Nine backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe remain missing after a mass avalanche burial near Lake Tahoe in the Castle Peak area. Six more were rescued. Officials initially said they thought 16 skiers were on the trip, but the actual number was 15. The group consisted of group of four ski guides and 11 clients on a tour with Blackbird Mountain Guides.
The six known survivors were rescued Tuesday night after search crews were launched from from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
“The six initially reported skiers who survived the avalanche have been successfully rescued this evening by search and rescue teams with varying injuries. Due to extreme weather conditions, it took several hours for rescue personnel to safely reach the skiers and transport them to safety where they were medically evaluated by Truckee Fire. Two of the six skiers have been transported to a hospital for treatment. The search is ongoing, pending weather conditions. It should be noted it was initially believed there were 16 total persons, but that number has been updated to reflect 15 people who actually went on the trip. No further updates are anticipated this evening.” -Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
>>@CAGovernor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on this developing incident. The state is coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local partners and deploying resources to support the active response.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 18, 2026
Please follow local emergency officials and first responders. https://t.co/pQmpLw2lvY
This is a developing situation and we will be sure to update as new information becomes available. Blackbird Mountain Guides issued the following statement regarding the incident:
Statement from Blackbird Mountain Guides regarding incident near Castle Peak:
UPDATE – February 17, 2026 – 9.00pm PT
TRUCKEE, CA — The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has informed Blackbird Mountain Guides they will be taking the lead on all direct communications and status updates from this point to ensure families rapidly receive the most current details.
The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides remains fully engaged in assisting the Search and Rescue efforts on the ground as we navigate this incredibly difficult situation alongside those involved.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 17, 2026 – 7.30pm PT
TRUCKEE, CA — Blackbird Mountain Guides is currently responding to a serious backcountry incident involving an avalanche that occurred this morning, February 17, near the Frog Lake huts in the Castle Peak area.
A total of 12 clients and four guides had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since February 15. The group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip when the incident occurred.
The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides is working in full coordination with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue to support the ongoing rescue operation.
Blackbird Mountain Guides is in direct contact with the emergency contacts of the affected clients and guides and is providing them with regular updates as verified information becomes available.
Blackbird Mountain Guides Frog Lake Huts Trip Description:
The Frog Lake Huts in Truckee access some of the best backcountry skiing terrain in North Lake Tahoe. Beyond amazing skiing, the huts are equipped with creature comforts that make sleeping deep in the backcountry an absolute pleasure. Easily the most comfortable backcountry “huts” in California, the Frog Lake Huts include comfortable beds, running water, bathrooms, drying rooms and a communal cooking and dining area. The huts make overnighting in the backcountry a pure pleasure!
Already have a reservation at the huts? Looking to just hire a guide for your dates? Check out Frog Lake Huts – Private Guiding.
Want to bring up extra food or drinks up to the huts? Or need someone to carry something back down to the trailhead for you? Book a Frog Lake Porter Service.
Overview:
The Frog Lake Huts provide incredible access to North Lake Tahoe’s most impressive terrain and comfortable respite from winter nights. With European-inspired design, the guest cabins provide options from 8 person “luxury-dormitories” to double occupancy rooms. The cabins are propane heated with thermostat controls in each room and offer running water and flush toilets. A separate building, the Eshenbach House, houses a commercial kitchen with stoves, ovens, a griddle, and refrigerator and freezer space for guests as well as a massive dining room, games room and loft.
Morgan Hut
Sleeps 4 in 2 separate rooms (Left and Right)
The most private option in the Frog Lake lineup, offering two, two bedrooms joined with a common room and bathroom.
Rockwood Hut
Sleeps 8 in 2 separate rooms (Left and Right)
A duplex with each unit sleeping 4 and a shared bathroom between the two units.
Ted R Hut
Sleeps 8 in a “luxury-dorm” group space
A large group hut which includes a private bathroom.
Amenities at the Frog Lake Huts
Each Guest Hut is Equipped With:
- Thermostat controlled propane heat to keep your hut warm and toasty.
- Ample LED lighting – lets you keep your headlamp in your pack!
- Drying racks for boots, clothes and skins.
- AC Wall outlets and USB Ports for phone charging.
- Drinkable, running water and a flush toilet.
The Eschenbach House (Common Area) Includes:
- A full commercial kitchen equipped with a wide range of cookware, common cooking oils and spices, cooking utensils, plates, cups, silverware and even glass wine glasses!
- A large dining room with a wood fireplace (operated by the hut keeper).
- A cozy map and games room with a separate fireplace.
- A loft to stretch, use a foam roller or socialize away from the main group.
- Separate quarters for Guides and Hut Keepers.
Daily Objectives
- Our guides will find the best terrain and snow for our group each day, based on weather and snow conditions. We’ll set our sights on runs on Horse Peak, Perry’s Peak, Tadpole Peak, Red Mountain, Frog Lake Cliff and more!
- After skiing, you’ll relax and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our guides
- Socialize with great people and live the backcountry hut life!
Prerequisites:
The terrain at the Frog Lake Huts ranges from intermediate to expert level riding. Generally our guides are able to find excellent backcountry snow conditions, but often we need to travel through difficult conditions to access the goods. This requires riders to be adept with their backcountry touring skills and have a solid foundation of touring before the trip.
Here are the skills and fitness you’ll need for your trip:
- Advanced Resort Riding Skills – Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.
- Intermediate Backcountry Experience – Including efficient gear management and skinning, transition technique, with 20+ days spent in the backcountry.
- Moderate Fitness – Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 4-6 miles and climb 1,500-2,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.
