Crews recover bodies of 9 backcountry skiers after California avalanche

Rescue efforts were hindered by intense snowfall, but the community came together to support the victims' families.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:47am

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Emergency responders in California's Sierra Nevada recovered the bodies of nine backcountry skiers who were killed in an avalanche on Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe. The victims included three guides from Blackbird Mountain Company and six experienced women skiers. Two other skiers survived the incident. Rescue efforts were challenging due to heavy snowfall and the threat of additional avalanches, but the community rallied to support the victims' families.

Why it matters

Backcountry skiing is a popular activity in the Sierra Nevada, but it also carries significant risks, as this tragic incident demonstrates. The avalanche highlights the need for proper safety precautions and preparedness when venturing into remote mountain areas. The community's response also showcases the importance of tight-knit relationships in mountain towns when dealing with such devastating events.

The details

The avalanche struck on the last day of a three-day backcountry skiing tour involving 15 skiers. Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, six survivors called for help, describing a sudden and terrifying slide that was approximately the length of a football field. Rescuers were not able to reach the victims until roughly six hours later due to the heavy snowfall and threat of additional avalanches. Authorities used helicopters and ropes to eventually recover all nine bodies over the following days, fighting through severe winds and whiteout conditions.

  • On Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m.
  • Rescuers were not able to reach the victims until roughly six hours after the initial call for help.
  • On Friday, February 21, 2026, crews were able to recover five of the victims.
  • On Saturday, February 22, 2026, the remaining four bodies were recovered.

The players

Blackbird Mountain Company

A company that provides backcountry skiing guides and tours in the Sierra Nevada region.

Andrew Alissandratos

A 34-year-old guide from Blackbird Mountain Company who died in the avalanche.

Nicole Choo

A 42-year-old guide from Blackbird Mountain Company who died in the avalanche.

Michael Henry

A 30-year-old guide from Blackbird Mountain Company who died in the avalanche.

Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, Kate Vitt

Six experienced women skiers in their 40s who were part of a close-knit group of friends and died in the avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.”

— Families of the victims

“This was an enormous tragedy, and the saddest event our team has ever experienced. We are doing what we can to support the families who lost so much, and the members of our team who lost treasured friends and colleagues.”

— Zeb Blais, Founder, Blackbird Mountain Company

What’s next

The Tahoe National Forest will keep the terrain off-limits to visitors until mid-March, once the investigation into the avalanche is complete.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the importance of proper safety precautions, even for experienced skiers. The community's response also highlights the value of tight-knit relationships in mountain towns, which can provide crucial support during times of crisis.