Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Several victims of an avalanche that hit Northern California's backcountry on Tuesday were connected to a private school for competitive skiers, the institution said.
Officials with Sugar Bowl Academy in Norden, Calif., confirmed Wednesday that multiple victims were either members or had strong connections with the school. They said they would not release the names of the victims and survivors.
"We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us," Stephen McMahon, executive director of Sugar Bowl Academy, said in a statement.
A group of 15 skiers, including four guides, set off Sunday for a three-day backcountry trip, and were returning amid dangerous conditions Tuesday when they were hit by an avalanche near Castle Peak in California's mountainous Nevada County at about 11:30 a.m. PST.
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