Staying Safe When Tree Skiing | These are the things I consider when heading into the glades.
Tree skiing and snowboarding is simply some of the most fun you can have on a mountain. Tight glades, pitch changes, and sheltered deep snow create a playground that often beats open runs for variety and fresh tracks. But trees demand respect: they change the game from piste riding to a mix of route-finding, quick reactions, and serious safety preparation.
This guide is not an all encompassing survival kit but suggestions based on my experience riding in trees around the globe but note… I still find myself in sticky situations. This post is not intended as an alternative to proper training but more as a guide for some key aspects I consider when heading into gladed terrain. It is also well worth noting that trees around the world all ski different. Whether you are hitting the Snow Gums in Australia, North American Pines or the Tsuga Trees in Hakuba’s famous powder district all offer something a little different.
Below is practical, experience-based advice for staying safe and getting the most from tree runs — what to wear and pack, how to ride, and how to pick terrain. But first it is worth trying to understand why tree runs are so special.
Why We Love Tree Skiing
Trees or glades offer the snow protection and shelter from the wind and burning sun. This means that not only does the snow get preserved for longer but it also tends to keep it softer and less crusty. This means that heading into the trees a few days after recent snowfall can often reward you with some insane powder turns.
Tree runs tend to be a bit like a natural terrain park filled with natural features to hop, jump and weave between. Whether you are jumping a stump, navigating a natural corridor or finding some powder pillows tree runs really do tend to deliver more often than not.
The nature of tree skiing often means taking things a bit slower to allow you to navigate tight tree lines. These slower, dynamic turns often get you feeling in a flow state that are the reward for effective tree skiing. It honestly feels so good to smoothly pick your path between the trees ensuring that you are spraying some powder on every turn doesn’t hurt either.
The worst days are made better by trees. Everybody hates turning up at the mountain in a whiteout but if you do and there is decent tree skiing available it is like your day has been saved. The trees provide valuable context which allow you to continue enjoying your day on the snow rather than trying to work your way through a cloud. Actually, this is one of the reason why some of the worlds highest ski resorts are not my favourites. Take Val Thorens which has Europes highest ski resort village. On a bad weather day there is no context as Val Thorens sits above the treeline. Whereas Flaine, which is lower has some great tree skiing at lower elevations. Checkout the difference in these videos below to see what I mean.
Staying Safe in The Trees
You can never guarentee that you are safe when heading anywhere in a ski resort and the trees are no different. Whether it be high impact collisions, getting burried in a tree well or simply getting lost in terrain you are unfamiliar with, trees offer many dangers. Managed correctly, tree skiing can be well worth the effort so consider adding the following to your tree skiing safety routines.
Riding within your limits is key even for more able experienced skiers and snowboarders especially when riding in terrain that is unfamiliar to you. We have all been there; new resort, coupled with recent snowfall and we all start to forget about some of the key aspects of managing risk in the trees. When you do not know the terrain well be sure to slow down and get to know the terrain first.
Riding with a partner and ensuring that you always keep visual contact is another key factor of skiing and snowboarding in the glades. If something goes wrong you want somebody around who can help you out and call for help. Taking it in turns to ride pitches of terrain ensures that you stay in each others sight, can share any dangers found and of course… you have someone to get that awesome picture or video of you as they wait for you to ride down. Recently, I got way too excited on a powder day in Flaine and kept going when my friend took a well deserved break. You can see what happened in the video at the bottom of this section.
The avalanche risk in the trees can be lower but this doesn’t mean the risk is zero. Therefore, carrying essential avalanche safety equipment is advisable. Again this is definitely a do as I say not as I do, because I am stupid enough to opt to ride without my backpack at times in resort. Often I will still wear my avalanche transeiver but really I know that I should carry my whole avalanche safety kit (Shovel, probe, & beacon). Bringing a backpack is also great for some snacks and an accessible drink just incase you feel the burn and need to rest on the mountain rather than in a hut…. A reminder to myself to ensure I do this more.
This one is for those heading into the unknown, a new area of trees or sometimes a new resort entirely. Dont be affraid to scout something out first before commiting to a run. This is especially the case if you feel there is a jump/drop and you are not sure of the landing. Normally, either you or your partner are willing to take one for the team and scout it out first. This rule also applies to just stopping to check your line as you move into unknown terrain. Look out for terrain traps, changes in the environment (trees aren’t fixed forever) or other hazards.
The nature of tree runs mean that getting assistance with a recovery is harder in this terrain. At a minimum this means a longer wait for ski patrol (if in bounds) so be prepared as with point 3. Be sure to control your speed as controlled turns are preferable to blasting it in this terrain. If you feel you are going too fast you probably are.
Communication is key. It is really easy to get serperated in gladed terrain so be sure to communicate. Whether this is clear communication such as “dropping left,” or “stopping.”, or even just your holars and whoops as you ride through the terrain. Ensuring your group know where each other are can prevent people getting stranded by themselves and prevents collisions when visibility is limited.
Plan your route out. I learnt this one early when at Marmot Basin where missing my route out ended up in one hell of a big hike in deep snow. Fair to say at the end of that experience I was done for the day curtailing my fun. This rule goes into knowing your terrain as planning the right route out can save you time, misfortune, and energy.
First aid and skills: Everyone in the party should carry a small first aid kit and know how to treat basic injuries and immobilize limbs. CPR and basic evacuation planning are good to review before heading in.
Watch for tree wells: A significant hazard around tree trunks where loose snow forms deep, hidden voids. Avoid skiing directly around the base of trees after heavy snow, and keeping sight of partners is essential.
What to wear and pack Pack for mobility, protection, and multiple contingencies.
This is always contentious as people always have their preferences… so feel free to listen to mine or ignore, that is of course your prerogative.
Dress in breathable layers so you can adjust on the move. Conditions change so having the ability to change your layering systems is one of the most important parts of staying comfortable in the mountains. I prefer a thin waterproof shell, coupled with a good quality base layer and mid-layer option.
Shell Jackets and Pants
Gone are the days of needing to purchase the more expensive Gore-tex shells. Yes, spending this money does provide you with a product that has been shown to stand the test of time but there are many new shells that are equally reliable. Patagonia have their own shell technology called H2No, The North Face use Futurelight, and Helly Hansen use Helly Tech. Each of these is a viable option. Regardless of your choice of membrane, opting for a shell jacket allows you greater versatility for temperature management whilst ensuring you stay dry.
Shell jacket and pants: Waterproof breathable shells with articulated fit for snowboarding through tree lines. Look for durable fabrics to withstand brush and branches.
Base Layers
Probably one of the most underrated bits of kit is your choice of base layer top and bottoms. Your main choices are a synthetic or merino base layers. Gone are the days of people wearing cotton surely? Merino for me is the standout winner with odour resistant properties and greater weight to warmth ration. Merino used to be really expensive but now I pick mine up from SportPursuit. If you sign up via this link you are supporting the website and you will have access to some great discounts. If you are trying to save some money there are some great synthetic options however be prepared for a good stench after a long day skiing trees.
Mid-Layers
I often alternate between a lightweight fleece (Arcteryx Delta) or a slightly thicker syntethic jacket (Arcteryx Atom) depending on the temps. On a cold day I may layer up and wear both. This is where having the lightweight shell suggested above pays dividends as it allows this flexibility. Often in a grabable place in my rucksack will be my puffy (Arcteryx Cerium). Lightweight, it’s like its not there but if I need to stop for a prolonged period I will through this on to boost my warth.
Gloves
This is a strange one for me as I run warm so wearing a thick pair of gloves isn’t usually my go to choice. That being said when snowboarding in the trees I opt for my Hestra Heli Mitts due to their long gaitor. Not only does this stop snow from flying up my sleeves but if I fall it gives me the reassurance that no snow is getting in however much I need to dig myself out of trouble.
Helmet
Sorry not sorry. In my opinion a helmet should be mandatory especially if you are opting to ski in the trees. Good quality helmets have MIPs which is a god send when it comes to head impact. Protecting yourself from impact whether it be a tree, the ground or your buddy could save a life. I use the OutdoorMaster Diamond 2 MIPs helmet which you can buy here with 20% off. Helmet: Mandatory. Trees multiply the risk of head impacts — use a well-fitting certified helmet.
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Goggles
My view on goggles has changed significantly in the past few years. No longer do you need to pay top dollar to get high quality goggles. Essentially, a photochromic lens is now an affordable option for many and its how I would suggest you go. Photochromic lenses adapt to the light meaning when you are in the protection of the trees, the lens will let more light in and when you pop out of the trees into the sun, the lens will reduce the amount of light that gets through to protect your eyes.
Over the past few years I have used many goggles but my go to would be either the Julbo Launcher Photochromic (Purchased from Sport Pursuit for big discount) or the Outdoormaster Ultra (Again save 20% here)
If you would prefer to opt for more traditional lenses than a low-light and contrast-enhancing lenses (yellow/rose) are often best in shaded tree areas. Carry a spare lens or goggles if practical.
Backpack
Ideally, when skiing in the trees you can wear a small backpack which will allow you to bring essential safety items with you. I would aim for a 20-25l backpack that has comfortable straps and a good waist belt for stability and support with the weight of the back. You do not want your pack fully loaded but I would aim to get the below items inside the bag.
Essential pack items
Hydration: Lightweight water bottle or hydration bladder.
Snack: High-calorie, quick energy (bars, gels, chocolate).
First-aid kit: Small kit with bandages, tape, wound treatment, and a space blanket.
Communication: Whistle for signalling, and two-way radios if group members want better communications than shouting. Radios are a pro option, I have never used one but I am interested in testing a system like Cardo Outdoor.
Beacon, probe, shovel: If you’re in avalanche terrain or venturing beyond controlled boundaries, carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear. Even inside trees, slides and tree wells can create burial risk.
Repair kit: Multi-tool, ski/snowboard straps, small zip ties, duct tape.
In short, gladed terrain offers some of the most rewarding and enjoyable skiing and snowboarding you'll find, provided you approach it with respect, the right skills, and the right preparation. The key takeaways are simple: know the snow and avalanche conditions, refine your tree-skiing technique, travel with partners and the necessary safety gear (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel), and make conservative terrain and route choices that match your ability.
When you combine good judgment with solid skills and proper equipment, you’ll dramatically reduce risk and increase the enjoyment of glades. Gladed runs reward patience and attentiveness, stay within your limits, communicate with your group, and embrace a mindset that prioritises safety over a single run or line. That balance is what lets you explore these beautiful, wooded slopes season after season.
