Tahoe City, CA – An Alpine Meadows ski instructor died last week in a pre-season accident on the Tahoe area ski resort’s slopes.

Annalise Kjolhede, 24, originally from New York State, was skiing near Wolverine Bowl at Alpine Meadows on Nov. 10 when she fell and struck a buried rock, sustaining head and neck injuries despite wearing a helmet at the time. Ski patrollers, who were at the mountain training for the upcoming winter season, came to Kjolhede’s assistance. She was transported via helicopter to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., where she died of her injuries last Tuesday.

“Though she was part of our team but one season, 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 of her friends and colleagues here at Squaw and Alpine,” resort officials indicated in a prepared statement. “Her passing is a tragic loss for our team and community.”

Alpine Meadows is not scheduled to open for the season until Dec. 7.