Three skiers are dead and four more injured in a Chilean Avalanche. On Saturday, October 17, seven backcountry skiers were mountaineering toward the summit of Cerro Los Tres Hermanos, a peak near the popular Portillo ski resort. Around 2:45 p.m., the group was struck by a slab avalanche, according to Chile’s disaster agency Senapred.
Valparaíso regional presidential delegate Manuel Millones confirmed in a televised interview that all seven mountaineers were Chilean Nationals. He further described them as day-trippers who entered a section of the mountain range that was clearly marked as a restricted zone and off-limits to visitors. He added that, according to the Portillo hotel owner, the visitors were warned not to enter the area where the avalanche occurred.
“The ski resort closed for the winter season on Sunday October 11, and the area where the accident occurred is outside the designated ski area,” elaborated Ski Portillo in a statement. “Ski Portillo has clearly visible signage, both at the hotel and in various areas of the slopes, warning of the danger of death and prohibiting entry into restricted areas.’
The slide triggered a complex, multi-agency response. According to local news outlet La Tercera, firefighters, Carabineros, the police air brigade, the SAMU emergency medical service and Senapred all joined in on the effort. The injured mountaineers were transported via helicopter to Los Andes, where they were then transported to nearby hospitals in Los Andes and San Felipe.
“The rescue operations were carried out in extremely dangerous conditions, exposing our teams to significant risk in order to help those affected,” Ski Portillo continued.
Chilean mountaineering group Andino Club Pamir confirmed that two of the deaths were members Magdalena Acuña and Rodrigo Peña.
“The passing of a fellow mountaineer hits our entire community deeply, and our thoughts are especially with her family and loved ones,” wrote the club in a statement. “Sending you lots of strength right now.’
