A lack of rangers and flawed weather forecasts pushed tourists onto the dangerous O Circuit despite worsening conditions.
Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, tucked in wild, icy Patagonia, receives 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands of them hike the park’s famous routes. On 17 November, a violent, unexpected blizzard struck the remote O Circuit trail, killing five trekkers and leaving dozens trapped in near-zero visibility for hours.
The disaster exposed weaknesses in Patagonia’s park safety measures, an issue that authorities and critics have repeatedly highlighted.
The Day the Storm Hit
Around 30 international trekkers departed the Los Perros campsite before dawn on 17 November, aiming to cross John Garner Pass. The morning started with light rain and moderate winds, common in the region, but the weather worsened quickly as they climbed. By late morning, visibility fell to a few meters, and winds exceeded forecasts, creating disorienting whiteout conditions.
The O Circuit, or Paine Massif Circuit, is a 130–140 km loop circling the massif. The trail challenges hikers with steep climbs, exposed ridges, and unpredictable weather.
After 10 am, the trekkers faced horizontal snow, strong gusts, and near-zero visibility. They reached the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass, above the treeline. The storm separated the group as some tried to turn back while others pushed forward, unaware of the storm’s intensity.
Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and no 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. Rescuers later found their bodies near the top of the pass.
Safety Failures and Ranger Absence
Survivors reported receiving unclear warnings about John Garner Pass conditions. Camp staff claimed forecasts predicted only moderate winds and described conditions as normal. The route stayed open despite visible signs of worsening weather.
The park responded slowly once the storm hit. Survivors organized initial rescues themselves, as no trained personnel patrolled the remote section. CONAF, Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, oversees trail monitoring, access control, and issuing warnings. Guidelines instruct visitors to follow ranger advice and check stations for safety updates.
During high season, rangers should monitor trails, update visitors, and close dangerous sections. On 17 November, however, no rangers were present near John Garner Pass. Many were off duty to vote in Chile’s presidential election, halving staff numbers in the park. CONAF confirmed no rangers covered the Los Perros / John Garner Pass area during the blizzard. Reports mention only about 51 personnel were on site across the park.
Staff shortages have become chronic. In 2025, Chile employed just 450 highly qualified park rangers for 13.2 million hectares of protected land. A 2018 report noted many parks operate with fewer than five employees. In June 2025, thousands of CONAF staff joined a nationwide strike over administrative issues and limited resources.
On Argentina’s side of Patagonia, rangers resigned in large numbers due to problems with the new national park administration under Javier Milei’s government. These challenges highlight systemic staffing problems that endanger hikers in remote areas.
