US Skiers Lose Race Gear in Chile Hotel Fire Days Before Competition
US skiers lose gear in Chile hotel fire days before race. 40 athletes impacted, fundraiser launched.
POLICY WIRE — Chile — A devastating fire at a Chilean ski resort hotel has left US ski racers without their competition equipment just days before a major event.
The incident occurred at the Hotel Alto Nevados in Pinto, where a group of Masters Alpine skiers and their team were staying. The blaze started on the top floor of the five-story building and quickly spread, forcing 150 guests to evacuate as flames engulfed the structure.
Lauren Beckos, who is leading a GoFundMe campaign for the affected skiers, stated that most individuals fled with only the clothes on their backs, leaving behind all their ski gear and personal items. Many lost essential belongings such as passports, cash, and medications, while some escaped without shoes or coats due to the urgency of the evacuation.
The fire expanded beyond the hotel, damaging nearby facilities including a cafeteria, sky school, and equipment rental buildings. Volunteer firefighters from the region worked to contain the blaze, with over a dozen units dispatched to the scene. Chilean authorities closed a section of Route N-55 to facilitate emergency efforts.
Fire officials cited extreme conditions, including high temperatures, adverse weather, and structural damage, as reasons for shifting to a defensive strategy. A local wind phenomenon known as a ‘puelche’ also contributed to the difficulty of firefighting efforts by increasing heat and reducing humidity.
All 150 guests and staff were accounted for safely, according to Ñuble’s regional presidential delegate, Diego Sepúlveda. The Nevados de Chillán resort announced it would be closed on Monday following the incident, with officials focusing on emergency management and damage assessment.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed that the opening races of the FIS Masters World Cup season were canceled. Around 100 athletes from 15 countries had been scheduled to compete. FIS expressed gratitude to the resort and emergency teams for their swift response.
Funds raised through the GoFundMe initiative will be used to assist those affected in covering lost belongings and unexpected travel costs. Beckos urged support, stating that donations could help the ski racing community recover and regain stability after the incident.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
