A group of tourists ignored worsening forecasts and started the difficult O Circuit trek without guidance. Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia attracts 250,000 to 300,000 visitors yearly, many seeking its famous trekking routes. On 17 November, a violent blizzard struck the O Circuit trail, killing five hikers and trapping dozens in whiteout conditions for hours. The tragedy exposed gaps in park safety and raised criticism of local measures.
The trekkers, about 30 international hikers, left Los Perros campsite before dawn between 5 and 7 am to cross John Garner Pass. Light rain and moderate winds greeted them initially, typical for the region, but conditions worsened rapidly as they climbed. By late morning, heavy winds and near-zero visibility made it nearly impossible to follow the trail. The O Circuit, also known as the Paine Massif Circuit, stretches 130–140 km around the massif and ranks among Patagonia’s toughest treks.
By 10 am, snow blew almost horizontally, and gusts intensified as visibility vanished entirely. Climbers reached the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass above the treeline. The group split as some tried retreating while others continued upward, unaware of the storm’s sudden strength. Extreme cold, heavy snow, and no shelter trapped several hikers. Five died: Mexican couple Cristina Calvillo Tovar and Julian Garcia Pimentel, German couple Nadine Lichey and Andreas von Pein, and British trekker Victoria Bond. Survivors later found them near the top of the pass.
Park Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Survivors said officials failed to warn hikers about the dangerous conditions. Camp staff reported only moderate winds and described the situation as “normal.” The park left the trail open even as the storm worsened. Rescue responses were slow, and no trained personnel assisted stranded hikers initially. Tourists organized first aid and shelter efforts themselves in the blizzard.
CONAF, Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, manages Torres del Paine and oversees trail monitoring, closures, and safety updates. Survival guides instruct hikers to follow ranger advice and check in at stations. However, during this crisis, the absence of staff left hikers entirely responsible for their own safety.
Ranger Absence and Staffing Challenges
Rangers should monitor trail conditions, control access, and provide risk updates during peak season. On 17 November, no rangers patrolled the dangerous section near John Garner Pass. Many had taken time off to vote in Chile’s presidential election, reducing staff presence by roughly half. CONAF confirmed no rangers operated in the Los Perros/John Garner Pass sector that day. Only about 51 personnel were present across the entire park.
Staffing shortages plague Chile’s national park system. As of 2025, only 450 highly qualified rangers cover 13.2 million hectares. A 2018 Lincoln Institute report noted many parks operate with tiny teams, sometimes fewer than five employees. In June 2025, thousands of CONAF workers joined a nationwide strike over administrative and resource issues. On the Argentinian side of Patagonia, rangers are also quitting rapidly due to mismanagement under the current national park administration.
