Deadly California Avalanche Claims Parents of Ski Academy Students

The tragedy is the deadliest U.S. avalanche in 45 years.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A group of skiers, mostly parents of students at a local school and ski academy, were caught in a deadly avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains on Tuesday. Eight people were confirmed dead, one person is still missing, and six people survived the incident.

Why it matters

The avalanche tragedy has devastated the tight-knit community of the Sugar Bowl Academy, a private school focused on competitive skiing. The loss of parents and community members will have a profound impact on the school and the broader Donner Summit area.

The details

According to authorities, a group of 15 skiers were caught in the avalanche during a three-day guided trip. The group included parents, mostly mothers, of students at the Sugar Bowl Academy. Emergency responders are still working to recover all of the victims, and the school is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The victims were on a three-day guided ski trip.

The players

Sugar Bowl Academy

A private independent school boarding and day school designed for competitive skiers.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the avalanche incident.

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What they’re saying

“Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy. Most importantly, the Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there in the months and years ahead for the families that have lost loved ones.”

— Sugar Bowl Academy (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Authorities are still working to recover all of the victims and identify them. The Sugar Bowl Academy community is rallying to support the affected families.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche has devastated the tight-knit community of the Sugar Bowl Academy, highlighting the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the importance of safety precautions. The school's focus on supporting the affected families in the aftermath underscores the close-knit nature of the skiing community.