By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
A cold front has arrived, and many people are already anticipating the first snowfall of the year. The Taroko National Park Headquarters has also announced that Hehuan Mountain will enter a 60-day snow season from New Year's Day 2016 to February 29. Traffic control measures will be implemented during this period. Those planning to visit the mountain for snow viewing should take note.
Hehuan Mountain enters a 60-day snow season from New Year’s Day 2016 to February 29. (Image source / Reaching New Heights – The Beauty of Snow Mountain)
The road sections under traffic control during the snow season are on Provincial Highway 14A, from Dayuling through Xiaofengkou, Hehuan Mountain Visitor Center, Wuling, Kunyang, Yuanshan, to Cuifeng.The nine-day Spring Festival holiday (February 6–14) and every regular weekend are designated as “key periods for snow season controls.”Control measures are implemented as follows:
The blue sky contrasts beautifully with the snowy peaks of Hehuan Mountain. (Image source / Songxue Lou Restaurant Fan Page)
◎ During the snow season: Traffic control is enforced when there is snowfall (or snow accumulation); when there is no snowfall, traffic is managed with guidance and flow control.
◎ During traffic guidance periods, the road section from Dayuling to Hehuan Mountain Visitor Center and above Cuifeng will have flexible vehicle access depending on parking availability at both ends (Yuanshan, Wuling, Kunyang, Xiaofengkou) and traffic congestion conditions.
◎ During key snow season periods and when there is snowfall (or snow accumulation), Class A and B large buses and trucks over 3.5 tons are prohibited from traveling on the Section of Provincial Highway 14A from Dayuling to Hehuan Mountain Visitor Center and from Cuifeng to Hehuan Mountain Visitor Center. When there is no snowfall, flexible control may allow Class B large buses to pass through controlled sections.
When it snows, be sure to turn on your headlights and drive with caution. (Image source / Hehuan Mountain Snow Viewing Mobile Group)
◎ During key snow season periods, in cases of snowfall or icy roads, according to traffic control information issued by the highway authorities, all vehicle types are prohibited from passing except official vehicles and snowplows. During emergency snow removal operations, the entire road section will be closed. Outside of designated snow walking areas, vehicles without snow chains may be restricted or prohibited from entering snowy areas, depending on snow and road conditions, as well as whether the vehicle has four-wheel-drive capability.
◎ During the snow season, when roads are covered with snow or ice,preventive closures of controlled road sections may be implemented between 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following day, depending on actual conditions. If nighttime closures are required for snowy roads, relevant information will be confirmed by 3:00 PM on the same day.
Check snow and road conditions before heading up the mountain for snow viewing. (Image source / Hehuan Mountain Snow Viewing Mobile Group)
Visitors are reminded to check snow and road conditions before making the trip. In addition to understanding your own physical condition and preparing cold-weather gear, you should also ensure your vehicle is suitable — such as checking if it is old, has sufficient horsepower, is equipped with four-wheel drive, and whether it has adequate fuel, coolant, and anti-freeze capabilities.
※ For questions related to Hehuan Mountain snow viewing or road conditions, please call:
Hehuan Mountain Visitor Center: (049) 2803985
Hehuan Mountain Management Station: (04) 25991195
Highway Bureau Luoshao Maintenance Section: (03) 8610775, (03) 8610776
Highway Bureau Puli Maintenance Section: (049) 2982066, (049) 2802030.
Nantou County Police Department Cuifeng Police Station: (049) 2802603
Hualien County Police Department Hehuan Police Station: (04) 25991114
Forestry Bureau Dongshih Forest District Office Songxue Lou: (049) 2802980
Taroko National Park Police Team Hehuan Unit: (04) 25991191
Taroko National Park Hehuan Mountain Management Station: (04) 25991195