Two Skiers Die in Separate Incidents at Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Resort

The deaths come after several other fatalities in the region this ski season.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Two skiers, a 33-year-old man and a 58-year-old man, died in separate incidents at Heavenly Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe on Friday, February 20. The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District responded to the incidents and attempted life-saving efforts, but the skiers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

The deaths at Heavenly Resort are the latest in a string of ski-related fatalities in the Lake Tahoe region this season, raising concerns about safety and risk management at the popular winter destination.

The details

According to reports, the two skiers were involved in unrelated incidents on the mountain. The 33-year-old man was found on the intermediate Orian Trail, while the 58-year-old man suffered a medical event on the Tamarac return trail. Both were transported to the base area by Heavenly Ski Patrol, but despite emergency care, they were pronounced dead.

  • The incidents occurred around noon on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Heavenly Mountain Resort

A ski resort located on the border of California and Nevada near Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

The fire department that responded to the incidents and attempted life-saving efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Heavenly Ski Patrol responded to the incident on the intermediate Orian Trail. The guest was transported by the patrol to TDFPD EMS. After further emergency care and evaluation, the ski was pronounced deceased.”

— Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (Facebook)

“Heavily Ski Patrol responded to a medical event incident on the Tamarac return trail. The guest was transported by patrol to TDFPD EMF at the base of boulder. Following continued emergency care and medical review, the ski was declared deceased.”

— Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (Facebook)

What’s next

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incidents to determine the exact causes of the skiers' deaths.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths at Heavenly Resort underscore the inherent risks of skiing and the need for continued vigilance and safety measures at ski resorts, especially in light of the recent spate of fatalities in the Lake Tahoe region.