A group of American ski stars are begging for help after narrowly escaping a fire that ripped through their Chile hotel just days before competing in an FIS Alpine Masters event.40 US racers, coaches and companions were in South America staying at the Hotel Alto Nevados ahead of the South American Masters Race.But on the night of September 6, a fire tore through the hotel, destroying the belongings of many of the group including wallets, passports and equipment.They have now launched a GoFundMe looking for help after their camp ‘took a devastating and unexpected turn’. The GoFundMe launched by Lauren Beckos said: ‘While training at Nevados de Chillan in preparation for FIS Masters races to be held later in the week, the hotel they were staying in was destroyed by a fire. Most of the individuals left their rooms with the clothes on their backs, leaving behind all their ski clothing and gear.’Nearly half of those affected did not even manage to salvage their wallets, passports, cash, or medications. In many cases, they dashed through smoke from the fire to escape the building without shoes or coats. Fortunately, no lives were lost. USA ski stars were staying at a hotel torn apart by a fire in Chile ahead of an event Those involved are asking for help after their belongings including passports were destroyed’Travel and other forms of insurance may cover some of the expenses related to this disaster, but those coordinating and attending the camp will suffer significant loss. Can you help us put these dedicated skiers back on their skis?’The funds raised will be distributed to the individuals affected to help cover the unexpected travel expenses caused by the fire and to replace lost belongings.’Whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, your kindness can make a real difference for these members of the ski racing community as they recover from this unexpected event and get back on their feet. Thank you for standing with them during such a difficult time.’A fire was first reported at around 5pm, according to reports, but later spread beyond just the hotel and impacted wider resort infrastructure. Local fire services deployed more than a dozen vehicles to the mountain site. A statement from the famed Nevados de Chillan ski resort said: ‘We are experiencing a situation that deeply hits us as Nevados de Chillán. ‘Today, we suffered a large-scale fire that affected the Hotel Alto Nevados and the Plaza Otto area, generating significant material damage to infrastructure and nearby areas.’Fortunately, everyone is safe. At this moment, our teams are completely focused on attending to the emergency, assessing damages, reorganizing our priorities, and moving forward with the urgent actions this situation requires.’Given this complex scenario, and with the objective of safeguarding the well-being of our community, staff, and visitors, we have made the decision to suspend operations at Nevados de Chillán tomorrow, Monday, September 7.’For this reason, tomorrow the Ski Center and the Thermal Water Park will remain closed. Valle Hermoso will operate normally.’We know that this is a difficult moment for everyone who is part of our mountain. We deeply appreciate the understanding, respect, and support of our community as we face this contingency.’