Ellery Curtis, a standout collegiate skier celebrated for her speed and fierce determination, tragically lost her life during a run at Palisades Tahoe, one of California’s most challenging ski resorts.
Curtis, known affectionately as “Ellie,” was 26 years old. A former captain of the Dartmouth College ski team and a prominent NCAA ski racer, she had taken on some of the most demanding courses in the country. On what began as a quiet Saturday, she reportedly suffered a fatal head injury while skiing. Despite the swift efforts of ski patrol, she could not be saved.
Ellie Curtis and her teammates during the Middlebury Carnival competition posted on February 21, 20222 | Source: Instagram/dartmouthskiing
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. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her identity on Tuesday.
Curtis, originally from Waitsfield, Vermont, was remembered not only for her athletic talent but also for the determination and presence she brought to the slopes.
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.
The area where Ellery Curtis had an accident | Source: YouTube/@mynbc5-wptz972
Curtis’ death has deeply affected both 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.”
Palisades Tahoe also expressed their condolences: “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, Curtis achieved her first career win in the giant slalom at Middlebury.
A photo of Ellie Curtis and her teammates during the Nordic Rookie of the Year awards posted on February 27, 2022 | Source: Instagram/dartmouthskiing
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 both 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 named to the All-East Second Team and continued her academic excellence as a three-time member of the USCSCA National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team.
Her earlier years at Dartmouth were just as noteworthy. As a freshman, she reached the podium in her very 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.
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, her mother, Katherine Dolan, and her sister.
Palisade Tahoe, the area where Ellie Curtis had an accident | Source: YouTube/@KRNV
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.
Palisade Tahoe, the area where Ellie Curtis had an accident | Source: YouTube/@KRNV
According to Dwyer, Curtis had the potential to reach the highest levels of ski racing, including 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 degree in government and environmental studies. In September 2024, she moved to San Fransisco and started working for the state’s Public Utilities Commission, until her demise.
Outside of collegiate skiing, Curtis was also a member of the Mikes Bikes Enduro Team. 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.
