Several of the victims who died in a backcountry avalanche disaster in California’s Lake Tahoe Region were members of an elite skiing academy, according to a statement from the school released Feb. 18.
"Multiple members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the backcountry community died," the statement said, referring to the avalanche on Tuesday. "Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy."
The accident is being called the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. in four decades. On the last and third day of the trip deep into Sierra Nevada ski country, an avalanche came crashing down, killing three guides and five guests, and leaving six survivors. A ninth person was not found and is presumed dead.
The area where the avalanche occurred is known for its beauty, its skiing and its danger. The Donner Land Trust, which owns the Frog Lake area, says on its website that "all areas are uncontrolled avalanche terrain that require appropriate avalanche education and equipment."
Neither local officials or Sugar Bowl Academy leaders have identified any of the victims by name. Sugar Bowl Academy is an independent, coed boarding and day school for competitive skiers in grades 8-12 located in Norden, California, near Lake Tahoe. It offers specialized ski training in alpine alongside a college preparatory curriculum.
