Skier Dies Following Crash in KT-22’s Rock Garden at Palisades Tahoe
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of 26-year-old skier Ellie Curtis, who suffered a fatal crash at Palisades Tahoe on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Curtis was skiing Ah Chute, a narrow, rocky trail accessed via KT-22, at approximately 3:45 p.m., when the accident happened. Ski patrol responded within minutes and began administering medical care onsite, but Curtis ultimately succumbed to what was a severe head injury.
Among the 10 people who saw the accident was Matt Lorelli, senior editor at POWDER, according to SFGATE.
Lorelli shared, “The ski patrollers that responded were incredible, but Ellie’s injuries were so severe.” He also noted her infectious energy, saying, “We had just met prior to the incident, but her smile and love for skiing were immediately infectious.”
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Curtis, originally from Waitsfield, Vermont, was a standout ski racer at Dartmouth College, where she earned accolades both on the hill and in the classroom, pursuing degrees in government and environmental studies. She had recently been working for the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco.
The loss of Curtis has sent ripples through the skiing community. She was well-known and deeply loved, not just for her talents but for the stoke she brought to every mountain she touched.
Our hearts go out to Ellie’s family, friends, and the broader ski community mourning her loss.
Rest in Peace, Ellie.
