A group of tourists began the O Circuit trek despite worsening weather and no park rangers nearby. Torres del Paine National Park, in remote, icy Patagonia, welcomes 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands attempt its famous trekking routes. On 17 November, a sudden blizzard hit the O Circuit, killing five hikers and stranding dozens in whiteout conditions for hours. This disaster exposed safety problems in Patagonia’s parks and reignited criticism of park management.
About 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 a.m. to cross John Garner Pass. The day started with light rain and moderate winds, common for the region. Conditions worsened rapidly at higher elevations. By late morning, visibility shrank to only a few meters, and strong winds created dangerous whiteout conditions. The O Circuit, also called the Paine Massif Circuit, stretches 130–140 km and circles the massif, making it one of Patagonia’s toughest trails.
By 10 a.m., trekkers faced near-horizontal snow, violent gusts, and zero visibility on the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass. The group split as some turned back while others pushed upward, unaware of the storm’s intensity. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and no shelter trapped many 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 the victims near the pass’s top.
Park Oversight and Response Failures
Survivors said the park failed to provide clear warnings about the pass’s dangers. Camp staff claimed forecasts predicted only moderate winds. The route stayed open despite signs of severe weather.
Survivors also criticized the slow emergency response. No officials coordinated rescues, leaving stranded hikers to organize help themselves. The O Circuit’s remote areas lacked trained personnel, so tourists faced the storm without guidance. CONAF (Chile’s National Forestry Corporation) holds formal authority over the park, including trail monitoring, access control, and issuing closures or warnings. Official survival guides advise hikers to follow ranger instructions and check trail conditions regularly.
Ranger Shortages Expose Risk
During peak season, rangers normally monitor trails, control access, and update hikers on risks. On the day of the blizzard, no rangers patrolled John Garner Pass. Visitors assumed the trail was safe without direct assessments or closure decisions.
Staff shortages worsened due to the 2025 Chilean presidential election, cutting ranger presence roughly in half. CONAF confirmed no rangers worked in the critical Los Perros–John Garner Pass sector that day. Only about 51 staff were present across the park. Staffing issues persist, as Chile’s parks employ only 450 highly qualified rangers for 13.2 million hectares. A 2018 report noted many protected areas operate with fewer than five CONAF employees. Strikes in June 2025 over administrative problems further reduced personnel.
Across Patagonia in Argentina, rangers also quit amid disputes with the new national park administration. These shortages highlight a recurring safety threat for visitors tackling remote, dangerous trails.
