx and preserve the park
Ordinary and extraordinary emergency teams will remain on standby throughout the period.
Measures in Teide National Park
1. Dates and times
- 16 December: from 11:00 to 18:00
- 17–19 December: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
2. Traffic circulation and access
Northern Access
- Entry only via TF-21 (La Orotava), one-way ascending from La Caldera to Portillo Bajo
- Descent only via TF-24 (La Esperanza) to the TF-523 junction
Southwestern Access
- Ascent permitted on TF-38 (Chío) and TF-21 (Vilaflor) up to the cable car area
- Descent must follow the same road used for the ascent
3. Restrictions
During the activation period:
Banned
- Public transport to the park
- Tourist excursion buses
- Non-essential heavy vehicles
- Caravans, motorhomes and recreational vehicles
- Organised groups arriving for profit or private events
- Stopping or parking on roadsides and viewpoints (unless designated)
- Speeds exceeding 50 km/h
Exceptions
Emergency vehicles, authorised maintenance staff, and residents/workers within the park.
4. Personnel and coordination
The operation involves:
- Roads Department staff
- Teide National Park personnel
- Fire, Safety and Civil Protection teams
- Support from the Red Cross
All actions fall under the island’s civil protection cooperation framework.
Message from the Island Council of Tenerife
The institution stresses that the measures are temporary and preventive, urging everyone to:
- Plan journeys in advance
- Follow the instructions of the deployed personnel
- Help preserve the fragile Teide environment
Update on access to natural areas in Tenerife
The Department of Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies has also revised restrictions in protected natural areas due to damage left by Storm Emilia.
1. Roads and recreational areas
- Recreational motor-vehicle tracks remain closed
- Motor vehicle access restored to several recreational and camping areas, including:
Las Calderetas, San José de los Llanos, Las Raíces, La Caldera, Chío, Arenas Negras, Lomo La Jara, El Lagar, Los Pedregales, Llano de los Viejos, Las Hayas, La Quebrada, La Tahona, El Contador, Chanajiga - Still closed: Lagunetilla Chica, Hoya del Abade, Barranco Fuente Pedro, Fuente del Llano
2. Routes for bicycles and horses
- Open, except those listed as closed on the Tenerife ON platform.
3. Pedestrian trails
Open, with exceptions, especially inside Teide National Park.
Closed trails in Teide NP:
- Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca – Pico Teide), upper section
- Trail 11 (Mirador de La Fortaleza)
- Trail 10 (Telesforo Bravo)
- Trail 12 (Mirador de Pico Viejo)
- Trail 23 (Regatones Negros)
- Trail 28 (Chafarí)
- Trail 9 (Teide – Pico Viejo – TF-38), between Trail 38 junction and Trail 12 junction
Closed trails elsewhere:
- PR TF 8 (Afur–Tamadiste–Taganana) – Anaga Rural Park
- PR TF 35 Circular – Corona Forestal
- PR TF 35.1 Casa del Agua – Pinolere
- PR TF 35.3 Llano de los Corrales – Pinolere
- Risco de Las Pencas (Barranco de Ruíz)
- PR TF 52 Monte del Agua – Teno Rural Park
- PR TF 58 Camino del Risco / Camino de Los Muertos – Teno Rural Park
4. Facilities
Campsites and the Nature Classroom remain closed until technical teams complete safety assessments and repairs.
Restrictive measures will be reviewed continuously as restoration works progress to ensure full safety and environmental protection.
