Skier Dies After Collision with Chairlift Tower at Welch Village in Goodhue County
Published: February 10th, 2026
GOODHUE COUNTY MN — A 25-year-old Minneapolis man died after colliding with a chairlift support tower at Welch Village Ski Area, according to the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a medical call at approximately 8:37 p.m. on Feb. 1 involving an adult male skier who struck a chairlift support tower and was knocked unconscious. The accident was witnessed by several individuals.
Life-saving efforts were initiated at the scene. Paramedics from the Red Wing Fire Department later declared the man deceased at 9:15 p.m.
The skier was identified as Walker Phenix Nelson, 25, of Minneapolis.
In addition to deputies and Red Wing fire paramedics, the medical examiner responded to the scene.