Skiers at a busy resort in Truckee, California, experienced an unexpected wildlife encounter on February 18 when a mother bear and her cubs calmly crossed an active ski run, bringing downhill traffic to a complete stop. Video footage shows skiers pausing mid-slope as the animals moved steadily across the trail, passing within just a few yards of several onlookers before disappearing into the tree line.

The incident highlights the increasing overlap between winter recreation areas and natural wildlife corridors in the Sierra Nevada region. Black bears in the area do not fully hibernate during milder winters and may remain intermittently active, particularly when temperatures are moderate and food sources are accessible. This behavioral pattern increases the likelihood of encounters on ski terrain, especially in resorts built adjacent to forested habitats.

Resort staff and wildlife officials emphasize that the skiers responded appropriately by stopping, maintaining distance, and allowing the animals to pass without interference. Sudden movements, attempts to approach for photographs, or efforts to pass the animals on narrow trails can provoke defensive behavior, particularly from a mother bear protecting cubs. Maintaining a stationary position and giving wildlife a clear path of travel is the recommended safety protocol in such situations.

From an operational standpoint, ski patrol teams monitor wildlife activity and may temporarily close runs if animals remain in high-traffic zones. While encounters of this proximity are uncommon, they are not unprecedented in mountain resorts where human activity intersects with established animal movement routes. Early detection and clear communication help reduce risk for both guests and wildlife.

The video serves as a reminder of the dynamic environment in alpine recreation areas, where natural ecosystems remain active despite heavy seasonal tourism. As winter visitation continues to grow, coordinated efforts between resort management and wildlife agencies are increasingly important to balance public safety with conservation and habitat preservation.

No injuries were reported, and normal operations resumed shortly after the bears cleared the slope. The brief interruption, while startling for those present, provided a rare and controlled glimpse of wildlife behavior in a shared mountain landscape.