Where to Ski And Snowboard - Ski instructor dies in Lake Tahoe

Ski instructor dies in Lake Tahoe

21st November 2012, by Abi Butcher

Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, where a ski instructor died this week

A 24-year-old children’s ski instructor from Alpine Meadows in the Lake Tahoe area has died from head injuries after hitting a rock.

Annalise Kjolhede was backcountry skiing with members of the Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol on Saturday when the accident happened. She was wearing a helmet, but hit a rock, and suffered injuries to her head and neck.

Ms Kjolhede was flown to a medical centre Reno, but died last night.

Alpine Meadows does not officially open until 7 December, but ski touring was allowed in the area, which has seen heavy snowfalls in recent days.

The resort’s directors issued a written statement saying the ski instructor’s death was a “tragic loss for the team and community”.

They said: “Annalise was a valued member of Alpine Meadows’ Kids Ski School. Her outgoing personality, passion for working with kids and friendly nature will be remembered and missed by all her friends and colleagues here at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.”

Meanwhile Dutch Prince Johan Friso, who has been in a coma since being buried in an avalanche in February, has shown signs of “minimal consciousness”.

The 44-year-old Prince was skiing with a childhood friend off-piste in Lech, Austria on 17 February when he was buried. He is currently being treated at the Wellington Hospital in London.

In a statement, the Dutch Royal House said “it will take many months before there is more clarity” about the prince’s chances of recovery.