Former NCAA Skier Ellery Curtis Dies at 26 While at a Ski Resort – Heartbreaking Details

Ellery Curtis, a standout collegiate skier known for her speed and intensity, had conquered some of the toughest courses in the country. But on a quiet Saturday in California, a run down one of Palisades Tahoe's most challenging trails turned fatal.

Ellery "Ellie" Curtis, a former NCAA ski racing standout and captain at Dartmouth College, has died following a skiing accident at Palisades Tahoe in California. Curtis, 26, reportedly sustained a head injury while skiing. Despite the swift response of the ski patrol, she did not survive.

The incident happened on Saturday, April 5, on the Ahhh Chute trail — one of the more challenging runs accessible from the KT-22 lift, a famed part of the resort's terrain. It wasn't until Tuesday that the Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed it was her.

Curtis, originally from Waitsfield, Vermont, was remembered for her athletic talent, fierce determination, and unforgettable presence on the slopes.

"She was an amazing person, on and off the snow," said John Dwyer, her former coach at Dartmouth. "She was a tremendously hard worker, and I think she earned the respect of all her teammates."

A resort spokesperson, Patrick Lacey, said ski patrol provided immediate on-site care following the 3:45 p.m. incident. "Our thoughts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time," he stated.

Curtis' death has deeply affected the skiing community and her alma mater. In a statement, Dartmouth described her as "an exceptional member of the Dartmouth family whose spirit, compassion, and drive left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered."

In their condolences, Palisades Tahoe expressed, "Our hearts go out to the Curtis family and everyone impacted by this devastating loss. Ellie was a beloved skier, and we are deeply saddened by this accident."

Curtis' impact on collegiate skiing was significant. Known for her "fearless" skiing style and leadership, she helped guide Dartmouth's team as captain. Her loss is being mourned across the national ski racing community, in Vermont, and among all those who knew her.

Curtis carved out an impressive collegiate skiing career at Dartmouth, marked by resilience, drive, and standout performances. During her senior season in 2022, she earned her first career win in the giant slalom at Middlebury.

The victory came in a replacement race for a canceled event in Vermont and was the highlight of a season filled with strong finishes. She reached the podium in all three races she completed that year, including third-place finishes in the slalom at Dartmouth and another GS event at Middlebury.

Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-America Second Team after placing eighth in the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships. She was also part of the All-East Second Team and continued her academic excellence as a three-time USCSCA National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team member.

Her earlier years at Dartmouth were just as noteworthy. As a freshman, she reached the podium in her first carnival, finishing second in the slalom at the Dartmouth Skiway. By her sophomore year, she had secured multiple podiums and consistently ranked in the top seven in Eastern collegiate races.

Undoubtedly, skiing talent ran in the family. Her father, Charles Curtis, is a Dartmouth alumnus from the Class of 1986. Curtis is survived by her father, mother, Katherine Dolan, and sister.

Curtis left a deep impression on those who knew her — both on the slopes and beyond. Dwyer, head coach of Dartmouth's women's alpine ski team, described her as one of the hardest-working athletes he had seen in a decade.

Her commitment extended beyond skiing; she was also a standout student and a determined competitor who constantly pushed the boundaries of her sport. Dwyer said Curtis quickly made a mark as a freshman, earning the team's "most improved" honor in 2019, and never looked back.

According to Dwyer, Curtis had the potential to reach the highest levels of ski racing, including the World Cup competition. However, she was eager to turn the page after graduation, ready to begin a new chapter.

Per her LinkedIn page, she graduated with a government and environmental studies degree. In September 2024, she moved to San Francisco and worked for the state's Public Utilities Commission until her demise.

Curtis was also part of Mike's Bikes Enduro Team outside collegiate skiing. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, the team described her as more than a teammate, "she was family." They recalled her as someone whose energy and attitude united the group.

Curtis was known for her fierce independence, often choosing to ride uphill rather than take a lift, insisting that earning the descent made it worthwhile. Her teammates remembered her dominating the trails and inspiring others with her relentless spirit.