In the off season I have been mountain bike trail riding in the forest since 1989. Lots of crossover skills are developed by trail riding. You learn to pick a line, momentum is your friend and look at where you want to go not at what you are trying to avoid. Biking develops balance and reactions necessary when skiing in trees.
Tree skiing the great. I particularly like it on stormy days. But one thing to be aware of when skiing trees is to avoid deep tree wells. Like you said, look at where you want to go and when the snow is deep think about turning around/after the tree to avoid falling into the well and suffocating. Another reason to ride with a buddy. BCA has a pretty good video on tree well and snow immersion safety.
You talked a little bit about using the bumps in the trees, but I would STRONGLY recommend getting comfortable handling bumps outside of trees before going into any gladed area.
Agreed. I’ve been trying to get better at both bumps/moguls and tree skiing. I can never seem to get the timing right (poor decision making maybe) and end up making a turn on top of a bump only to be sent into the upside of another. Worse, I end up bridging bumps, trying to check my speed. I love the trees but everywhere I ski, its like moguls with trees interspersed. I have to ski one bump, one turn at a time. After five or so turns I take a break to look at what’s ahead only to be passed by a couple of dudes “whooping” through, speed unchecked as if the bumps and trees didn’t exist. 😢😅 Some day, maybe I’ll be that guy. Maybe?
@@Radioactive_Slime took me a while to get past that stage. Just gotta ski less steep/smaller bumps with more flow and work your way up. Lots of days on skis and you’ll get there!
@@Radioactive_Slime It takes awhile for the brain to absorb what it’s seeing. One approach is to go very slow the first time through, then once you’re familiar with what’s ahead, you can speed up. It’s a no brainer that you can’t be too careful in trees. Another thing is don’t ski trees when you’re tired, because you’re muscles may not respond to what your brain is saying to do.
Just finished watching your tree ski video. Very well produced and paced. Your teaching style is very friendly and accomodating. Well done. I have watched quite a few Instructional ski videos and yours is at the top.
Hi I loved this video because I helped me overcome my trauma with trees a couple years back I got stuck in a tree well and got a hour later and I be been scared ever since but now I’m back in the trees and having fun🎉
Really glad to see CARV being used for something other than carving the groomers! My ski:IQ really goes to pot the minute I go off-piste, so I am really going to put these tips to use! Hope you do a video on bump skiing!
@@tombeach8417 Hi Tom. I loved being at Eldora for 10 years. But, honestly, I am much better off at Winter Park. Are we not blessed to coach/teach skiing?
Thanks to Winter Park, adaptive skier programs for the disability flourishes. I have a question, why don't ski resorts give discounted Lift tickets to disabled skiers.
I absolutely loved your video on skiing through trees! Your tips on finding your flow with Carv were so helpful and will definitely improve my tree skiing skills. Your passion for the sport really shines through in your teaching, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into creating such a valuable resource. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
I like skiing in the trees bc it takes longer. As much fun as it is to do laps, ski down, get on the chair, ski down, get on the chair, ski down, get on the chair, that gets boring .. the trees take more time and you gotta think about it
''when you look at expert skiers, its effortless'' Unless they are pushing their limit, I like to analyze the terrain spot epic tracks and jumps to be able to ride faster and faster, jump higher and further. Sure aint effortless for me hahaha (I dont look at myself so maybe it does look effortless) Also a thing I really like about skiing the trees is, if its a really cold day, first you'll be sheltered from the wind in there. Second is its harder to ski in there so you will produce more heat, finally you'll be going much slower so less less cold draft for your face ! I often bring the kids I coach in the trees on cold days.
Add a line of text to safety calling out tree wells. Maybe in deciduous landscapes it isn’t the threat, but no one should go in deep snow, big tree territory without an understanding of tree well danger.
Hi - I am on a 68 mm ski under foot. It is narrow. I would recommend something in the 80-90mm range for the beginner or intro to trees. A wider ski will float a little better in the powder or variable snow. I prefer a narrow ski and it has taken me years to get used to it in the powder.
When I started skiing 30 years ago I was taught to avoid tree areas. Not because of any dangers to the skier but because of damage to the environment, eg. the ski edges chopping off new growth trees.
My whole family loves skiing in the trees. I feel the correct mindset is very important when skiing in the trees, don't think about stopping all the time, think about finding next turn all the time. In some black run glades, there is no time or no room to stop, you just have to keep going even when you feel you are going fast, if you try to stop at a awkward place, then you will hit a tree instead.
Like the lesson but you missed the key elements of riding in trees #1 always cut the low side of trees, this is vital so you don't ride into tree wells #2 always look where you want to go not at what you want to miss. #3 If you ride in actual glades (trees that have shoulder width openings or less) always ride toward the light😉
Go towards the light? I haven’t heard that before. I think of going where there’s tracks or bumps, because you know someone’s gone there before. The idea of going towards the light is that’s where the clearing is?
@@ewallt ya, if you can see light through loose shrub it generally means a clearing or it might mean a drop but just do a quick tree top check to figure that out Here's a link to my last video and half of it is riding through real dense bush th-cam.com/video/eEQA6Mx_qOY/w-d-xo.html
@@Snow-Journal Enjoyed watching this, not so much the shots down at your feet, but the other shots looking frontwards were terrific. These trees are much tighter than what I ski. I might do a small section like that, to get somewhere else, if I knew it. Thanks for sharing!
Oh dear god. This is not how you ski trees. This is not how you TEACH trees. You're going to get people hurt. Hockey stops as drills or a technique to avoid danger? An expert tree skier spends as little time as possible on edge. The drills to prep for trees are pivot slips and side slipping. Then work up to side slipping while on your uphill ski only. Slip the whole hill on your uphill ski. Then do a snowflake 360° on one ski. Then do a series of them. Skiing trees is about being playful - surfing, pivoting and sliding. It's WRC vs. F1.
This is one of the goofiest ski videos I’ve seen in a long time. Seriously!? How to go through random field trees on a 15 to 20 degree slope?! People can’t figure this out on their own?? Hockey stops!? What!? That’s like basic skiing!! As a skier of 60+ years I find this sort of “lesson video” completely ridiculous! And then you tell them to look at “turn shape metrics”!! Oh please, make it stop! Is this just an Ad for Carv?
Why do all these people want to do treelines?? "ohhh, I feel so free! .... to destroy environment." Ski-edges are very sharp and cause seriuos damage to the (smaller) trees. Trees are precious, they protect from major avalanges. Just stay out of those trees and keep to the groomers.
omg the cameraman's skill of recording and skiing through trees at the same time
All good tips. Can’t emphasize enough about skiing the spaces. Ski with your eyes. You really will go where you’re looking.
That’s true with signs and people too. Videos of people running into the SLOW signs are pretty funny (trees not so much).
“Why? Because trees don’t move.” Good tip applicable to drivers and George of the Jungle too. Enjoyed the video, 👍
In the off season I have been mountain bike trail riding in the forest since 1989. Lots of crossover skills are developed by trail riding. You learn to pick a line, momentum is your friend and look at where you want to go not at what you are trying to avoid. Biking develops balance and reactions necessary when skiing in trees.
Oh my god, I'm London based and we haven't been able to go... Can't wait to get back into trees forests and mogul nonsense... So much fun!
Tree skiing the great. I particularly like it on stormy days. But one thing to be aware of when skiing trees is to avoid deep tree wells. Like you said, look at where you want to go and when the snow is deep think about turning around/after the tree to avoid falling into the well and suffocating. Another reason to ride with a buddy. BCA has a pretty good video on tree well and snow immersion safety.
thanks for the comment. very true indeed
Good point about tree wells. I’ve fortunately never had a problem with one, but I give them a lot of respect.
His point about stopping rather than running into the tree was very well taken.
You talked a little bit about using the bumps in the trees, but I would STRONGLY recommend getting comfortable handling bumps outside of trees before going into any gladed area.
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
Agreed. I’ve been trying to get better at both bumps/moguls and tree skiing. I can never seem to get the timing right (poor decision making maybe) and end up making a turn on top of a bump only to be sent into the upside of another. Worse, I end up bridging bumps, trying to check my speed. I love the trees but everywhere I ski, its like moguls with trees interspersed. I have to ski one bump, one turn at a time. After five or so turns I take a break to look at what’s ahead only to be passed by a couple of dudes “whooping” through, speed unchecked as if the bumps and trees didn’t exist. 😢😅 Some day, maybe I’ll be that guy. Maybe?
@@Radioactive_Slime took me a while to get past that stage. Just gotta ski less steep/smaller bumps with more flow and work your way up. Lots of days on skis and you’ll get there!
@@Radioactive_Slime It takes awhile for the brain to absorb what it’s seeing. One approach is to go very slow the first time through, then once you’re familiar with what’s ahead, you can speed up. It’s a no brainer that you can’t be too careful in trees.
Another thing is don’t ski trees when you’re tired, because you’re muscles may not respond to what your brain is saying to do.
Yes, definitely a good idea to not try new terrain where there’s trees. Apparently they’re not forgiving when hit.
NICE!!! Great to see CARV being useful also outside of the groomers. I’ll be trying out these tips soon.
Awesome, glad you liked the video!
Just finished watching your tree ski video. Very well produced and paced. Your teaching style is very friendly and accomodating.
Well done. I have watched quite a few Instructional ski videos and yours is at the top.
Thank you! That means a lot. We work super hard to make the best content we can
Hi I loved this video because I helped me overcome my trauma with trees a couple years back I got stuck in a tree well and got a hour later and I be been scared ever since but now I’m back in the trees and having fun🎉
That's so nice to hear. Be safe out there!
Really glad to see CARV being used for something other than carving the groomers! My ski:IQ really goes to pot the minute I go off-piste, so I am really going to put these tips to use! Hope you do a video on bump skiing!
One of the best vids I’ve watched …thank you
Outstanding explanation and video, reinforces skills and teaches how to improve.
Thanks for great tips, Kevin! My Winter Park Compeition Center year long students ski lots of trees. So, I will be sharing this video with them.
Great to hear!
rob, glad to here your doing well at WP we miss you at Eldo, Tom Beach
@@tombeach8417 Hi Tom. I loved being at Eldora for 10 years. But, honestly, I am much better off at Winter Park. Are we not blessed to coach/teach skiing?
Thanks to Winter Park, adaptive skier programs for the disability flourishes.
I have a question, why don't ski resorts give discounted Lift tickets to disabled skiers.
Great advice ✌️. Thank U 4 sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Great series of tips and progressions. Thanks Kevin!
I absolutely loved your video on skiing through trees! Your tips on finding your flow with Carv were so helpful and will definitely improve my tree skiing skills. Your passion for the sport really shines through in your teaching, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into creating such a valuable resource. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
So great to hear, thanks for sharing!
Great video. Can you do a video sometime on skiing bumps/moguls? Thanks
Yes, noted!
i can't wait for ski season... thanks for the tips
I like skiing in the trees bc it takes longer. As much fun as it is to do laps, ski down, get on the chair, ski down, get on the chair, ski down, get on the chair, that gets boring .. the trees take more time and you gotta think about it
Awesome tip, a great way to keep things fresh!
Oustanding video. Thank you!!!
Well done, Coach Jordan!
Aspen- where the beer flows like wine. Beautiful- I love California!
Best ski lesson ever! So to the point and easy to understand and it will help many people ski the trees with a greater ease! Thanks much!
Our pleasure
''when you look at expert skiers, its effortless'' Unless they are pushing their limit, I like to analyze the terrain spot epic tracks and jumps to be able to ride faster and faster, jump higher and further. Sure aint effortless for me hahaha (I dont look at myself so maybe it does look effortless) Also a thing I really like about skiing the trees is, if its a really cold day, first you'll be sheltered from the wind in there. Second is its harder to ski in there so you will produce more heat, finally you'll be going much slower so less less cold draft for your face ! I often bring the kids I coach in the trees on cold days.
Thank you very much for the skiing trees tips😊
Thank you for checking out the video!
Fantastic tips and that was just beautiful skiing! Thank you!!
Thank you - we’ll pass it on to Kevin!
Great tips - Well done!
What resort is that?
Great tree tutorial! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Great Video!
What is a brand name of your ski-pants and ski-Jacket?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Very good stuff!!! Thank you.
Nice one. Good logic and order of instruction. Cheers.
Add a line of text to safety calling out tree wells. Maybe in deciduous landscapes it isn’t the threat, but no one should go in deep snow, big tree territory without an understanding of tree well danger.
What's his setup? I'm noticing long front shovels on those skis... very nice. Can you post front to back ratio on those skis and brand/model/year etc?
Great video. Looks like your on a pretty narrow ski. For someone new to trees what type of width ski do you suggest?
Hi - I am on a 68 mm ski under foot. It is narrow. I would recommend something in the 80-90mm range for the beginner or intro to trees. A wider ski will float a little better in the powder or variable snow. I prefer a narrow ski and it has taken me years to get used to it in the powder.
Another advantage of seeing bumps is you know that’s someplace a lot of people have skied, so it’s likely a safe way to go.
Great video! Btw: are those the Head E-Speed Pro? I just ordered those and was curious how Kevin finds them!
Awesome course. What about using a visor instead of goggles? Is it fine too?
Thanks
Not enough mention of the danger…TREE WELLS claim lives every year. Resorts with only pines vs deciduous have very important safety needs.
Nice whistle 😮😮
This is something that you might figure out yourself after 100 hours, but with this guide you can get going in the trees after a day or two
so glad it was helpful!
Like mountain biking! ALWAY LOOK AT THE LINE. The skis go where you look.
Great video
Great Video!
Thanks!
When I started skiing 30 years ago I was taught to avoid tree areas. Not because of any dangers to the skier but because of damage to the environment, eg. the ski edges chopping off new growth trees.
With 100,000 trees per skier you should be okay...
My whole family loves skiing in the trees. I feel the correct mindset is very important when skiing in the trees, don't think about stopping all the time, think about finding next turn all the time. In some black run glades, there is no time or no room to stop, you just have to keep going even when you feel you are going fast, if you try to stop at a awkward place, then you will hit a tree instead.
In the trees, do 5-10 turns, then blow chunks. Then 5-10 turns, and blow chunks.
Like the lesson but you missed the key elements of riding in trees #1 always cut the low side of trees, this is vital so you don't ride into tree wells #2 always look where you want to go not at what you want to miss. #3 If you ride in actual glades (trees that have
shoulder width openings or less) always ride toward the light😉
Go towards the light? I haven’t heard that before. I think of going where there’s tracks or bumps, because you know someone’s gone there before. The idea of going towards the light is that’s where the clearing is?
@@ewallt ya, if you can see light through loose shrub it generally means a clearing or it might mean a drop but just do a quick tree top check to figure that out
Here's a link to my last video and half of it is riding through real dense bush
th-cam.com/video/eEQA6Mx_qOY/w-d-xo.html
@@Snow-Journal Enjoyed watching this, not so much the shots down at your feet, but the other shots looking frontwards were terrific. These trees are much tighter than what I ski. I might do a small section like that, to get somewhere else, if I knew it.
Thanks for sharing!
❤️
You should definitely have a Sonny Bono song on
What resort is he at?
Aspen, CO
I dunno...most critical injuries/deaths on the slopes are the result of hitting trees & lift poles.
Definitely worth starting with the safety tips in the video. Trees are fun but need respect !
The danger is (generally) not tree skiing but groomers with trees to the side where skiers get out of control.
Miss a turn just by a LITTLE?….a tree will PUNISH you. Be careful people…I’ve been skiing along time…a tree will f you up
Easy…. Don’t look at the trees, if you do you will eventually hit one.
How to ski trees? The best tip I can give you is to go around them. Usually a smoother ride.
Great video. But imho tree skiing is over-rated. It isn’t a mythical experience.
My hockey stops are 😂😂 not stops
Most trees don't move. The ones that speak Vietnamese do.
Oh dear god.
This is not how you ski trees. This is not how you TEACH trees. You're going to get people hurt.
Hockey stops as drills or a technique to avoid danger?
An expert tree skier spends as little time as possible on edge. The drills to prep for trees are pivot slips and side slipping. Then work up to side slipping while on your uphill ski only. Slip the whole hill on your uphill ski. Then do a snowflake 360° on one ski. Then do a series of them.
Skiing trees is about being playful - surfing, pivoting and sliding. It's WRC vs. F1.
This is one of the goofiest ski videos I’ve seen in a long time. Seriously!? How to go through random field trees on a 15 to 20 degree slope?! People can’t figure this out on their own?? Hockey stops!? What!? That’s like basic skiing!! As a skier of 60+ years I find this sort of “lesson video” completely ridiculous! And then you tell them to look at “turn shape metrics”!! Oh please, make it stop! Is this just an Ad for Carv?
Why do all these people want to do treelines?? "ohhh, I feel so free! .... to destroy environment." Ski-edges are very sharp and cause seriuos damage to the (smaller) trees. Trees are precious, they protect from major avalanges. Just stay out of those trees and keep to the groomers.
Groomers are dangerous.
Disaster waiting to happen for me.
😁
You got this Peter 👊
Great video
Thanks!