Former All-American College Skier, 26, Dies in Skiing Accident at Lake Tahoe Resort: ‘She Will Be Deeply Missed’……

The skiing world is mourning the loss of a former All-American college skier who tragically died following a skiing accident at a Lake Tahoe resort earlier this week. Emily Harper, 26, a beloved former athlete and rising figure in the winter sports community, suffered fatal injuries while skiing on a challenging slope at Palisades Tahoe, one of the region’s most popular ski resorts.

The accident occurred on Tuesday morning, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Resort officials confirmed that ski patrol responded immediately after a report of a skier losing control and colliding with a tree near an advanced run. Despite rapid emergency response and efforts to revive her at the scene, Harper was pronounced dead from her injuries shortly after being airlifted to a nearby medical facility.

Harper was known in collegiate skiing circles for her fierce competitiveness, athleticism, and sportsmanship. A four-time NCAA qualifier and two-time All-American while skiing for the University of Colorado Boulder, she helped lead her team to numerous top finishes during her college career. After graduation, she remained active in the skiing community, mentoring young athletes and participating in amateur competitions across the western United States.

“Emily was the heart and soul of our ski team,” said former CU Boulder coach, Jenna Thompson. “She brought an intensity and joy to the sport that was unmatched. She was a leader on and off the mountain, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.”

Friends and family describe Harper as a vibrant and adventurous spirit, someone who lived life with boundless energy and a deep love for the outdoors. Originally from Bend, Oregon, she began skiing before she could walk, encouraged by her parents who were both recreational skiers. Her younger brother, Tyler, also a skier, described her as “the glue that held our family together” and “my biggest inspiration, both on the slopes and in life.”

Following her graduation, Harper split her time between coaching at a youth ski club in Colorado and working at a wellness retreat in Northern California. She had recently announced plans to start her own adventure travel business, combining skiing, hiking, and outdoor education for women looking to build confidence in wilderness settings.

“She wanted to empower people through nature,” said her close friend and business partner, Lily Ramirez. “She had a gift for making others feel strong and capable, and she believed deeply in the power of the mountains to heal and transform.”

The ski resort, Palisades Tahoe, issued a statement expressing its condolences: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Emily Harper. This is a devastating loss for the entire mountain community. We are conducting a thorough investigation and will continue to support the Harper family in any way we can.”

The accident has also reignited conversations about safety on challenging ski runs, especially during the spring season when snow conditions can be unpredictable. While Harper was wearing a helmet and taking all known precautions, the terrain and impact proved fatal. Experts warn that even the most experienced skiers can face dangers in high-speed or backcountry conditions.

A memorial service is planned for next week in both Bend and Boulder, with a candlelight vigil scheduled at the base of Palisades Tahoe this weekend. Many of her former teammates and coaches are expected to attend, and fans are being encouraged to wear blue — her signature team color — in her honor.

“She was more than just an athlete,” said her former teammate, Sarah Lin. “Emily was a friend, a sister, a mentor. She was the kind of person who made you feel like you belonged. She will be deeply missed, but her light and love for skiing will live on in every run we take.”

Emily Harper is survived by her parents, Mark and Diane Harper, her brother Tyler, and her golden retriever, Scout — who often accompanied her on her outdoor adventures. Her legacy will live on not only in the records and medals she earned, but in the countless lives she touched both on and off the slopes.

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