Tragic Avalanche Claims Eight Lives Near Lake Tahoe
Tragic Avalanche Claims Eight Lives Near Lake Tahoe
A devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe has shattered the backcountry skiing community, killing eight people on February 17, 2026. The group of 11 skiers and four guides was returning from a three-day trip near Frog Lake Backcountry Huts in the Castle Peak area when a massive slab of snow, the size of a football field, struck around 11:30 a.m. amid a fierce winter storm with heavy snowfall and 60 mph winds.
Victims Tied to Sugar Bowl Academy Community
Among the dead were seven women and one man, many mothers and parents connected to Sugar Bowl Academy, a prestigious school for competitive young skiers near Donner Summit. The academy confirmed multiple community members perished but withheld names to honor grieving families. Three highly experienced guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides also lost their lives. Six survivors—four men and two women—huddled under a tarp for hours before rescue in treacherous conditions.
Recovery Challenges and Community Grief
Inclement weather and high avalanche risks have delayed body recovery, with crews prioritizing safety. Sheriff officials vow to persist, searching for a ninth presumed dead. The close-knit Sugar Bowl community rallies in heartbreak, offering enduring support to athletes, staff, and families as they navigate this profound loss.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Sugar Bowl Academy
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Sugar Bowl Academy: Elite Ski Training Meets Academic Excellence</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #2c5aa0; } h2 { color: #4a7c59; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Sugar Bowl Academy: Where Ski Dreams and Academic Excellence Collide</h1> <p>Nestled at 6,900 feet in Sugar Bowl Resort's snowbound village on Donner Summit, California, **Sugar Bowl Academy (SBA)** is the nation's only ski-in/ski-out college preparatory school, blending world-class ski and snowboard training with rigorous academics for student-athletes ages 5-23.[1][3][7]</p> <p>Founded in 1992 as the Sugar Bowl Ski Team Foundation by Sheldon Ramsey, SBA evolved in 1999 under Dr. Patricia Hellman Gibbs—a former US Ski Team member—who envisioned a West Coast hub for elite ski racing with positive coaching and character development. Key pioneers like Jim Hudson and Barbara Sorba helped build this grit, grace, and courage-driven community.[1][2]</p> <p>SBA offers programs in Alpine, Backcountry, Freeride, Park, and Snowboard, with coaches including World Cup veterans. Athletes access a dedicated race arena, homologated speed venue, and North America's largest cross-country area. Off-snow, the Sport
Blackbird Mountain Guides
**Blackbird Mountain Guides** is a specialized mountain guiding and avalanche education company founded by **Zeb Blais**, an IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) certified mountain guide based in the greater North Tahoe area[1][2]. The company operates across multiple regions including California, Washington, and international locations spanning from Alaska to Antarctica, Hokkaido to the Himalaya[2]. The organization's core mission is to provide clients with "the knowledge, confidence, and support to achieve your most ambitious backcountry objectives"[2]. Blackbird Mountain Guides offers a comprehensive range of services including expertly guided backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, rock climbing adventures, and specialized AIARE avalanche safety courses[3]. Their service areas encompass Tahoe National Forest, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Mt. Shasta, Lassen National Park, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and over seven international locations[1]. The company distinguishes itself through four key pillars: innovative courses tailored to various skill levels, expert guides who are highly experienced and AMGA-trained, positive progression through strategically designed course sequences, and ongoing community-focused support[2][3]. Blackbird maintains a team of over 30 guides at various certification levels, including multiple IFMGA and AMGA certified instructors[6]. Blackbird Mountain Guides has earned strong recognition in the industry, with an impressive **5.0 average rating across 208 Google reviews**[3]. Client testimonials consistently praise the guides' expertise, teaching methods, and comprehensive approach to backcountry safety and skill development[3][5]. The company emphasizes building community and enabling positive growth through mountain experiences, positioning itself as a premier destination for both
