Introduction
What this is about....
This is the web page of anyone who has or intends to climb Mt. Teide from sea level. A tool to get in touch with each other, for information and experience sharing.
What this is not about...
This is not the web page of any climbing freak, hero sportsman or anything alike; not the place for megalomania, competitiveness or comptent. If your are into any of these or that is to be your contribution, please leave.
Introducing a great climb
Mt Teide, a volcano standing 3718 m straight out of the sea, is the highest mountain in Spanish territory and provides a unique chance to make a climb of near 4000 m with spectacular scenery in just one day. Interests may be as varied as people, from pure physical challenge to curiosity for the vegetation and climate changes with altitude. We, for instance, uphill-run it in what we have called a "Teide-ton". Although an intensive physical training for the climb, is not judged necessary, it is strongly recommended to be generally fit and healthy (Heart rate graph of our ascent). You are advised however not to take the climb lightly as water absence, altitude, extreme heat and lonely landscape can make a dangerous play. For the very same reasons a solo ascent is not regarded as very wise.
Far from being ours or new, the idea of an ascent from sea level has been there for quite some time. In fact a traditional Spanish magazine has accounts of ascents in their number of years 1928 and 1956. He have continued this tradition by publishing in Pyrenaica in 2005. To download click on the dates (sorry, Spanish only).
The route proposed is commonly referred to as "Route 0-4", starting at Playa del Socorro and reaching the summit after 29 km. Other routes are indeed possible but this, described under the "Route" section, is the one we know for the time being. Climbing fast, even running, is extremely rewarding, however we encourage you to climb at your pace...
And why not break it into several days?!
The intention behind the inclusion the "Ranking" section, besides the fun of it, is to provide reference to use when asking for the permit to access the summit, as explained later, the permit can only be used in a two hour gap.
We welcome comments, questions, even critics, please send to: maestrogueb@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
Alberto Arregi. For the information sent, the directions and the encouraging.
Arturo Arnalich For the linux support
Geographic Centre of the Spanish Army For their authorization to reproduce army sheet 1094 "La Orotava"
Frederique Bonvin For her patience while exploring the route and the pictures taken.
Ignacio Alonso Esguro For his sponsoring with material
Jennifer Jolly For the correction of the English versions
Union Montañera Añanza For the route description and the representation under "Route" section
To all those that contributed to the development of public license software, allowing ideas and initiatives like this page to flow without the censure and burden imposed by registration fees, taxes and duties.
Our special gratitude for "las presidentas"
www.teideascension.tk
Santiago Arnalich & Esteban Monje 2004
maestrogueb@gmail.com