A ski accident at Wisconsin’s Granite Peak Ski Resort has left a 20-year-old university student dead, marking the second fatal crash at the same resort in less than a month.
Alexandra “Ally” Blattner died on 5 February 2026 after reportedly colliding with a tree while skiing at the popular Rib Mountain resort, according to local authorities.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident happened on Thursday evening and classified the death as accidental. The tragedy follows another fatal tree collision at the resort on 11 January.
The back-to-back deaths have raised renewed questions about slope safety at North American ski resorts, particularly as thousands of British holidaymakers travel to the United States and Canada for winter sports each year.
What happened in the ski accident at Wisconsin’s Granite Peak?
The incident took place at Granite Peak Ski Resort in Rib Mountain, Marathon County, Wisconsin.
Local outlet The Wausonian reported that Blattner crashed into a tree on the evening of 5 February. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office later told broadcaster WLUK that she suffered a broken neck and died at the scene.
Officials said emergency crews responded quickly but could not save her. Investigators found no indication of foul play and confirmed the death was accidental. Her obituary stated she died “in an instant and without pain”.
Who was Alexandra “Ally” Blattner?
Blattner was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where she studied pre-nursing and psychology. She lived in Neenah, Wisconsin.
The university’s chancellor, Manohar Singh, addressed students the following day. Speaking to WLUK, he said, “Ally is something that I’ll also be living with for my entire life. She and I connected very well when I was the new chancellor.”
Blattner served as a student government senator and was vice president of recruitment for the Tri Sigma sorority chapter.
Her obituary described her as: “A shining light in every room she entered… Although short, she lived her life with energy, meaning and enjoyment.”
Tori Deptula, president of the sorority chapter, added: “She not only made an impact in our lives but all across our campus community.”
Why is this the second fatal ski accident at a Wisconsin resort in a month?
Blattner’s death follows another fatal incident at Granite Peak on 11 January 2026.
Thirty-year-old Matthew Ciolkosz reportedly lost a ski before crashing into a tree, according to local broadcaster WSAW. Reports state that his helmet shattered on impact. Despite emergency treatment, he later died from his injuries.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed both deaths were accidental and unrelated.
Tree collisions are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous types of ski accidents. While fatal incidents remain rare compared with the total number of visitors each winter, crashes involving fixed objects often result in the most serious injuries.
What does this mean for UK skiers travelling to North America?
Each year, thousands of UK travellers head to North American ski resorts during the peak winter season, especially over the February half-term.
Unlike many European Alpine resorts, some US ski areas include wooded terrain close to marked trails. Safety experts advise skiers to:
- Stay within marked runs
- Control speed on steeper slopes
- Wear properly fitted helmets
- Ensure travel insurance covers winter sports
The UK’s Foreign Office advises Britons travelling abroad to check that their insurance includes full winter sports cover, including emergency medical evacuation.
Are fatal ski accidents common?
Fatal ski accidents remain statistically uncommon. In major ski markets such as the US and Europe, deaths account for a very small percentage of total ski visits each season.
However, studies consistently show that collisions with trees and other fixed objects account for a significant share of fatalities.
Resorts operate under laws that recognise skiing as an activity with inherent risk. Skiers accept personal responsibility for terrain awareness and speed control.
