Limited ranger coverage and flawed forecasts pushed tourists onto the O Circuit despite worsening weather. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park hosts up to 300,000 visitors yearly, many attempting its famous routes. A sudden blizzard struck the O Circuit on 17 November, killing five trekkers and stranding dozens in whiteout conditions for hours. The storm exposed long-standing safety issues in Patagonia’s parks.
Chaos on the John Garner Pass
About 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite before dawn on 17 November. They aimed to cross John Garner Pass in light rain and moderate winds. Conditions changed rapidly as they climbed higher. By late morning, visibility dropped to metres, and winds rose far beyond predictions. The O Circuit spans 130 to 140 kilometres and ranks among Patagonia’s toughest trails. Near 10 am, the blizzard hit with near-horizontal snow and violent gusts. The group reached the exposed upper pass, where the trail rises above the treeline. The storm intensified, and the trekkers split as some turned back while others continued upward. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures and no shelter trapped several hikers on the mountain. Five died on the high, open stretch of the pass. Survivors later found them near the top, where the storm made descent impossible.
Mounting Concerns Over Park Management
Survivors said staff failed to issue clear warnings about conditions on the pass. Camp workers mentioned only moderate winds and kept the route open despite signs of danger. Many blamed the park for its slow reaction as the crisis grew. No officials appeared nearby to organise evacuations, leaving stranded hikers to launch their own rescues. CONAF oversees the park’s trails, including closures and warnings, and instructs hikers to follow ranger guidance. During high season, rangers normally control entry, monitor weather and update hikers about risks. Survivors reported no rangers near the dangerous pass when the storm hit. Their absence led visitors to assume the route remained safe. Many rangers were off duty to vote in Chile’s 2025 presidential election, cutting staff by about half. CONAF later confirmed no rangers occupied the Los Perros or John Garner Pass area that day. Reports stated the park had only 51 personnel on site during the blizzard. Chronic staffing shortages continue to affect Chile’s park system. As of 2025, only 450 highly trained rangers oversee 13.2 million hectares nationwide. A 2018 report showed many protected areas operate with tiny CONAF teams. Thousands of CONAF employees staged a nationwide strike in June 2025 over resource shortages and administrative problems. Across the border in Argentina, many rangers resigned due to issues linked to the updated national park administration under Javier Milei’s government.
