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Two Skiers Die in Separate Incidents at Heavenly Resort Near Lake Tahoe
Authorities investigating as Sierra resorts face deadly winter season
Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:05am
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Two skiers died in separate incidents on Friday at Heavenly Mountain Resort's Boulder Lodge area near Lake Tahoe, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Heavenly Ski Patrol brought both skiers to the base area, but they were pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by patrollers and paramedics. The deaths were not connected, and investigators said there was no known relationship between the two skiers. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
Why it matters
This double fatality comes during a punishing stretch of winter weather in the Sierra Nevada, with a series of storms creating hazardous conditions both inbounds and in the backcountry at Tahoe-area ski resorts. The region has seen a string of deaths at major resorts this season, raising concerns about safety and the impact of extreme weather on skier safety.
The details
The two separate fatal ski incidents occurred around 11:55 a.m. on Friday at Heavenly's Boulder Lodge area. Authorities are still working to determine what happened in each case, and the victims' names will be released after next of kin are notified. The sheriff's office called the case an active investigation, and said they have not released details about where on the mountain the incidents occurred, the nature of any injuries, or whether weather or slope conditions were factors.
- The two fatal ski incidents occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026 around 11:55 a.m.
The players
Heavenly Mountain Resort
A ski resort that spans terrain in both California and Nevada, operated by Vail Resorts.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency investigating the two separate fatal ski incidents at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District
The fire department that responded to the incidents and attempted lifesaving measures on the two skiers.
What’s next
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said the cause and manner of death for the two skiers remain under investigation.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that skiers can face at Sierra Nevada resorts, even at major destinations like Heavenly, during an exceptionally harsh winter season marked by extreme weather conditions and a string of fatalities across the region.
