Ski Guide Group Founder Dies in Tahoe Avalanche

In late February, backcountry skiing near Lake Tahoe turned into a tragedy that’s now the deadliest avalanche event in California’s modern history. A guided winter trek near Castle Peak was struck by a massive slab avalanche as a group was returning to the trailhead, burying skiers under deep snow during heavy storm conditions. 

Among those killed were clients and experienced guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company known locally for leading backcountry excursions. Rescue and recovery crews battled blizzard conditions and unstable snowpack for days before all nine bodies were recovered, including three highly trained guides. 

The Tragic Slide Near Castle Peak

The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on February 17 as a three-day backcountry ski tour was ending near Frog Lake huts, a remote cluster of cabins in rugged Sierra terrain. The slide was broad and powerful — described by officials as covering an area roughly the length of a football field — capable of overwhelming even prepared skiers. 

Weather services had reported significant snow accumulation and unstable conditions in the days leading up to the incident. Investigators are looking at weather, snowpack stability and route choices as part of efforts to understand how such an experienced group was caught in a lethal avalanche. 

Loss of Skilled Ski Guides

Among the nine killed were three members of the Blackbird Mountain Guides team: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole “Niki” Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30. All were local to the Tahoe area and highly experienced in backcountry guiding, with professional training in avalanche safety. 

Blackbird founder Zeb Blais acknowledged the enormity of the loss and described it as the saddest event his team had ever experienced. He noted that all guides were trained with the American Mountain Guides Association and certified with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education — the industry standard for avalanche education. 

Clients and Friends Among the Victims

Six of the deceased were identified as clients on the trip — friends and family members who had planned the adventure together. Several were described by their loved ones as mothers, wives and close friends from the Bay Area, Idaho and the Tahoe region who shared a passion for skiing. 

Families said they were devastated beyond words, emphasizing that these were experienced backcountry skiers who cherished their time in the mountains. The loss has rippled through communities across Northern California and beyond. 

Rescue and Recovery Challenges

Initial rescue efforts were hampered by blizzard conditions, unstable snow, and limited visibility. Responders used snowcats, skis, and later helicopters once conditions permitted, but progress was slow and dangerous. 

Six people survived the slide — one guide and five clients — some sheltering under tarps until rescuers could reach them. Search teams had to work carefully to avoid triggering further avalanches, a stark reminder of how unforgiving high Alpine winter conditions can be. 

Investigations Underway

Both the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and California’s workplace safety agency, Cal/OSHA, have opened investigations into the incident. Authorities are examining decision-making, weather forecasts, route selection and whether any workplace safety violations occurred. 

As of this writing, the official investigations are ongoing and could take months to complete. Early reports note that investigators are cautious about drawing conclusions until all interviews and data have been reviewed. 

Community Mourning and Vigils

In the days following the recovery, local communities around Tahoe have begun to gather for vigils and remembrances. Residents and visitors alike have shared grief and support for the families of those lost, as winter conditions still grip the Sierra Nevada. 

Friends and neighbors have emphasized the tight-knit nature of mountain communities, where outdoor pursuits connect people across generations and backgrounds. The tragedy has underscored both the beauty and risk of backcountry skiing.