Bears Crash Powder Day at California Ski Resort

Northstar California, a popular ski resort located near Lake Tahoe, is reporting a whopping 48 inches of new snow over the last seven days.

Skiers and snowboarders are thoroughly enjoying the deepest powder of the season, but it appears that they aren't the only ones.

Multiple skiers recorded a mama bear and her two cubs running across the 'Woodcutter' trail yesterday, February 18, 2026. Tap or click below to watch the two videos of the encounter. Keep reading for more.

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The Lake Tahoe area is estimated to be home to well over 500 black bears, many of which sport a brown coat, referred to as 'cinnamon black bears'.

Because of Tahoe's dense bear population, and the ample food and trash left out by the region's locals and tourists, many bears only enter a short hibernation period, if any at all.

That's why California officials recommend that Tahoe tourists remain 'bear aware' no matter the season. This means removing food from vehicles, locking vehicle doors, securing trash in a bear-safe bin, and keeping distance if a bear is encountered.

Seeing a bear at a Tahoe ski resort isn't common, per se, but it's nothing new. Heavenly Resort, located in South Lake Tahoe, had multiple bear sightings and encounters last season.

The California blizzard isn't over just yet. According to OpenSnow, Northstar could see another nine inches of snowfall today, February 12, 2026.

Wax the powder skis and stay safe out there, friends!