26-Year-Old Skier Dies in Accident at Palisades Tahoe

A tragic accident at Palisades Tahoe on Saturday claimed the life of 26-year-old skier Ellery Curtis.

The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on steep terrain accessed from the KT-22 chairlift. Curtis was skiing the Ah Chute, a challenging, north-facing line in the Rock Garden area, when she suffered a fatal head injury. Ski patrol responded within two minutes and attempted life-saving measures, but she did not survive.

Curtis, originally from Waitsfield, Vermont, was a former ski racing standout at Dartmouth College, where she earned a degree in government and environmental studies. She had recently been working for the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco.

Witnesses noted that Curtis had joined a large group of friends before skiing the chute. About 10 people witnessed the fall.

“Our thoughts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time,” said a Palisades Tahoe spokesperson.