A lack of park rangers and inaccurate weather predictions led thirty tourists to tackle the O Circuit trek despite worsening conditions.
Torres del Paine National Park, in remote and icy Patagonia, attracts 250,000–300,000 visitors annually. Thousands aim to complete its iconic trekking routes. On 17 November, a violent blizzard struck the O Circuit, killing five trekkers and leaving dozens stranded in whiteout conditions for hours.
This tragedy, triggered by severe weather, highlights ongoing safety problems in Patagonia’s parks, which critics have increasingly questioned.
Chaos on John Garner Pass
The group left Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 am to cross John Garner Pass. Light rain and moderate winds marked the morning, but weather worsened rapidly with altitude. By late morning, visibility dropped to a few metres, and strong winds created dangerous whiteout conditions.
The O Circuit, or Paine Massif Circuit, forms a 130–140 km multi-day loop around the massif. Authorities consider it one of Patagonia’s most challenging trails.
By 10 am, trekkers faced near-horizontal snow, gusting winds, and complete loss of visibility while ascending the exposed upper section of the pass. Some hikers turned back, others pressed onward, unaware of the storm’s rapid intensification.
Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and lack of shelter trapped several hikers. Five lost their lives: a Mexican couple, a German couple, and a British trekker. Survivors later found them near the top of the pass.
Park Oversight and Ranger Absence
Survivors reported receiving no timely warnings about John Garner Pass. Camp staff cited forecasts of moderate winds, calling conditions “normal.” Officials kept the trail open despite worsening weather.
Park staff also delayed response. Stranded hikers organized initial rescues themselves because no trained personnel were stationed nearby. CONAF, the National Forestry Corporation of Chile, oversees all Torres del Paine trails, monitors conditions, and issues closures or warnings when needed.
Normally, rangers perform entrance checks, monitor trails, and provide updated safety information. However, no rangers were present near John Garner Pass when the blizzard struck. Many staff were off to vote in the 2025 Chilean presidential election, reducing park presence by roughly half.
CONAF confirmed no rangers monitored the critical Los Perros/John Garner Pass sector. Only 51 personnel were on site across the park. Staffing shortages remain chronic; Chile has just 450 highly trained 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 went on strike over administrative issues and lack of resources. In Argentina, rangers reportedly quit due to mismanagement under the new government, further exposing regional vulnerabilities.
