Tahoe Ski World

skiing in Lake Tahoe

10 Tips for tree skiing

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Below are 10 Tips for tree skiing.

Although skiers and riders often want to challenge the trees, maintaining speed and control is vitally important.
  1. Never ski or ride alone – go with a buddy. It can be very easy to lose your way in the woods, especially on a low visibility day. Check in with your buddy every few turns.
  2. Practice making short turns on groomed runs. Short, quick turns are required when among the trees. So, a little practice never hurts. The practice will help a skier or rider get mentally and physically prepared for the trees.
  3. Relax. Having tense muscles will exhaust you. Try taking a deep breath and visualize being light on your feet and floating on top of the snow between the trees. This will help provide a feeling of control instead of fear.
  4. If possible, start out in wide area. When first getting started, ski areas that allow for broad, loose turns, especially if you aren’t that accustomed to tree skiing. Practice in these areas and work your way toward narrower paths.
  5. Plan ahead. Like skiing moguls, it’s imperative to look ahead and anticipate your turns. It’s not a bad idea to make frequent stops and scan ahead, planning the next few turns. Beware of obstacles – rocks, branches, stumps – along the route and know that you may have to quickly maneuver around them.
  6. Proceed with caution. Even expert skiers and riders should be careful not to go too fast through the trees. Despite the next few turns being planned, obstacles like low-hanging branches can sneak up when approaching them too quickly.
  7. Try not to look at the trees. When staring directly at the obstacle in front of you, chances are you may run right into it. Keep the eyes ahead and focus on the turn and your skis or board will follow.
  8. Make sure there is adequate snow coverage. It’s a good idea to wait until mid-season when there is a decent base. It takes time for a safe base to accumulate in the trees.
  9. Keep hands forward and weight centered. Similar to moguls, keep the hands ready and maintain an aggressive stance. This will help you maintain an upright position and easily utilize those quick reflexes, which are important in executing short, tight turns.
  10. Proper turning. Jump turns aren’t for tree skiing. Like skiing powder on normal trails, it’s best to make short turns that the tail of your skis or board can follow in the same line as the nose. This forms an arc rather than an angle.