{"id":1792,"date":"2025-01-16T22:46:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/filomenamarsiglia.com\/?p=1792"},"modified":"2025-08-24T17:07:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T16:07:09","slug":"climbing-mount-teide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filomenamarsiglia.com\/en\/avventure-en\/climbing-mount-teide\/","title":{"rendered":"Climbing Mount Teide: when I almost died of hypothermia"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I didn\u2019t really think through what climbing Mount Teide would mean\u2014if I had, I might\u2019ve done several things differently. But there I was, standing at the base of one of the most imposing volcanoes in Europe, a little nervous, a little excited, and completely unsure what I\u2019d gotten myself into. But one thing was clear: I needed this. A challenge. A life lesson. A once in a lifetime experience (in this circumstances, at least). So, despite not knowing what was coming, I dove in headfirst, without really understanding why.<\/sup><\/em><\/p>It all started with a checklist…<\/sup><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m almost at the end of my month in Tenerife, about to start exploring another island\u2014Gran Canaria\u2014but there\u2019s one thing I absolutely<\/em> have to tick off my “Before I leave” list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe Teide experience is only truly complete if you manage to get to the summit by dawn and watch the sunrise from 3,718 meters above sea level. And it\u2019s even more complete if you do the climb on foot,\u201d I was told.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay. I do want the full experience<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because I\u2019m strong and brave?
Nope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because I have no idea<\/em> what I\u2019m getting myself into.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with the basics, because, well, I\u2019m new to this kind of adventure. I know I\u2019m going to need a few things to make this happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to my (inexistent) climbing experience, I feel my checklist goes something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • a partner in crime;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • the right gear;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • a plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s go through the above list in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The search for a partner in crime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    First, I\u2019m definitely going to need a friend\u2014someone who\u2019ll join me on this mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The safest way to climb is with at least another person, but what if no one could or want to? What if I had to face this mountain alone? No, that’s a bad idea. The thought of getting lost in a vast and unpopulated area terrifies me more than the actual climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well, let’s ask around. The people I run into? Not thrilled at the idea of hiking around 10 km on foot. And those who\u2019ve done it already? Same answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “Once was enough.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019m talking about a mix of surfers, skaters, climbers, divers\u2014people in pretty good shape overall. This should have<\/em> been a sign about the scale of the undertaking\u2014one I clearly failed to notice.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Will I find someone who not only wants to take on the entire climb, but is available to do it this very week?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All of a sudden I have a name in mind and I immediately send her a message with the proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My grin spreads across my face when I log into Instagram and find a message from her asking me the exact same question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The stars have aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I have my partner in crime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The gear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    I’ve packed every item I could think of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Mountain shoes<\/strong> to save me from slipping: check.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Thermal clothing<\/strong>: found only in kids\u2019 sections. Apparently, according to fashion industry sizing, I fall between a 12 and 14 year old.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sleeping bag<\/strong>: maximum protection. The one I have is tested down to -50\u00b0C, and with temperatures at 10\u00b0C on mount Teide, I\u2019m\u00a0on the gravy train. Generously offered by a friend. Thanks, Natalie!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Food<\/strong>: in quantities larger than necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Water<\/strong>: likewise.
      Better to work like a mule than end up thirsty and starving 3,700 meters from civilization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      Yeah. These neurons of mine show some rare wisdom. Don’t they?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Technical jackets (4 sizes too big)<\/strong>: kindly offered. Thanks, Johnny! If I\u2019m still here, telling this story, it\u2019s also thanks to you!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Gloves<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Three pairs of thermal socks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Hat<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Okay. I\u2019ve got everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Leave in the early afternoon to do climb the first 8km with the sunlight (and warmth).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Stop at 3,260 meters height at the refuge (a hut with no electricity, but perfect for sheltering us from unfriendly temperatures).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Climb the last 2,76Km at 4 AM to see the sunrise from the top.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"
          First part of the hike, 3 km to be added for the final destination<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Do I forget anything?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I don\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I feel relaxed about the experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Everyone who embarked on this same adventure in the past few weeks has told me that the refuge is always populated, and sometimes up to 40 people stay there resting for the final part of the climb. So, it\u2019s nice and warm. Tight and uncomfortable, for sure, but warm\u2014which is all I need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          P.S.<\/em>: In normal times, there is<\/em> an actual structure, Refugio Altavista, but this happened during a time that was anything but normal. December 2020. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

          The equipped refuge is closed due to the pandemic, as is the cable car for those who want to reach the summit without hiking the entire way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But that’s not us! We do want to put our bodies on fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          We get our rental car and head to the base of Mount Teide, surviving the first danger of the day: a parking dispute<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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