8 Killed in Deadly California Avalanche

Backcountry skiers with ties to Lake Tahoe community among victims of treacherous slide

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A group of 15 backcountry skiers were hit by a deadly avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, leaving 8 dead and 1 missing. The skiers had deep connections to the alpine recreation community around Lake Tahoe, including the Sugar Bowl Academy. Four of the victims were guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company that offers mountaineering and backcountry ski trips.

Why it matters

This tragedy highlights the risks and dangers inherent in backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and groups. It also underscores the close-knit nature of the alpine sports community in the Lake Tahoe region, where many of the victims had strong ties. The incident raises questions about avalanche preparedness and safety protocols for backcountry excursions.

The details

The group of 15 skiers had been staying in remote huts in the Sierra Nevada mountains for several days, facing increasingly brutal winter conditions. As they trekked back towards the trailhead on Tuesday, they were struck by a powerful avalanche that killed 8 and left 1 missing. The victims ranged in age from 30 to 55 and included 4 guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company that provides backcountry skiing and mountaineering trips. Rescue efforts were hampered by blizzard conditions, but 3 bodies were recovered by the survivors.

  • The ski trip began on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Avalanche warnings were in effect through early Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Sugar Bowl Academy

A ski school and academy that offers alpine and backcountry ski instruction and academics for young athletes. Several of the victims had strong connections to the school and the Donner Summit/Lake Tahoe backcountry community.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

A company that offers mountaineering and backcountry ski trips as well as safety courses across the West and internationally. Four of the victims were guides from this company.

Zeb Blais

The founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, who stated the company has launched an investigation and paused field operations at least through the weekend while prioritizing support for the victims' families.

Max Perrey

The mayor of Mill Valley, California, who confirmed that some of the victims were women from his city.

Shannan Moon

The Nevada County Sheriff, who described the harrowing rescue efforts and recovery of 3 of the bodies.

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What they’re saying

“We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.”

— Stephen McMahon, Executive Director, Sugar Bowl Academy (wbal.com)

“We don't have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”

— Zeb Blais, Founder, Blackbird Mountain Guides (wbal.com)

What’s next

Authorities are waiting for the powerful storm to clear so they can recover the bodies of the remaining victims. The investigation into the cause of the avalanche is ongoing.

The takeaway

This devastating avalanche tragedy underscores the inherent risks and dangers of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and groups. It has deeply impacted the tight-knit alpine community around Lake Tahoe, raising important questions about avalanche preparedness and safety protocols for these types of excursions.