Snow Skills

Tree skiing and riding is surely for the adventurous; there’s a new set of rules when you choose to abandon open groomed trails for the limited space and variable conditions of a glade. You’re going to have several things to worry about in a short amount of time and you’re going to want to put as many factors in your favor as possible. Under these conditions, you can prepare and plan a number of small details that can add up to make your tree skiing and riding more successful and safer.

There are a number of important accessories you should consider when tree skiing and riding. Protective eyewear is essential to be able to move through the trees with confidence and avoid catching a branch in the eye. Wrap-around style sunglasses are good while goggles are best. A helmet is also a good idea if you’re going to ski in close proximity to fixed, dense objects like trees. A plastic whistle is a great item to keep in your jacket; it can mark your location through a distinct sound that carries farther than your voice. A whistle made of metal is a poor idea in freezing conditions. And a cell phone could come in handy while tree skiing for a number of reasons.

If the glade you’re in is large and separated from other trails, skiing trees is best done with at least two other people; if someone needs help, the second person can stay on the scene while the third goes for help. Make a plan for your route and then pay attention to how that route plays out. Make a mental note of where you start your run and be aware of where and how long you’ve been moving since the beginning so you’ll be able to describe where you are if necessary.

The two by-words for skiing and riding in the trees safely is prepare and plan.