Tribute to Harriet Wallis
“A fighter, a writer, an avid skier and an optimist—nothing stops Harriet.” Harriet Wallis (center) was twice awarded Ski Utah Journalist Of Year. Shown with Ski Utah Communications Director Paul Marshall (left) and Ski Utah Director Nathan Rafferty. Credit: Pam Weisberg
It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of one of our most popular contributors, Harriet Wallis. She was a longtime ski writer, editor and photographer. In 2016, Harriet earned Ski Utah’s top award – Journalist of the Year – for outstanding and consistent ski stories and photos about skiing in Utah. She had 64 stories and 71 photos published that year in a variety of publications, including SeniorsSkiing.com. It’s the second time she earned the award.
Earlier this year, Harriet was featured in a local newspaper article aptly titled “A fighter, a writer, an avid skier and an optimist—nothing stops Harriet.” Her indomitable spirit was a great inspiration to family and friends. Below are 3 lessons she shared with family and friends in one of her annual Christmas letters.
Adapt
They said I’d never be the same after chemo. They were right.There are lots of things I can’t do as I did in the past. I have 2 choices: Quit – or tackle challenges. Quitters never win. So accept reality, make changes & find new ways to do things.
Be positive
The best way to go forward is to quit looking in the rear view mirror. Don’t talk about pain or difficulties.
That gives credibility to the negative – and the negative will eat you alive. Look forward – only forward.
Be super good to the machine
The body is a healing machine if you give it a chance. Eat extra healthy. Fill the tank daily with water. Lube the moving parts (exercise) & pump fresh air through the system.
Harriet always managed to convey her enthusiasm and cheer in every article. Look for her previous articles to be reposted throughout this season. She will be missed.
- Senior Ski Deals for 2026 – The Runners-Up - January 8, 2026
- Best Deals For Seniors at 124 North American Ski Areas (2026) - December 18, 2025
- Recommended Skis for Senior Skiers 2026 (subscriber only) - November 6, 2025
When Jon Weisberg and I starting publishing SeniorsSkiing.com in 2014, Harriet was one of our first correspondents. She submitted articles ranging from ski tips to summer activities to how to select a surgeon for a knee replacement. She was as positive a person as I’ve ever known in facing her ongoing physical changes. Over my desk, I have posted her words cited above by Richard that should be an anthem for those of us facing challenges of all kinds: Accept, Adapt, Move On. I will remember her for her courage, her love of the outdoors, her skill as a writer, and her ever present positivity. Go in peace, dear Harriet. You have spread goodness in this world. Thank you.
My husband and I had the privilege of knowing Harriet. Always upbeat and encouraging, she was a force of nature in her own sweet way.Even though we had left Salt Lake we kept in touch and always looked forward to articles in seniorskiing. Physical setbacks never stopped her from living the best life she could and she told me she hoped the cancer study she was in would benefit others. I will miss her chatty newsletters and contributions to this publication. Enjoy those big open powder fields Harriet hope you get first tracks!
I never knew Harriet, but she seems a role model for us young oldies, or any age actually. Cancer doesn’t have to be debilitating live with the positive, we can all strive to reach your goals (71-year-old skier – Latterly Alta, UT and Mammoth CA.