Tour boss speaks on CA avalanche that killed 9, faces criminal investigation

The company behind the backcountry skiers struck by California’s deadliest avalanche has released a new statement after the body of three of its guides were recovered.

Blackbird Mountain Guides mourned the loss of life following the tragedy on Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe area on Tuesday.

Nine skiers died in the horrific snowslide while six survived. The sheriff confirmed their remains were taken from the mountain on Saturday.

A spokesman for Blackbird, founded by Zeb Blais, said late Saturday: “We continue to grieve the devastating loss of life from the February 17 avalanche near Castle Peak.

“Following the release of the names by Nevada County, we hold each individual and their loved ones in our hearts.

“Those who lost their lives were deeply loved family members, friends, partners, and valued members of the broader mountain community.

“Among them were members of our guiding team: Andrew Alissandratos, Niki Choo, and Mike Henry; skilled professionals, colleagues, and friends whose passion for the mountains shaped who we are.

“We also mourn the guests who lost their lives; individuals who shared a love of the outdoors and were part of this close-knit mountain community.”

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The statement added: “We are heartbroken with everyone who is grieving during this profoundly difficult time.”

Cops and the state of California are investigating whether the company or its guides acted negligently in sending clients into dangerous conditions despite prior warnings of a “BIG storm.”

The veteran mountaineer and two-time Mt. Everest summiteer has led Blackbird Mountain Guides since 2020.

Blais, who is a licensed avalanche blaster and teaches avalanche safety courses, called the event an “enormous tragedy” and “the saddest event our team has ever experienced.”

He has himself survived a prior avalanche in Tajikistan, describing it in a 2021 podcast as a “huge shift” in his understanding of mountain risk.

His company’s website highlights his experience on peaks including Cho Oyu, Lobuche, Aconcagua, Denali, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, and notes guiding clients to their personal mountain goals is a central focus of his work.

The investigation by state and local authorities continues, with officials reviewing the company’s practices and decisions leading up to the fatal outing.

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