Blizzard in Torres del Paine Kills Five International Trekkers

A severe blizzard struck Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia on Monday, November 17, 2025, leading to the confirmed deaths of five international trekkers. The victims were identified as two Mexican nationals, Cristina Calvillo Tovar and Julian Garcia Pimentel; two German nationals, Nadine Lichey and Andreas Von Pein; and one British national, Victoria Bond from Cornwall.

The group was navigating the challenging Paine Massif Circuit, also known as the "O" Circuit, when the sudden, intense weather overwhelmed them near the Los Perros camp. The meteorological event involved heavy snowfall and wind gusts recorded up to 120 mph (193 km/h). The location near Los Perros camp is inherently difficult to reach, requiring a four- to five-hour trek from the nearest point accessible by vehicle, a factor that complicated initial emergency response efforts.

Emergency operations were immediately launched, spearheaded by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). The search and rescue involved roughly 30 personnel, including park rangers, military members, and specialized teams from Carabineros and Socorro Andino. Ground teams were required to proceed on foot, as high winds and poor visibility initially prevented the deployment of aerial support, including helicopters.

Of the nine individuals initially reported missing from the trekking party, four were successfully located and rescued alive; one survivor required immediate evacuation due to hypothermia. Guillermo Ruiz, the presidential delegate for the southern Ultima Esperanza province, confirmed the nationalities of the deceased and the status of the survivors. Following the confirmation that all individuals were accounted for, the search operation concluded, and park authorities implemented closures on certain sections of Torres del Paine National Park.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric extended condolences to the affected families and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the rescue teams operating in severe conditions. Torres del Paine, a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1978, is a primary destination for foreign tourists in Chile, hosting over 367,000 visitors in 2024. The incident, occurring at the start of the trekking season, highlights the inherent risks associated with adventure tourism in Patagonia against a backdrop of increasingly variable global weather patterns. An investigation into the rapid onset of the weather shift is anticipated as park administration reviews existing safety protocols.