Tour company behind Tahoe avalanche disaster says all guides were certified in avalanche safety

"The founder of the backcountry tour company that lost three guides and six clients in one of the worst avalanche disasters in California history said that all his guides were certified in avalanche safety and are routinely in communication with senior guides while on excursions to discuss conditions and route options. There is still a lot that we're learning about what happened, Zeb Blais, founder of Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides said in a statement released Wednesday night. It's too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway."

"The company has been criticized relentlessly on social media for setting out Sunday with 11 paying clients and four guides for a three-day backcountry ski trip with the strongest storm of the season bearing down on the region. A group of moms with children in the Sugar Bowl ski racing school were part of the outing. After spending two nights at the Frog Lake huts, which are outfitted with bunk beds and wood-burning stoves, the entire group was heading back to the trailhead when an avalanche the size of a football field came crashing down on the party, officials said. Only five skiers, including one guide, survived all rescued Tuesday evening by volunteer search and rescue teams who faced treacherous, white-out conditions and gale-force winds to reach them, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon told reporters Wednesday."

A backcountry tour company lost three guides and six clients in a major California avalanche. All guides were certified in avalanche safety and maintained routine communication with senior guides while on excursions. The outing included 11 paying clients and four guides on a three-day backcountry ski trip amid a strong storm. The group spent two nights at Frog Lake huts and was returning when an avalanche the size of a football field struck. Only five skiers survived and were reached by volunteer search and rescue teams in white-out conditions and gale-force winds. One person remained unaccounted for and was presumed dead. Victims were adults in their 30s to 50s. Investigations are underway.

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