Skiers Rescue Buried Man at Palisades Tahoe

Two skiers jumped into action to save a man's life after finding him buried in deep snow at the California ski resort.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Two skiers, Carson Schmidt and his friend, were skiing at Palisades Tahoe when they spotted a pair of skis sticking out of the deep snow. They immediately jumped into action, digging the man out of about 4 feet of snow. The man was in shock and blue when they found him, but was able to ski away to find his wife after being rescued.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of deep snow conditions and the importance of being prepared with the proper safety gear and training when venturing into advanced terrain. It also showcases the quick thinking and lifesaving actions of the two skiers who spotted the buried man and rushed to his aid.

The details

According to the report, Schmidt and his friend were on their first run of the day at Palisades Tahoe on February 18th when they spotted the skier's skis sticking out of the deep snow. They immediately jumped into action, digging the man out of about 4 feet of snow. The man was in shock and had turned blue when they found him, but was ultimately able to ski away and reunite with his wife.

  • On February 18th, 2026, Schmidt and his friend were skiing at Palisades Tahoe.
  • This incident occurred just one day after a deadly backcountry avalanche at the resort.

The players

Carson Schmidt

One of the two skiers who rescued the buried man at Palisades Tahoe.

Unidentified Skier

The man who was buried in deep snow and rescued by Schmidt and his friend.

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What they’re saying

“You just kind of go into go mode and just dig them out till you can find his face.”

— Carson Schmidt, Skier (KCRA)

“Deep snow is the great equalizer.”

— Carson Schmidt, Skier (KCRA)

What’s next

The report does not mention any specific next steps, as the focus is on the rescue itself and the importance of safety preparedness when skiing in deep snow conditions.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by deep snow conditions and the critical importance of being properly equipped and trained when venturing into advanced terrain. The quick thinking and lifesaving actions of the two skiers who rescued the buried man highlight the value of being aware of one's surroundings and having the skills to respond effectively in an emergency situation.