Better Skiing: Tree Skiing

Welcome to this edition of Better Skiing, I’m Bruce Ruff.
Where do you ski when it has been days since the last storm? I head for the trees because they act as a canopy which protects the snow from the sun and the wind. Glades and tight trees are my favorite.

The key to tree skiing is control. You must make consistent turns and control your speed. Tree skiing is made easy if you see the spaces not the trees. Try to look ahead to plan your line through the trees without any surprises that break your rhythm. Keep your hands out in front of your body so you may turn quickly at any time. Tree skiing also provides some of the best skiing during flat light days and big storms because the trees give more depth perception and help define the terrain. Tree skiing is not for everyone – you must have a certain skill level to tree ski. Remember – ski good or hit wood.