The Mt. Hehuan snow season is here again. To make sure traffic runs smoothly and visitors are safe during the snow season, Taroko National Park Headquarters and Hualien and Nantou county governments will jointly implement the “Mt. Hehuan Snow Season Traffic Dispersal and Control Measures,” restricting the number of vehicles allowed into the Mt. Hehuan area in accordance with the actual situation. The cooperation of visitors going to see the snow and other road users is requested. Taroko National Park Headquarters has also made a film that shows people how to attach and remove snow chains and thus save some money. This film can be viewed on-line.

The measures are already in place and cease on 28th Feb, 2011 (during snow season) No. 14 A Provincial Highway Dayuling via Xiaofengkou, Hehuan Villa, Wuling, Kunyang, Yuanfeng to Cuifong. Besides the actual policy being in place its focus shall be on improving snow viewing during the Lunar New Year (2th to 7th Feb.) and weekends:

1.During the snow season: there will be traffic control when it snows or there is an accumulation of snow, while traffic directing shall be implemented if it does not snow or there is no snow accumulation.

2. Traffic control will be implemented at the road section between Dayuling and Cuifong and depends on parking space as well as the heaviness of traffic at each of the spots (Xiaofengkou, Hehuan Villa, Kunyang, and Yuanfeng ) between the two summits to flexibly release going of vehicle.

3. During the high-season of snowing and snow accumulation period, vehicle over 25 people as well as large-sized truck vehicle of over 3.5 tons is forbidden to drive between the sections of Dayuling (at the 41.5K point on Provincial Highway 14 A.) Hehuan Villa(at the 33K point) and Cuifeng(at the 18k point) to Hehuan Villa(at the 33k point).

4. When it snows or there is snow coverage, the road section from Kunyang to Hehuan Villa is designated as pedestrian snow-appreciation zone, aside from official vehicle and snow plow, other vehicles are forbidden to ride through. Areas aside from the pedestrian snow-viewing zone, measure would depend on snow conditions, the road situation or if the vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel Drive System to limit or prohibit vehicle from passing through.

5. When the road is covered heavily with snow or freezes during snow season, control measures would depend on actual conditions and to see whether the road should be closed from 17 pm from the evening to 6 am the next morning.

6. The Wuling to Hehuan Villa section of Provincial Highway 14 A has sharp turns and ice forms on the road easily. Do not park on the cliff side of the road to allow traffic to flow smoothly and safely.

Taroko National Park Hehuan Service Station reminds visitors that when going see the snow or passing through areas where snow has accumulated, apart from people being warmly dressed, their vehicles must also be prepared for the snow appropriately and drivers should also consider whether their vehicle is suitable for the demanding snow conditions. For example is it old, does it have sufficient horsepower, is it 4-wheel drive, are oil and water levels normal and is it freeze-resistant? The snow chains that are essential for driving in snowy conditions can be bought or hired and users should also learn to attach and remove them. To help people learn how to do this Taroko National Park Headquarters has made a demonstration film. DIY attaching and removing the snow chains will save people NT$1000. The film can be viewed on the Taroko National Park website.

watch the video 1

watch the video 2

During the snow season, Mt. Hehuan Service Station will strengthen its interpretation and information services and has produced a leaflet for visitors containing things to pay attention to when going to see the snow. These leaflets can be picked up free from the Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center, Mt. Hehuan Service Station, Taroko National Park Police Corps’s Mt. Hehuan Police Station and Cuifeng Police Station. As well as things to pay attention to when going to see the snow, and road situation and visitor service telephone numbers, the leaflets also provide prices for various kinds of snow chain for the reference of visitors. Generally speaking, hiring/buying snow chains is cheaper if done before going up into the mountains.

Taroko National Park Headquarters reminds visitors that the only legal shops in the Mt.Hehuan area is at Kunyang car park (near the 29.5K point on Provincial Highway 14 A.) To protect their rights visitors are asked to refrain from buying things from illegal hawkers at the roadside or in scenic spot car parks.

Removing rubbish from the mountains is difficult during the snow season. The Taroko National Park Headquarters calls on visitors to take their rubbish away when they leave and dispose of it properly to help keep Mt. Hehuan clean and beautiful.

News issued by Taroko National Park Headquarters
Translated by Kevin Lax