Glade Skiing AKA How to Ski In The Trees

Since ski resorts were first opened skiers have wanted to ski beyond the groomed boundaries to more adventurous terrain. Wooded areas used to be off limits at most ski resorts. In recent years ski resorts have begun opening their wooded terrain. This wooded terrain is referred to as glades or trees by most ski areas on their trail maps and is considered expert black diamond terrain. Before you go skiing in the trees be sure it’s allowed. Don’t go into fenced off areas, otherwise the Ski Patrol may pull your ticket.

Ski resorts close areas for good reasons, your safety. The ski patrol isn’t likely to patrol closed areas.  If you have a problem in a closed area you’re probably on your own.

Even on a good clear day the ski patrol may not be able to see you through all the trees if you’re having a problem. Ski or snowboard with two companions. If you do have trouble, one can go get help and one can stay with you.

If you do get separated from your companions, two-way radios are great form of communication. Cell phones work in lower elevation resorts but you may not get service in high mountain canyons.

Wear helmet and goggles and gloves. Small branches can whip and crack while trunks are hard and unforgiving. Dress with an outer layer, even on warm days. Outer layers help when you get to close to small branches.

Just as in drivers ed, you're taught to yield the right-of-way when merging from the trees. You need to yield to uphill skiers. Skiers on groomed trails aren’t expecting someone to pop out of the woods. So when you are emerging from the woods look uphill for skiers and snowboards.

Before you go into the trees know the resort’s operating hours and when the lifts close. This is very important because you don’t want to enter into the woods too late in the afternoon. If it is too late and you’re in the trees when the lifts close you’ll have to hike out, and the sun goes down quickly while in the mountain canyon during the winter.
Resorts that offer night skiing light their groomed runs. Don’t go into the trees when dark and it’s hard to see.