Ski school shaken by ‘multiple’ links to avalanche deaths in Lake Tahoe

Many of the skiers who died in the deadly massacre near Lake Tahoe were popular members of the local ski school, the California Post can confirm.

Eight people have been confirmed dead and one remains missing after a slide killed 15 people on Castle Peak, near Truckee, on Tuesday morning. Six were later rescued after a major rescue operation.

Sugar Bowl, a popular resort near the disaster site, said Wednesday that “several” members of its school were lost in the snow.

The statement read: “The Sugar Bowl community and the Donner Summit community are saddened by the loss of life in the dangerous area of ​​Castle Peak.

“Many members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong ties to the Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and backcountry community died in an accident on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

It continued: “The Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff and families through this tragedy.

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“Most importantly, the Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there in the months and years to come for families who have lost loved ones.”

Chief executive Stephen McMahon added: “We are a very close-knit and incredibly connected community. This tragedy has affected us all.

“The depth of support for families whose lives have been changed reminds us of how important 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.”

Parents connected to the Sugar Bowl were reluctant to talk about the tragedy Wednesday night, as details were slow to emerge.

Kurt Althof, whose son is skiing in the race program, told the Mercury News: “The only comment I can make is it’s a tragedy.

“My heart, my family’s heart, goes out to all those affected by this.”

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon gave a grim update on the deaths Wednesday, 24 hours after the massacre was first reported.

Four tour guides and 11 guests were caught in the avalanche. Of the 15, six were rescued – one man and five women aged 30 to 55.

Rescuers looking for the last skier are facing “extremely dangerous” conditions, with more snow expected and an avalanche warning still in effect, Moon added.

On Wednesday, the public was waiting for the release of the names of the victims, which city councilor Jan Zabriskie suggested would be released soon.