The Teide has done it once more and is once again the emblem of Copernicus Day.
The latest stunning image from one of the Sentinel-2 satellites taken on Wednesday, March 5, reveals from above the volcano’s interior beautifully blanketed in fresh snow, creating a photograph of immeasurable beauty that uncovers a lesser-known facet of Tenerife’s highest peak.
Among all the captivating images that mesmerise viewers, those of the snow-draped volcano have a particularly profound impact across the Canaries, as such a scene occurs only a handful of times each year.
Heavy Snowfalls
Following a weekend of significant rainfall and sub-zero temperatures due to a storm system formally recognised as an isolated depression at high altitude (Dana), the snowfall commenced on March 2, 2025.
The routes leading to the volcano were closed because of the presence of ice. Local authorities activated emergency protocols and cautioned residents to avoid taking unnecessary risks when attempting to access the summits without first confirming the condition of the roads and the weather situation.
After several days, the Cabildo de Tenerife announced the reopening of the TF-24 road (La Esperanza) and TF-21 (La Orotava) to traffic after clearing the icy patches from the roadway.
Consequently, all routes to the Teide National Park are now accessible, although travellers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the roads.
Preventive Measures in Teide National Park
The Cabildo has enforced a prohibition against traversing the paths or segments thereof:
- Path No. 7: White Mountain-Pico Teide the section between the summit of Mountain Blanca and the junction of paths No. 7 and No. 11 at the viewpoint of the fortress.
- Path No. 9: Teide – Pico Viejo – Road Tf -38 the segment from the intersection of this path with path No. 38 (black caves) to its connection with path No. 12 (Viejo Mirador).
- Path No. 10: Bravo Telesforo. [entirely]
- Path No. 11: Mirador de la Fortaleza. [entirely]
- Path No. 12: Viejo Pico Mirador. [entirely]
- Path No. 23: Black Regatones. [entirely]
- Path No. 28: Chafarí. [entirely]
These regulations will apply universally to the community. Federated climbers and accredited official tourist guides may access the trails provided they are equipped with essential winter gear (technical clothing, crampons, and ice axe) and have submitted a responsible declaration along with the requisite authorisation on the Tenerife On application website (https://www.nertifeon.es).
Ed
Access Restrictions in Forest Areas
Likewise, access and travel to forest areas and trails remain prohibited due to the Arafo forest fire in 2023, as there is still a risk of landslides affecting the following routes:
- The Cabildo has reopened all access points to the Teide National Park and requests that extreme caution be taken when travelling on the roads
- The AI has revealed the date on which the Teide is expected to erupt
- TRANSFUL LOMO TRACK VM 2.1, from the TF-24 road at the PK to the GR-131.
- The Seven Sources track VM 2, in the section that remains open.
- The road to Candelaria (section from Aguamansa to La Crucita) from GR-131 to TF-24.
- The PK 29, VM-17 track in the section from the TF-21 road to the shepherd’s stone.
