Founder of backcountry tour company speaks out on deadly Tahoe avalanche

Blackbird Mountain Guides founder says all guides were highly trained, but 'we don't have all the answers yet'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The founder of Lake Tahoe's Blackbird Mountain Guides has issued a statement calling Tuesday's deadly avalanche an 'enormous tragedy' following the deaths of at least eight people on one of the company's backcountry ski trips. Zeb Blais confirmed all guides had the highest certifications and training in backcountry skiing and avalanche risk, but asked the public to avoid speculation about what happened as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

This tragic avalanche in the Tahoe region highlights the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the importance of proper training and safety protocols for guides leading these types of excursions. It also raises questions about avalanche preparedness and response in the area, as well as the potential need for further regulations or oversight of commercial backcountry tour operators.

The details

The group of 15, including four guides from Blackbird, was reportedly returning from a three-day backcountry ski trip to the Frog Lake huts near the Lake Tahoe region when the avalanche occurred. Eight people have been confirmed deceased, making the avalanche the deadliest in modern California history. One individual is missing but presumed dead, and the Nevada County Sheriff's Office confirmed it has switched from a rescue mission to a recovery one. Six people, two women and four men, including one guide, survived the avalanche and were rescued from the mountain by search and rescue personnel on Tuesday evening.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Blackbird Mountain Guides founder Zeb Blais issued a statement on Wednesday night, February 18, 2026.

The players

Zeb Blais

The founder of Lake Tahoe's Blackbird Mountain Guides, the company that led the backcountry ski trip where the deadly avalanche occurred.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

A Lake Tahoe-based backcountry tour company that led the ski trip where the deadly avalanche occurred.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon

The Nevada County Sheriff who confirmed the search and rescue mission had transitioned to a recovery operation.

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What they’re saying

“In addition to mourning the loss of six clients, we also mourn the loss of three highly experienced members of our guide team. 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 Guides (sfgate.com)

“All of the guides with the group were AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) trained or certified in backcountry skiing. Each guide was also an instructor with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), the industry standard for avalanche education, and was certified to teach.”

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

“We ask that people following this tragedy refrain from speculating. We don't have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”

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

What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office has transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery operation, and authorities will continue investigating the cause of the deadly avalanche.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche underscores the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the critical importance of proper training, safety protocols, and preparedness for both guides and participants. It also highlights the need for continued evaluation of avalanche forecasting and emergency response in the Tahoe region to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.