A lack of park rangers and unreliable weather forecasts prompted a group of tourists to attempt the O Circuit trek despite worsening conditions. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, tucked into icy, wild Patagonia, welcomes about 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands of them aim to complete the park’s challenging trekking routes. On 17 November, a sudden, violent blizzard struck the remote O Circuit trail. Five trekkers died, and dozens remained stranded in whiteout conditions for hours. The tragedy, caused by severe weather, exposed weaknesses in park safety measures, a concern widely criticized in recent years.
The group of roughly 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 a.m., heading toward John Garner Pass. They began with light rain and moderate winds, typical for the area, but conditions deteriorated quickly as they climbed. By late morning, visibility dropped to a few meters, and winds exceeded forecasts, creating dangerous whiteout conditions. The O Circuit, also called the Paine Massif Circuit, is a 130–140 km loop circling the massif, known as one of Patagonia’s toughest trails.
By 10 a.m., the trekkers faced near-horizontal snow, strong gusts, and total loss of visibility atop John Garner Pass, above the treeline. The group separated as some tried to retreat while others pressed onward, unaware of the storm’s intensity. In extreme cold, heavy snow, and without natural shelter, several hikers became trapped. Five trekkers 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 upper pass.
Questions About Park Safety
Survivors reported that officials did not provide clear or timely warnings about John Garner Pass conditions. Camp staff claimed the forecast predicted only moderate winds, “normal” for the area. Authorities kept the route open despite signs of worsening weather. Many criticized the park for slow response after conditions worsened. Stranded hikers had to organize initial rescues until help arrived because trained personnel were absent from the remote section of the O Circuit.
CONAF, Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, manages Torres del Paine’s hiking routes. The agency monitors conditions, controls access, and issues closures or warnings. Official survival guides advise hikers to follow rangers’ instructions and check in at stations for trail updates.
Missing Rangers and Staffing Challenges
During peak season, park rangers normally control entrances, monitor weather, and update hikers about risks. Survivors reported no rangers near the most dangerous pass when the storm struck, leading visitors to assume the trail remained safe. Many rangers were off duty to vote in the 2025 Chilean presidential election, cutting park staff by roughly half. CONAF confirmed no personnel were present near Los Perros or John Garner Pass during the blizzard. Only 51 staff members worked across the entire park that day.
Staff shortages may persist. In 2025, Chile had only 450 highly qualified rangers for 13.2 million hectares of protected lands. A 2018 report highlighted that many Chilean parks operate with very small CONAF teams, often fewer than five employees. In June 2025, thousands of rangers joined a nationwide strike over resources and administrative issues. On the Argentinian side, rangers reportedly quit in large numbers due to challenges under new national park administration.
The disaster revealed the consequences of absent personnel and unreliable forecasts, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in Patagonia’s park management.
