A group of tourists tackled the difficult O Circuit trail despite worsening weather. Lack of park rangers and inaccurate forecasts contributed to the decision.
Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, in icy and remote Patagonia, attracts 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands attempt its famous trekking routes. On 17 November, a sudden violent blizzard struck the O Circuit. Five trekkers died, and dozens became stranded for hours in whiteout conditions.
Although extreme weather caused the disaster, it exposed ongoing safety problems in Patagonia’s parks, which have drawn widespread criticism.
The Trekkers’ Struggle
About 30 international hikers departed the Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 am on 17 November to cross John Garner Pass. The morning began with light rain and moderate winds, common for the area. As they climbed, the weather worsened rapidly. By late morning, strong winds and near-zero visibility made the trail nearly impossible to navigate.
The O Circuit, also called the Paine Massif Circuit, forms a 130–140 km loop around the massif. Trekkers consider it one of Patagonia’s most challenging trails.
By 10 am, hikers faced near-horizontal snow, violent gusts, and almost total loss of visibility. The group reached the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass. Some turned back, while others continued upward, unaware of the storm’s intensity.
Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and lack of shelter trapped several hikers. Five did not survive: 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 and Staffing Failures
Survivors reported they received no timely warnings about John Garner Pass. Camp staff claimed forecasts predicted only moderate winds and kept the route open.
Hikers organized initial rescue efforts themselves because no officials monitored the area. CONAF, Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, manages park safety, including closures, access control, and monitoring weather conditions.
During high season, rangers should monitor trails, provide updates, and warn about dangers. On the day of the blizzard, no rangers staffed the critical pass. Many were off duty to vote in the Chilean presidential election, reducing park staff by roughly half. CONAF confirmed no rangers patrolled Los Perros or John Garner Pass. Only 51 personnel worked across the park.
Staffing shortages have repeatedly affected Chile’s national parks. In 2025, just 450 qualified rangers managed roughly 13.2 million hectares of protected areas. A 2018 report noted many parks operate with very small CONAF teams, often fewer than five employees. Earlier in 2025, thousands of CONAF staff joined a nationwide strike over administrative and resource issues. On the Argentine side, park rangers also resigned due to management problems under the new national park administration.
