Guide: How to Start Tree Skiing

If you're looking to get more adventurous with your skiing, heading off trail towards the trees is a natural progression. It's new, it's challenging, and there's always a new path and powder stash to be found!

But how do you get started and what equipment do you need? Follow our guide below to help make choosing your next pair of off trail skis easy!

Getting Started Tree Skiing

When it comes to getting started tree skiing, the new terrain can be intimidating, so be sure to ski with a friend. The key to getting going is starting on low-to-moderate pitch area with plenty of spacing between trees (in the ski world, that's usually called gladed terrain). Take your skiing slow and look ahead to make deliberate turns around trees, don't hesitate to stop often and regroup. By doing this, you'll be able to start building a rhythm and eventually link together longer runs. Remember that when you're skiing in the trees, you're often sliding your turns and quickly maneuvering, not just carving! For this reason, maneuverable skis are king in the trees.

Once you're comfortable with the easier gladed terrain, you can start skiing on steeper terrain or in areas with tighter trees, but don't forget your basics!

And as a word of caution, always be mindful of your conditions and ski in control. When skiing off trail, take your first few runs easy to check the snow pack. When the snow is low, you'll often see sticks, stumps, and rocks expose themselves.

Best Skis for Tree Skiing

There are a few equipment features that will make your life a lot easier when it comes to skiing in the trees.

What to look for when choosing skis for tree skiing:

• Rockered Tip 
• Turned up Twin Tail or Rockered Tail
• Not the stiffest flex
• Length: size down for skiing in trees

What waist width skis for tree skiing?

• Narrower all mountain skis (95 mm and below) will be more maneuverable and easy to swing around - especially helpful when getting started or in lower snowfall areas. 
• Wider skis (95 mm and above) will offer more stability in mixed snow types (crud, slush, etc) and more flotation in powder. 

Best skis for tree skiing

Ahmeek 95 (unisex): Quick and nimble in trees, light and easy to whip around, wide enough for up to boot deep powder. Features: Early rise rockered tip, moderate flex, twin tail

Ahmeek 105 (unisex): Maneuverable and stable in the trees, wide enough for a heavy powder day. Features: Rockered Tip, twin tail, moderate flex.

Mohawk 98 (unisex): More aggressive tail for skiers who like pushing into the front of their boots, yet maintains a loose/maneuverable feeling in trees. Features: Rockered tip, 3D core pocket to reduce swing weight, rockered tail

Sarge 95 (unisex): Playful all mountain twintip with a close-to-center newschool mounting position - very easy to pivot and spin around. Features: Rockered tip + full twin tail, soft yet stable flex, responsive Ash hardwood core

Medora 95 (womens): Steady, nimble, and playful all mountain skis, wide enough for a powder day. Features: Early rise rockered tip, moderate flex, twin tail

Want some personal help?

If you would like help picking the perfect ski model and length, just give us a call at 231-459-4323 or fill out our quick ski finder form and we'll send you our expert recommendation!