Backcountry Tour Company Defends Guides' Avalanche Safety Credentials After Deadly Tahoe Disaster

Blackbird Mountain Guides says all guides were certified in avalanche safety, but investigations are still ongoing into the decisions that led to the tragedy.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, the backcountry tour company that lost three guides and six clients in a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe region, said all of his guides were certified in avalanche safety. However, the company is facing criticism for leading the group out during a major storm, and authorities are investigating the decisions made by the tour company.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised questions about the safety protocols and decision-making of backcountry tour operators, especially during extreme weather conditions. It highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the importance of proper training and risk assessment by guides.

The details

According to Blackbird Mountain Guides founder Zeb Blais, all of the guides on the ill-fated trip were trained or certified by the American Mountain Guides Association and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Blais said the guides in the field were also in communication with senior guides at the company's base to discuss conditions and routing. However, it's unclear if this communication happened before the group began their return trip on the day of the avalanche. The company has been criticized for leading the group, which included 11 paying clients and 4 guides, out during a major storm. Authorities are now investigating the decisions made by the tour company.

  • The group set out on Sunday for a three-day backcountry ski trip.
  • The avalanche occurred as the group was heading back to the trailhead on Tuesday.
  • Rescue teams reached the scene on Tuesday evening under treacherous conditions.
  • As of Wednesday, one person was still unaccounted for and presumed dead.

The players

Zeb Blais

The founder of Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides, the tour company behind the deadly Tahoe avalanche.

Shannan Moon

The Nevada County Sheriff who is investigating the decisions made by the tour company.

Stephen McMahon

The director of the Sugar Bowl Academy, which had multiple members in the group that was caught in the avalanche.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The backcountry tour company that led the group caught in the deadly Tahoe avalanche.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is still a lot that we're learning about what happened. It's too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.”

— Zeb Blais, Founder, Blackbird Mountain Guides (mercurynews.com)

“Multiple members of the ski school community and others with connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit and the backcountry perished in the avalanche.”

— Stephen McMahon, Director, Sugar Bowl Academy (mercurynews.com)

“In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”

— Zeb Blais, Founder, Blackbird Mountain Guides (mercurynews.com)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the decisions made by Blackbird Mountain Guides that led to the deadly avalanche. The company has suspended field operations at least through February 22, and perhaps for another two weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the importance of proper training, risk assessment, and communication by tour operators, especially during extreme weather conditions. It raises questions about the safety protocols and decision-making of companies leading outdoor excursions in potentially hazardous environments.