Mastering Tree Runs: Safety, Style, and Flow

by Jordan Darcy

There’s something sacred about tree runs. The way the light filters through the branches. The quiet between turns. The sense that you’re riding inside a secret the mountain only shares with those willing to duck a rope or disappear off the mainline.

But riding trees isn’t just about vibing in the forest. It takes skill, awareness, and respect—for the terrain, your limits, and what can go wrong.

Here’s how to ride trees safely, stylishly, and with flow without turning it into a game of human pinball.

Why Tree Runs Hit Different

Let’s break it down:

• Technical Challenge: You’re reacting every second—no two turns are alike.

• Creative Freedom: The line is yours to draw. No tracks, no rules.

• Mental Focus: You can’t ride trees on autopilot. They force presence.

• Pow Preservation: When groomers are tracked out, the trees are still fresh.

  
  

Riding trees is one of the purest expressions of style and flow in the snow world. But the stakes are higher—so you’ve gotta respect the game.

Step 1: Scout Before You Send

Not all glades are created equal. If it’s your first time in a zone:

• Drop in with someone who knows it

• Scan for hazards: fallen logs, hidden gullies, downed trees

• Make a mental note of where the run spits out—getting cliffed out or lost in a drainage sucks

  
  

Golden rule: If you wouldn’t hit it full speed in the open, don’t hit it blind in the trees.

Step 2: Look Where You Want to Go

Here’s the mind trick that changes everything: Don’t look at the trees. Look at the gaps.

• Your body follows your eyes

• If you stare at trees, guess what you’ll hit?

• Focus on your line, not the obstacles

It’s the same principle as biking, skating, or wing suiting. Spot the path, not the problem.

Step 3: Think in Rhythm, Not Reactions

In trees, speed control is life. You can’t just bomb and hope.

• Use short, quick turns—pivot, reset, repeat

• Stay centered over your board or skis—leaning back means losing control

• Let the terrain set your rhythm—ride with the trees, not against them

And remember: flow is faster than force. If you’re fighting every turn, slow down and find your groove.

Step 4: Respect the Risks

Tree runs are no joke. Here’s how to stay alive and ride another day:

Tree Wells Are Deadly

• After storms, deep snow builds up around tree bases—creating hidden holes

• Falling in head-first can trap you

• Never ride tight trees alone. If your buddy goes silent—go back.

  
  

Don’t Ride Beyond Your Line

• Trees magnify mistakes

• Ride at 70% of your top speed, save the ego for the groomers

  
  

Communicate

• Set meeting spots if you get separated

• Carry a whistle or radio in deeper zones

• If you’re riding tight woods, establish a lead/follow order and stick to it

  
  

Style Tips to Level Up Your Tree Game

Want to make it look effortless? Here’s the sauce:

• Keep your upper body quiet: Let your legs do the work.

• Pre-load turns: Anticipate where the next gap is and start turning early.

• Use natural features: Tree stumps, drops, tight squeezes—turn them into flair.

• Stay low and loose: Athletic stance = faster recovery from surprises.

  
  

And yes—throw a pow slash when you find a wide pocket. That’s the signature move.

Gear Makes a Difference

• Shorter skis or a twin-tip board = quicker pivots

• Freeride or hybrid camber profiles = better control in variable snow

• Low-light lenses = see contrast better in shaded zones

• Helmet and goggles = non-negotiable

  
  

Final Thoughts: Ride With Respect

Tree riding is where soul turns happen. It’s where your instincts take over, where time slows down, and where your connection to the mountain deepens. But it’s also where mistakes carry real consequences.

So ride with friends. Stay alert. Choose lines with intention. And remember:

Flow > force.

Awareness > ego.

Style > speed.

The mountain doesn’t care how good you look—just that you make it out the other side.