BURSTThree people were killed and four injured after a slab avalanche swept a group of mountaineers into Laguna del Inca near Ski Portillo in Chile’s Valparaíso region on Oct. 17.
The group was traveling toward the summit of Cerro Los Tres Hermanos when the avalanche occurred, according to resort management. Rescue teams, Chilean Carabineros police, firefighters, medical personnel and other emergency responders arrived within 10 minutes and rescued four survivors, who were transported by helicopter to Los Andes Hospital.
Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service initially reported four deaths and four injuries before revising the death toll to three. Recovery efforts continued as authorities investigated whether anyone else remained beneath the snow.
Local official Manuel Millones confirmed that those involved were Chilean citizens. Two victims were identified in media reports as Magdalena Acuña Jiménez, 56, and Rodrigo Peña Troncoso, 36.
Ski Portillo closed for the season on Oct. 11. Management said the avalanche occurred outside the designated ski area, in a restricted zone marked with avalanche warnings. Resort personnel had reportedly warned the group against entering the backcountry earlier that morning.
“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,” writes Ski Portillo. “Entering closed areas, or continuing an activity despite warnings, means exposing oneself to serious hazards that can endanger the lives of both those who enter and the teams who must come to their aid.”
General Manager Miguel Purcell expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged mountaineers to follow safety restrictions: “We once again extend our condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirm our support for the work being carried out by the authorities.”
“Mountaineering activities must be undertaken responsibly and in compliance with all safety instructions and restrictions,” said Purcell. “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. These warnings are also posted on our website. Mountaineering and any activity in high-mountain environments requires preparation, constant assessment of conditions, and above all, personal responsibility and strict adherence to safety guidance. We would like to remind the public to be cautious when engaging in these activities and that no experience should ever take precedence over the protection of life.”
The avalanche occurred after an exceptionally snowy season in Chile’s central Andes. Ski Portillo reported nearly 40 feet of snowfall, more than double its historical average of approximately 17 feet. Heavy late-season snowfall also prompted nearby Valle Nevado to extend operations into November, an unprecedented move in the resort’s 38-year history.
Rising spring temperatures can destabilize snowpacks as melting and water infiltration increase avalanche risks. However, investigators have not established the precise factors that triggered Saturday’s avalanche. The incident highlights the dangers of backcountry travel during changing spring conditions, particularly in areas where access is restricted and snowpack stability remains uncertain.
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