Multiple skiers who died in a horrificavalanche near Lake Tahoewere beloved members of a local ski school, the California Post can confirm.
Eight are confirmed dead and one is still missing after the slide wiped out 15 people on Castle Peak, near Truckee, on Tuesday morning.Six were later savedafter a mammoth rescue operation.
Sugar Bowl, a popular resort near the site of the tragedy, revealed on Wednesday “multiple” members of its academy had been lost in the snow.
A statement read: “The Sugar Bowl community and the Donner Summit community are grieving the loss of multiple lives in the avalanche at Castle Peak.
“Multiple members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the backcountry community died in an avalanche on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
It continued: “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.”
Executive Director Stephen McMahon added: “We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.
“The depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever reminds us of how special this community is.
“The best thing we can do is surround our athletes and families with care and support while providing the necessary space and time for grief and healing.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
