Bear Family Races Across Busy California Ski Slope

Skiers narrowly avoid collision with mother bear and her cubs at Northstar Resort near Lake Tahoe.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A video captured a family of bears, including a mother bear and her two cubs, running across a busy ski slope at Northstar Resort in California near Lake Tahoe. Skiers were able to avoid colliding with the bears as the mother bear led her cubs across the slope at a quick pace.

Why it matters

Encounters between bears and humans at ski resorts are uncommon but can be dangerous for both parties. This incident highlights the need for skiers and resorts to be vigilant about wildlife, especially during the winter months when bears should be in hibernation.

The details

The video, posted on Instagram by user Barclay Wayhrauch, shows the mother bear leading her two cubs across the crowded ski slope. Skiers were able to steer clear of the bears as they made their way across the slope. However, a bear expert noted that it is concerning to see bears out of hibernation this early, as it could mean their den was disturbed, and they may not have access to adequate food sources in the forest.

  • The incident occurred on February 21, 2026 at Northstar Resort near Lake Tahoe, California.

The players

Barclay Wayhrauch

An Instagram user who posted the video of the bear family running across the ski slope.

Northstar Resort

A ski resort located near Lake Tahoe in California where the bear sighting took place.

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What they’re saying

“That's what we call a California winter safari ride!”

— Barclay Wayhrauch (Instagram)

“Bear expert chiming in - we do not want to see bears out of hibernation this early & in these conditions. It's possible their den was disturbed (which can happen when bears den at or near ski resorts) and mama bear abandoned the den with her cubs. It's too early and there likely aren't food sources available in the forest”

— Bear Expert (Comment on social media)

What’s next

Northstar Resort and local wildlife authorities will likely investigate the incident to determine if the bears' den was disturbed and if any steps need to be taken to prevent future bear encounters on the ski slopes.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for skiers and ski resorts to be vigilant about wildlife, especially during the winter months when bears should be in hibernation. Encounters between bears and humans can be dangerous, and it's important for both parties to maintain a safe distance and avoid interfering with the bears' natural behaviors.