Eight skiers confirmed dead in California avalanche
Eight of the nine skiers missing in an avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada have been found dead.
Several of the victims who died in the avalanche accident in a remote area of California’s Lake Tahoe region were members of the elite ski academy, according to a statement from the school released on February 18.
The statement said Tuesday’s avalanche “killed multiple members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong ties to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit and the backcountry community.” “Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting our athletes, students, staff and families through this tragedy.”
The accident is said to be the deadliest avalanche in the United States in 40 years. On the third and final day of a trip deep into the Sierra Nevada ski area, an avalanche occurred, killing three guides and five guests, leaving six survivors. The ninth person has not been found and is presumed dead.
The area where the avalanche occurred is known for its beauty, skiing appeal, and danger. Donner Land Trust, which owns the Frog Lake area, states on its website that “all areas are uncontrolled avalanche terrain and proper avalanche education and equipment is required.”
Neither local authorities nor Sugar Bowl Academy leaders have released the names of the victims. Sugar Bowl Academy is an independent, coeducational boarding school for competitive skiers in grades 8 through 12 located in Norden, California near Lake Tahoe. We offer specialized alpine ski training alongside the university preparatory curriculum.
The academy focuses on developing elite athletes, with graduates often going on to the U.S. Ski Team or NCAA Division I programs. It has produced many elite skiers, particularly on the U.S. and International Ski Teams, with eight alumni selected for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Notable alumni include World Cup winner Alice Robinson, U.S. Olympian Luke Winters, and freeride World Tour champion Isaac Freeland.
“The Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there for the families who have lost a loved one in the months and years to come,” the school said in a statement regarding the avalanche tragedy.
“We are an incredibly close-knit and connected community. This tragedy has affected each of us. The depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever is a reminder of how special this community is,” said Executive Director Stephen McMahon. “The best thing we can do is surround athletes and their families with care and support while providing them with the space and time they need to grieve and heal.”
Search and rescue teams were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. local time to reports of an avalanche accident involving a group of skiers in the rugged and remote area of the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, currently under intense scrutiny for its role in the avalanches, has posted multiple social media posts acknowledging the potential avalanche threat in the area.
