Deadly Avalanche Strikes Sierra Nevada Ski Group

Multiple victims had ties to local private ski school

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A group of 15 skiers, including four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, were caught in a deadly avalanche near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Multiple victims had connections to the nearby Sugar Bowl Academy, a private ski-focused school. Only six of the skiers survived the incident, which occurred during the group's three-day backcountry expedition.

Why it matters

The tragedy has deeply impacted the tight-knit ski community in the Sierra Nevada region, with several victims having ties to the local Sugar Bowl Academy. The incident also raises questions about risk assessment and decision-making when venturing into dangerous backcountry conditions, especially for guided groups.

The details

The group was on the final day of their Presidents Day weekend trip, skiing back to the trailhead from the Frog Lake huts when the avalanche struck. Six survivors were able to communicate with emergency crews using their iPhone SOS feature, leading to a rescue effort. Three of the nine people killed were professional guides with Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company known for high-end mountain adventures. One of the victims was married to a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team that responded to the incident.

  • The group embarked on the backcountry expedition on Sunday and stayed two nights in the Frog Lake huts.
  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday as the group was skiing back to the trailhead.

The players

Sugar Bowl Academy

A private, ski-focused school located near the avalanche site, which said multiple victims had ties to its program.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

A company known for high-end mountain adventures and safety courses, which had three of its guides killed in the avalanche.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue

A team that includes 28 personnel from the Placer County Sheriff's Office, one of whose members was married to a victim.

Max Perrey

The mayor of Mill Valley, California, whose city had residents, including at least one who died, on the ski trip.

Hardy Bullock

A Nevada County supervisor who represents the area and was surprised people were out in the dangerous backcountry conditions.

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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

“Our heart in Mill Valley goes out to the families that have been impacted. It's a huge tragedy and a huge loss.”

— Max Perrey, Mayor of Mill Valley, California

“I don't know the judgment calls and how that was all determined and discerned, and when to go and when to stay. I was quite surprised that people were out in the back country. It's very, very remote.”

— Hardy Bullock, Nevada County Supervisor

What’s next

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, including examining the decision-making and risk assessment of the group. The Sugar Bowl Academy has not released the names or details of the victims connected to its program.

The takeaway

This tragedy highlights the inherent risks and challenges of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and groups. It underscores the need for thorough planning, conservative decision-making, and the importance of mountain safety education to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.