In Loving Memory of Ellie Curtis: Dartmouth College Student and Beloved Skier Tragically Dies in Skiing Accident
Hanover, NH & Waitsfield, VT — The Dartmouth College community, along with friends and family from her hometown of Waitsfield, Vermont, and the wider skiing world, are mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Ellie Curtis, a bright, adventurous, and deeply loved student whose life was tragically cut short earlier this week following a skiing accident at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley, California.
Ellie was more than just a student—she was a shining light, a talented athlete, and a passionate soul who lived life with an uncommon energy and grace. Her death has left a void that will be felt far and wide by all those whose lives she touched.
A Tragic Accident in the Mountains She Loved
The accident occurred during what was meant to be a joyful day on the slopes, a place where Ellie felt most at home. Skiing was not just a sport for her—it was a way of life. She was a gifted skier who grew up navigating the trails of Vermont with ease, later bringing her talents and love for the sport to Palisades Tahoe, one of the premier ski resorts in North America.
According to reports, Ellie sustained critical injuries during a downhill run. Despite the rapid response of ski patrol and emergency personnel, she tragically succumbed to her injuries. News of her passing sent shockwaves through both her college community and the close-knit skiing world that had long admired her spirit and talent.
A Beloved Member of the Dartmouth Community
At Dartmouth College, Ellie was known not only for her academic promise but for her radiant presence and uplifting energy. Friends, professors, and classmates describe her as someone who brought sunshine into every room, who gave her all to everything she did, and who always had time to listen, help, and cheer others on.
She was pursuing her studies with a focus on environmental science, passionate about protecting the natural world she so deeply loved. Ellie was also an active member of the college’s outdoor programs and ski teams, often organizing trips and encouraging others to embrace the wild beauty of nature.
“She was the type of person who made you want to be better—kinder, braver, more alive,” one classmate said. “Ellie didn’t just live life; she loved it—and she wanted everyone around her to love it, too.”
A Life Rooted in Adventure and Compassion
Growing up in Waitsfield, nestled in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, Ellie developed an early connection with the outdoors. Her adventurous nature blossomed on the slopes, in hiking trails, and alongside the rivers of her hometown. She competed in youth ski racing, mentored younger athletes, and embodied a spirit of inclusion, excellence, and resilience.
Those who knew her best remember a girl with an unbreakable smile and a laugh that could lift anyone’s spirits. Whether volunteering in her community, spending time with her family, or chasing powder at dawn, Ellie lived each moment with purpose and joy.
Tributes Pour In
The outpouring of grief and love has been immense. Tributes from fellow skiers, coaches, Dartmouth alumni, and even national ski organizations have honored Ellie’s memory and legacy. Social media has been flooded with messages of love, photos of her in action on the slopes, and personal stories of how she made a difference—big or small—in the lives of so many.
“Ellie Curtis was a rare light in this world,” said one of her coaches. “She was fierce on the mountain and gentle in the world. We are all better for having known her.”
Honoring Ellie’s Legacy
Ellie’s family has asked for privacy as they process this devastating loss but has expressed gratitude for the tremendous support they’ve received. Plans for a memorial service in both Hanover, NH, and Waitsfield, VT, are underway and will be announced in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, the Curtis family has suggested donations be made in Ellie’s name to environmental or youth skiing organizations—causes she held close to her heart.
Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten
The sudden loss of Ellie Curtis serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how precious and fragile life can be. Yet, in remembering her, we are reminded just as clearly of how one life—lived with courage, kindness, and boundless joy—can leave an everlasting mark.
To those who knew her, Ellie was not only a skier or a student—she was a spark of life, a trailblazer in her own quiet way, and a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
May she forever ride the winds on powdery slopes, and may her light continue to guide all those who loved her. Rest in peace, Ellie. You will never be forgotten. 🕊️🎿💚