Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team Inc

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Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team Inc

Conducting fast, safe rescues and educating the public on winter safety. There was, at the time, no organized backcountry ski team to help search for the boy.

THE TAHOE NORDIC SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM...
was conceived in 1976 as a response to the death of a boy lost off the back side of Northstar-At-Tahoe ski area during a blizzard. Desperate phone calls to some local Nordic skiers produced a search party that eventually located the youth, but only after it was too late. This group of skiers, along with the boy's father (who today still remains one of the

Nordic Team's most active members), learned there was an important void to be filled. Thus, the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team was born. Based in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area, the Team has matured considerably after these many years but the goals remain the same: Conducting fast, safe rescues and educating the public on winter safety. In February 2006 the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services completed the Alpine Team Guidelines for Search and Rescue Mutual Aid, a document that will help to establish standards guiding Statewide SAR support. TNSAR assisted the Placer County Sheriff's Office in providing a substantial amount of input for this effort, which will ultimately make TNSAR more available for SAR events throughout the state of California.

04/19/2026

Hopefully the last rescue of the “winter” 🤞🏻

TNSAR was called out at 3:15 am for a broken down snowmobiler in Cabin Creek near Tinker K**b in South Fork Cold Creek.

We deployed 3 experienced snowmobilers, who drove a few miles up the dirt road into Cabin Creek to launch their sleds. They were able to locate the missing person in the dark with no cell communication or coordinates. The rescuers found the sledder down in the “half pipe” shivering uncontrollably. He received warm clothes and was walked out of the drainage. Leaving his sled behind, he was doubled out to the trailhead in record time.

Good work TNSAR! Snowmobilers for the win! 🏆

-rescues

03/24/2026

DOWNED PLANE SEARCH UPDATE:

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue was deployed to the Five Lakes area on Sunday afternoon following reports of a white aircraft experiencing engine trouble.

Care Flight activated their Crew Card program, allowing two TNSAR team members to be flown directly to the crash site. This marked our first mission utilizing this program, and we’re grateful for how seamlessly it came together.

Meanwhile, more than 20 team members ascended on foot, with skis on their backs, via White Wolf Tahoe. We extend a sincere thank you to Troy Caldwell for providing access through his property.

In a remarkable effort, our PistenBully 100—operated by Scott Meyer—successfully traveled up the KT access road at Palisades, over the crest, and into Five Lakes for the first time, assisting with the transport of the deceased pilot.

We also want to thank Palisades Tahoe for their support, including access to the resort and coordination around potential lift access for personnel. We are deeply appreciative of the strong collaboration that made this response possible.

COMMUNITY MESSAGE:

Our hearts are with the pilot’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. 💔 The aviation community here in Truckee is a close-knit one, and this loss is felt deeply by so many across our town.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue is grateful to have been able to assist in locating the aircraft and bringing him home. We hope that, in some small way, this brings a measure of peace and solace to those who loved him.

We will continue to hold his family, friends, and all those affected in our thoughts.

02/12/2026

🎉Lots of reasons to celebrate today!🎉

USA’s Ben Ogden brought home a silver medal for the US in the classic sprint race yesterday! 🥈This is the first Olympic podium finish for a US mens nordic skier in 50 years!!

Tahoe City’s own JC Schoonmaker powered through into the semi-final heat, securing an incredibly proud 8th place finish. We couldn’t be more proud of our hometown hero!

Last but not least, IT SNOWED! After a long, sunny break, a fresh blanket of snow is back on the trails with what looks like another foot+ incoming next week. Hints of clear weather for race day are also tickling the forecast. Could this be the year that the Great Ski Race has perfect conditions?!? All signs are suggesting it’s a go!

Channel that Olympic spirit and shoot for your podium finish by signing up for the Great Ski Race today!

02/08/2026

Everyone at Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and The Great Ski Race wants to cheer on team USA’s nordic ski team in the upcoming Olympic races this week. We want to throw in extra cowbells for one of Tahoe City’s own (and Great Ski Race alumni), JC Schoonmaker. He will be making his second appearance for team USA in the Olympics as he races in the 1.5k sprint classic course on February 10th. We couldn’t help but dig up JC’s old Great Ski Race results for nostalgia. Here’s one from 2011 when then 10 year old JC finished the race in 2:15:55, notably topping his dad’s time, but not his mom’s.

Catch all the action live on Peacock starting at 0015 PST (qualification rounds) and 0245PST (heats) or check out a local watch party at a more civilized hour. Go Team USA! Go JC!

There’s still time to sign up for the GSR! With snow back in the forecast and course conditions holding strong, things are looking up. Who knows, you could ski the course with a soon to be olympian!

01/06/2026

SEARCH MEDIA RELEASE: Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Volunteers Respond to Avalanche; One Fatality Confirmed

TRUCKEE, CA - Approximately 45 emergency responders deployed to an avalanche in the vicinity of Johnson Peak and Castle Peak in Truckee, CA, that occurred Monday afternoon.

The original 911 call was received by the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center at 2:19 p.m. as a transfer call from Washoe County’s 911 center, reporting a possible avalanche that unfolded among a group of snowmobilers with one unaccounted. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched in partnership with Truckee Fire and North Truckee Fire. A mutual aid request for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue was made, as well as for an emergency helicopter support, which was unavailable.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue immediately responded. A total of three SnoCats were deployed, along with six snowmobiles and several ski teams.
As events unfolded, it was learned the one snowmobiler initially reported missing was found buried under the snow several minutes later. He was recovered by fellow recreationists and despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive. His identity is pending next of kin notification.

Further avalanche activity remains possible; recreationists should avoid the area.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Tahoe Nordic SAR extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident.

01/05/2026

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEARCH AND RESCUE! ❄️

At 6:30 pm on Sunday evening, a stuck snowmobiler called 911. He was in another snowmobiler’s hole and could not get himself out. TNSAR deployed the snowmobile team, snowcat team, and A and B ski teams.

The snowmobile team blasted out the 06 road from Sierra Meadows and quickly came in contact with the MP. He was uninjured, had just managed to get unstuck and was in good spirits.

Everyone was out of the woods and snow by 8:30 pm. Again, speedy work by all involved.

01/01/2026

We ended 2025 with a successful search for a 44-year-old female, who got lost skiing.

Around 1 pm on December 31, the missing person (MP) called 911. She had enough service and battery to relay her coordinates. Shortly after, we lost contact. The missing person did exactly what we asked, and stayed where she was.

At approximately 2:45 pm, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue A-team skiers came in contact with the MP. She was cold and tired, but in good spirits!

After a long hike back up to the ridgeline and a nice ski back down, the MP was reunited with her family. Everyone was home and warmed up by 6 pm, in time to celebrate the New Year! 🎊

Good work to the sergeant, TNSAR volunteers, and the local ski resort for a well executed search.

12/18/2025

Well done!

12/14/2025

Backcountry travel doesn’t always go to plan, so how do you respond when it doesn’t? ⚠️

Join us for The Rescue, the third event in the Avalanche Education Series presented by + .

You’ll hear firsthand stories from a 2025 avalanche survivor and learn what happens behind the scenes of a real search and rescue operation.

We’ll also cover:
🧭 Using your beacon, shovel, and probe
📡 Communication + navigation tools that save lives
🧠 How to prepare before you head out
🎤 Featuring:
Rylan Cordova + team
Logan Talbott (TNSAR)
Brandon Moore (Garmin)
Sarah Krammen (President, TNSAR)

Doors open 6 PM | Presentation starts 6:30 PM

🍺 Grab a beer, stay for the raffle benefiting , and learn what it really means to be ready!

12/06/2025

❄️ THE GREAT SKI RACE IS MARCH 1, 2026! ❄️

Registration opens December 8th for $80.

Largest Nordic ski race west of the Mississippi! Once again, we offer 2 different course options, the regular 26km route (starting at 9am) and a new 10km route (starting at 9:25am) . Both routes start and end at the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City, CA.

New this year! The Tour Wave: For those looking to ski The Great Ski Race course but at their own, leisurely pace. This wave will not be timed and have no posted online race results. To ski in this wave, you must self-start at TXC between 7:30am and 7:45am (no sooner, no later). Designed for those looking to enjoy the course, the finish line party and festive atmosphere of the GSR but not interested in securing a podium finish. Note that all Tour Wave skiers are expected to know the course and yield to upcoming racers behind them. Limited to the first 35 participants to sign up – if you wish to ski in this event be sure to sign up for the 26km The Tour Wave!

This is Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescues LARGEST fundraiser. Come out for live music, great food, and free beer!

Address

221 Fairway Drive
Tahoe City, CA
96145

Website

http://www.tahoenordicsar.org/

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