Stateline, Nev. — Two skiers died in separate incidents at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Friday, February 20, 2026, prompting an investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The incidents, occurring at Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge, mark the latest in a series of tragic events on slopes across the Lake Tahoe region this month, raising concerns about safety and conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the first incident at approximately 11:55 a.m. A 33-year-old male skier was involved in an incident on the intermediate Orion trail. According to authorities, Heavenly Ski Patrol transported the individual to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District EMS, where he was pronounced deceased after receiving emergency care. The second incident involved a 58-year-old male experiencing a serious medical event on the Tamarack Return trail. He was also transported by Heavenly Ski Patrol to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District EMS at the base of Boulder and subsequently declared deceased following continued medical attention. The two deaths are not believed to be connected, and investigators have stated there was no known relationship between the skiers.
Heavenly Ski Resort and Authorities Respond
Heavenly Mountain Resort officials expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the deceased skiers. Shaydar Edelmann, vice president and general manager of Heavenly, stated, “On behalf of the entire Heavenly Mountain Resort team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our guests’ family, friends, and loved ones. We are appreciative of the efforts of our Ski Patrol team, and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District.” The resort is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The identities of the skiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, a standard procedure in such cases.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing. A statement released by the Sheriff’s Office indicated that life-saving measures were attempted by both Ski Patrol and paramedics from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, but were ultimately unsuccessful in both cases. The cause and manner of death for both individuals remain under investigation.
A Series of Tragic Incidents in the Tahoe Region
These fatalities at Heavenly come amidst a particularly dangerous period for skiers and snowboarders in the Lake Tahoe area. Just days prior, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, 21-year-old Colin Kang, a Fremont resident and employee at Northstar California Resort, was found dead on a ski run after an overnight search. Kang was a graduate of San Jose State University. As reported by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this incident followed two earlier fatalities at Northstar California Resort earlier in February. Stuart McLaughlin, 53, of Hillsborough, died on February 15, and Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, of Los Angeles, died on February 6, both as a result of skiing accidents.
The recent tragedies extend beyond Northstar and Heavenly. An avalanche near Castle Peak on February 17 claimed the lives of at least eight backcountry skiers, with a ninth person still missing and presumed dead. Six of the avalanche victims have been identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. The Castle Peak avalanche is being described as the deadliest avalanche in California history. The sheer number of incidents has prompted increased scrutiny of conditions and safety protocols at ski resorts and in backcountry areas throughout the region.
Understanding the Risks of Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding, while popular winter sports, inherently carry risks. These risks can be exacerbated by factors such as varying snow conditions, unpredictable weather patterns, and the potential for collisions with other skiers or obstacles. Avalanche danger is a significant concern for those venturing into backcountry terrain, requiring specialized training, equipment, and awareness. Resort skiing, while generally safer, is not without its hazards, including collisions, falls, and medical emergencies.
Ski resorts typically implement a range of safety measures, including trail grooming, signage, ski patrol services, and avalanche control programs. However, skiers and snowboarders also have a responsibility to ski within their abilities, be aware of their surroundings, and follow resort guidelines. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) provides resources and guidelines for skier safety, emphasizing the importance of the Skier Responsibility Code.
The Investigation and What to Expect
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is conducting thorough investigations into both incidents at Heavenly. Investigators will likely examine factors such as weather conditions, snow conditions, the skiers’ experience levels, and any potential mechanical failures. Autopsies will be performed to determine the precise cause of death in each case.
The investigation could accept several weeks or months to complete. Authorities have not indicated whether any specific factors contributed to the incidents, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Sheriff’s Office has not released details regarding the specific trails where the incidents occurred beyond identifying them as the Orion trail and the Tamarack Return trail.
The recent cluster of fatalities has prompted calls for a review of safety protocols at ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area. While it is too early to determine whether any changes will be made, the incidents are likely to lead to increased awareness of the risks associated with winter sports and a renewed focus on safety measures.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (775) 782-5140.
The next update from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office regarding this investigation is expected within the next two weeks, pending the completion of initial forensic analysis. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences with the families affected by these tragedies in the comments section below.