Two male skiers died in separate accidents Friday at the Heavenly Boulder Lodge resort near Lake Tahoe, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said. Responders arrived around 11:55 a.m., recovered the victims and transported them to the slope base where paramedics attempted resuscitation, but both were pronounced dead. Officials stressed the incidents are unrelated and the cause of death remains under investigation.

The victims, identified as a 33‑year‑old and a 54‑year‑old, have not been named publicly. Their deaths add to a grim week for the region: an avalanche in Nevada County killed at least eight backcountry skiers, and a 53‑year‑old man died in a separate ski accident at Northstar California Resort earlier in the week. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols across local ski areas.

Tourism operators worry the string of fatalities could deter visitors during the peak winter season, potentially shaving revenue from lift tickets and lodging. Local businesses rely on steady skier traffic, and any perception of heightened risk may prompt travelers to choose alternative destinations. The sheriff’s office has not released further details, leaving resort managers to manage public concern.