Mastering Tree Skiing
Introduction to Tree Skiing
Welcome to the Woods
Once you're comfortable on groomed slopes, a whole new world awaits you in the trees. Tree skiing, also known as glade skiing, is simply skiing on ungroomed, tree-covered terrain. It’s where you’ll often find the best, untouched powder long after a storm has passed.
The appeal is undeniable. There’s a quiet sense of adventure that comes from weaving through a silent forest. The challenge is greater, and the reward is a feeling of being truly connected with the mountain.
Safety First, Always
Before you even think about ducking under that rope, you need to understand the risks. Unlike open runs, the woods hide obstacles. Under the snow, you might find rocks, logs, or tree stumps. The most serious hazard, however, is the trees themselves, particularly the area around the base of a tree.
tree well
noun
A hollow space of loose, unconsolidated snow that forms around the base of an evergreen tree. It can be surprisingly deep and dangerous if a skier falls in headfirst.
Because of these dangers, there is one unbreakable rule for tree skiing: never go alone. Always ski with a partner, and make sure you have a plan to stay in contact. This doesn't mean just starting at the top of the run together. It means keeping each other in sight at all times.
Agree on a path and stop at regular intervals to regroup. If one of you falls or gets into trouble, the other is right there to help. Your partner is your lifeline.
Mind Over Matter
Tree skiing is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. When you first enter a glade, your brain might fixate on the obstacles: the trees. This is a natural but unhelpful instinct. The key is to shift your focus from what you want to avoid to where you want to go.
Look at the empty spaces, the white corridors of snow between the trees. Your body has a natural tendency to follow your eyes. If you stare at a tree, you're more likely to ski right into it. If you focus on the path through the woods, your skis will follow.
Focus on the path, not the obstacle. Look for the gaps and your skis will find them.
It’s also crucial to control your speed and stay relaxed. Tense muscles don’t react quickly. Make short, deliberate turns to stay in command. Panic is your enemy in the trees; a calm, focused mind is your greatest asset.
What is the single most important, unbreakable rule of tree skiing?
When navigating a glade, where should you focus your eyes?
With the right mindset and a trusted partner, the glades can become your favorite part of the mountain. Start slow, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.