College Student Dies in Tragic Ski Accident at Wisconsin Resort

Second fatal incident at Granite Peak Ski Resort in less than a month

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A 20-year-old college student, Alexandra 'Ally' Blattner, died in an apparent ski accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin on February 5, 2026. This marks the second fatal incident at the resort in less than a month, after a 30-year-old man also died in a similar tree collision accident on January 11.

Why it matters

Ski accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities, raise concerns about safety protocols and risk management at ski resorts. This incident, coming shortly after another death at the same resort, highlights the need for thorough investigations and potential improvements to ensure the wellbeing of skiers.

The details

According to local reports, Blattner, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, crashed into a tree while skiing at Granite Peak Ski Resort on February 5. She was found dead with a broken neck. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office stated that her death was considered accidental.

  • On February 5, 2026, Alexandra 'Ally' Blattner died in a ski accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort.
  • On January 11, 2026, 30-year-old Matthew Ciolkosz also died in a tree collision accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort.

The players

Alexandra 'Ally' Blattner

A 20-year-old college student and sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh who died in a ski accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort.

Matthew Ciolkosz

A 30-year-old man who died in a tree collision accident at Granite Peak Ski Resort on January 11, 2026.

Granite Peak Ski Resort

A ski resort located in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin where the two fatal ski accidents occurred.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Manohar Singh, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WLUK)

“We are all so lucky to get to call Ally our sister. She not only made an impact in our lives but all across our campus community.”

— Tori Deptula, President, Tri Sigma sorority chapter (N/A)

What’s next

The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both fatal ski accidents at Granite Peak Ski Resort.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of ski resort safety and the need for thorough investigations into such accidents to identify any potential areas for improvement in risk management and skier safety protocols.