Popular ski guide company at center of deadly Tahoe avalanche hit with brutal punishment

The ski-guiding company whose tour group saw nine skiers die in a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe in February was hit with a $150,000 fine by state regulators.

Blackbird Mountain Guides is facing $151,300 in penalties from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health over the horrifying incident, which saw six clients and three guides killed in the snow slide.

The February avalanche at Castle Peak that claimed the lives of nine skiers. Sierra Avalanche Center

Zeb Blais, IFMGA Guide and founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides company, which is facing $151,300 in penalties from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Obtained by CA post

The avalanche struck the backcountry group near Castle Peak on Feb. 17, suffocating the victims beneath 5 to 6 feet of snow.

Earlier this month, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office closed its investigation into possible criminal negligence surrounding the disaster and sent its findings to the county prosecutor for review.

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