A massive fire broke out at the Hotel Alto Nevados in Chile’s Nevados de Chillán ski resort, damaging the facility and leaving a group of U.S. ski racers and their teams without their equipment just days before a major competition. The fire started on the top floor of the five-story hotel in the Pinto area around 5 p.m. on Sunday, forcing 150 guests to evacuate as flames spread through the building. Among those affected were 40 racers, coaches, and their companions, many of whom left their rooms wearing only the clothes on their backs and had to abandon their ski gear and clothing. Nearly half of those impacted were unable to recover their wallets, passports, cash, or medications, with some escaping through smoke without shoes or coats. The fire grew rapidly, spreading beyond the hotel to destroy nearby structures, including a cafeteria, a sky school, and equipment rental buildings. Volunteer firefighters from across the region responded to the blaze, with more than a dozen vehicles dispatched to the scene. Chilean national police closed a section of local Route N-55 during the incident to manage traffic and ensure safety. Fire officials noted that high temperatures, harsh weather, the hotel’s deteriorating structure, and a regional wind pattern called a "puelche wind"—a warm, dry gust that descends from the Andes—complicated efforts to control the fire. These conditions led officials to adopt a defensive strategy to protect the firefighters. According to Ñuble’s regional presidential delegate, Diego Sepúlveda, all 150 guests and staff members were safely accounted for after the fire. In response to the incident, the Nevados de Chillán ski resort announced it would close on Monday, and the opening races of the FIS Masters World Cup season were also canceled. Around 100 Masters athletes from 15 countries were expected to compete in the event. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) praised the resort and emergency services for their response and support. To help those affected by the fire, Lauren Beckos has been raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign. The money will be used to cover lost belongings and unexpected travel expenses for the skiers and their teams, helping them recover from the sudden disruption to their competition plans.