Today brought both closure and overwhelming sorrow to the families and communities of a group of backcountry skiers whose lives were tragically cut short during an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California earlier this week. After days of tireless search and rescue efforts through blizzard‑like snow conditions, the bodies of all nine missing skiers have now been recovered, marking the end of a harrowing chapter that has gripped the outdoor world with grief and disbelief.
The avalanche struck on February 17, 2026, when a group of 15 backcountry skiing enthusiasts — including seasoned guides and close friends — were returning from a three‑day guided ski trip in the remote Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada. What began as an adventure in the winter wilderness turned into the deadliest avalanche incident to hit California in decades, as a massive wall of snow roared down the mountainside, giving the group little time to react.
In the immediate aftermath, six members of the party survived the slide and were rescued, though some endured hours of freezing conditions waiting for help to arrive. Shock and despair spread quickly through the mountain community as rescuers combed the treacherous terrain in whiteout conditions, looking for the nine skiers who had not made it out alive.
For days, rescue crews battled heavy snowfall, unstable slopes and the constant threat of further avalanches. Efforts to reach those missing were repeatedly delayed for the safety of search teams. But on Saturday, helicopters from the California National Guard and California Highway Patrol, along with ground crews and volunteers, were finally able to reach and recover the bodies of all nine skiers.
Among those who lost their lives were three professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides — Andrew Alissandratos, Michael Henry, and Nicole Choo — and six experienced backcountry skiers, many of whom were mothers, friends and devoted outdoor lovers. Their names and identities were shared by local officials and the families who are now grieving their profound loss.
The image of helicopters lowering and lifting bodies from the mountain will remain seared in the minds of those who watched the recovery unfold. The operation, described by authorities as both difficult and dangerous, required incredible coordination among multiple agencies, including search‑and‑rescue teams and volunteers who worked around the clock to bring these adventurers home.
In a press briefing, Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon offered words that reflected the shared heartbreak of so many: “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” Her voice carried the weight of the tragedy, honoring both the bravery of the rescue teams and the lives lost on that mountain.
For the families and loved ones left behind, the pain is unimaginable. Many of the victims were cherished as mothers, wives, siblings and friends — people whose lives were full of laughter, love and shared passion for time spent in nature. Statements from their families describe deep grief, but also gratitude for the moments shared and the memories that will never fade.
The victims were part of a tight‑knit community of outdoor enthusiasts from the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Tahoe region — people united by their love for the mountains and the freedom that comes with skiing backcountry terrain. Their friendships extended beyond their shared adventure; they celebrated birthdays, returned home to families, and forged bonds that brought light to those around them.
Now, as their bodies have been brought down from the slopes and identification confirmed, communities from across the nation have rallied in shared mourning. Candlelight vigils, online tributes, and heartfelt messages have poured in from fellow skiers, friends and strangers alike, all touched by the courage and spirit of the lost.
In the days ahead, investigations into the causes of the avalanche and the decisions that led the group into that terrain are expected to continue. But for now, the focus remains on remembrance, honor and supporting the families through unimaginable pain.
This tragedy reminds us that the mountains that give us breathtaking beauty also demand respect, preparation and humility. For every person who has ever felt the quiet peace of snow on a winter morning, this news resonates with an ache that transcends sport and adventure.
To those nine skiers — women and men who pursued what they loved — we remember you not for how you died but for the joy you found in the mountains, the friendships you built and the family you leave behind.
Rest in peace. Your journey may have ended on that snowy peak, but your stories will live on in the hearts of those who knew you and those who were inspired by your passion.
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