A lack of park rangers and poor weather predictions pushed tourists to attempt the O Circuit despite worsening conditions.
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s remote, icy Patagonia draws 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands tackle the park’s famous treks. On 17 November, a violent blizzard struck the O Circuit trail, killing five hikers and leaving dozens stranded in whiteout conditions for hours.
Although the storm caused the tragedy, it exposed critical safety issues in Patagonia’s parks, which have faced repeated criticism in recent years.
The Trekker’s Ordeal
Around 30 international hikers left Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 a.m. on 17 November to cross John Garner Pass. Light rain and moderate winds started the day, but conditions worsened as the group climbed. By late morning, visibility shrank to just a few meters, and winds surged far beyond forecasts, creating dangerous whiteout conditions.
The O Circuit, also called the Paine Massif Circuit, stretches 130–140 km and loops around the massif. Hikers consider it one of Patagonia’s most challenging trails.
After 10 a.m., the trekkers faced horizontal snow, violent gusts, and zero visibility as the blizzard intensified. They had reached the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass, above the treeline. The storm separated the group: some tried to retreat while others pressed upward, unaware of the storm’s full strength.
Severe cold, heavy snow, and lack of natural shelter trapped several hikers. Five perished: Mexican couple Cristina Calvillo Tovar and Julian Garcia Pimentel, German couple Nadine Lichey and Andreas von Pein, and British hiker Victoria Bond. Survivors later found the victims near the top of the pass.
Park Oversight Failures
Survivors reported unclear warnings about John Garner Pass conditions. Camp staff claimed forecasts showed only moderate winds, typical for the area. The park remained open despite signals of worsening weather.
The park’s response also drew criticism. Stranded hikers organized the first rescues themselves, as officials were absent. Lack of trained personnel in the remote pass left tourists responsible for each other in dangerous whiteout conditions.
CONAF (Chile’s National Forestry Corporation) oversees hiking routes in Torres del Paine, including the O Circuit. They hold authority over monitoring conditions, controlling access, and issuing warnings or closures. Guidelines advise hikers to follow ranger instructions and check trail safety updates at ranger stations.
Normally, rangers monitor trails, assess weather risks, and provide updates. Yet, no rangers were present near John Garner Pass when the storm struck. Visitors assumed the trail was safe in their absence.
Many rangers were off duty to vote in the 2025 Chilean presidential election on 16 November. CONAF confirmed no rangers were present in the critical Los Perros / John Garner sector during the storm. Only about 51 staff were on duty in the park that day.
Staff shortages threaten to persist. In 2025, Chile had only 450 highly qualified rangers covering 13.2 million hectares. A 2018 report noted many parks operate with teams of fewer than five employees. In June 2025, thousands of CONAF staff joined a nationwide strike over administrative and resource issues.
Meanwhile, Argentinian rangers reported mass resignations due to problems under the new national park administration. These patterns suggest staffing and oversight issues in Patagonia will remain a challenge.
