If you find that black runs and moguls just aren’t proving challenging, then you might want to consider tree skiing. This form of downhill, also known as glade skiing, requires a challenging combination of speed, skill and stamina. It is really best for more advanced skiers. That said, after a few runs, it’s very easy to fall in love with skiing through untouched powder in the quiet of a wooded mountainside. The sport is particularly popular in Canada in North America. There are a few places in Europe where you can enjoy skiing through trees too. Here are some of the best ski resorts for tree skiing in the world. Try it for yourself.
1. Steamboat, USA
Over the years Steamboat has become a particularly popular ski resort for tree skiing. You’ll find plenty of forest glades lining the mountains of the resort in northwest Colorado, so it’s the perfect environment for a spot of tree skiing. Steamboat has a good snow record. Its famously smooth and dry skiing conditions have helped the resort coin the term ‘champagne powder’. With a lively yet family-friendly après ski scene, Steamboat makes for a great ski break all-round.
2. Serre Chevalier, France
Serre Chevalier one of the most popular ski areas in France boasts a large number of tree-lined slopes. This means that the scenery is different from other ski resorts in Europe; the resort is a fantastic spot for tree skiing. The trees in Serre Chevalier are well spaced and there is plenty of room to manoeuvre. It’s a great resort for those who are less experienced at tree skiing but are looking to improve. When you’re finished for the day, relax with a drink in the friendly bars and restaurants dotted around the resort.
3. Heavenly, USA
Located in Lake Tahoe near the California-Nevada border, Heavenly ski resort is an aptly-named haven for tree skiers. Whether you’re a more experienced skier looking for a challenging run, or in need of an easier run when trying it out for the first time, Heavenly mountain resort has slopes to suit all. In addition, most of the trails are below the tree line, which means you’re always surrounded by the forest and protected from the elements should a storm hit. The powder should also stay on the covered slopes for longer than it would on the exposed mountainside. It’s definitely worth visiting Heavenly if you’re interested in skiing through trees.
4. Peisey-Vallandry, France
A small, family-friendly ski resort, Peisey-Vallandry has a number of tree-lined runs in its Paradiski ski area. The ski resort forms part of the Les Arcs ski domain and visitors will encounter a variety of different slopes, from fast slopes to longer, endurance runs and from sparse to dense tree coverage. The trails are exciting to negotiate too, providing the perfect escape from the busy pistes that line the rest of the resort.
5. Avoriaz, France
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is one of the best ski resorts for tree skiing in the world. This is largely down to the unique Stash snow park. The park has features made mainly from wooden material and park benches. You can also dip in and out of the forests and find easy trails to ride through. Not your typical tree skiing but great fun nonetheless!
6. Whistler, Canada
Whistler is mostly known for its above treeline skiing but it also has fantastic tree skiing. The glades often don’t get touched so you get fantastic powder skiing in the forests dotted on the mountains. On the Blackcomb side, if you take the 7th Heaven Express you can ski the tree areas in between the blue runs in the area. Another great spot is below the Crystal Ridge Chair, which has a good mixture of terrain in the trees.
7. Jackson Hole, USA
Jackson Hole has a fantastic variety of tree-skiing options. There’s a good mixture of wide-open tree spaces and tight sections too. If you’re an advanced skier there’s a steep tree spot in the Woodsey Woods off the Bridget Gondola. There is also equally challenging terrain in the Saratoga Bowl under the Apres Vous lift ad the Moran Face using the Teton Quad area. There’s also easier tree terrain underneath the Sublette chairlift.
8. Charlevoix, Canada
Only an hour away from Quebec, Charlevoix is great for tree skiing. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River wherever you are in the area. There is 39km of slopes great for any level of skier. The foot of the main lift is great for beginners to enjoy the basics. Advanced skiers will love the mogul fields and great off-piste opportunities within the trees. In addition, it is also the home of Club Med’s first all-inclusive Canadian resort.
Call our experts on 020 7471 7700 to find out some of the best places for tree skiing.
