Discover the Top Ski Resorts for Tree Skiing

Nothing makes you feel more like a little kid again quite like tree skiing. There’s something truly magical about gliding through snow-covered pine forests, linking your turns around towering white aspen trees and losing yourself in a world where the only sound is your skis slicing through powder. Whether you’re a seasoned tree skier or just venturing off the groomers for the first time, you’re in the right place. We asked our Mountain Travel Experts for their top picks on the best tree skiing destinations around the globe, from the deep, powdery forests of Japan to the dreamy glades of Aspen and beyond. Plus, stick around for pro tips and technique pointers to help you make the most of every turn in the trees.

Japan Tree Skiing

Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano are some of the most popular Japanese ski resorts that allow guests to take to the backcountry. These trees are often avoided by the locals, leaving plenty of room for international visitors to explore beyond the groomers. Both Niseko and Rusutsu are world-renowned for their incredible tree skiing, with a fun mix of both in-bounds glades and off-piste adventures. In Niseko, one favorite is Grand Hirafu, a groomed run flanked by graceful silver birch trees and hidden powder pockets, offering something for both beginners and advanced skiers alike. Over in Rusutsu, you’ll find everything from wide-open deciduous forests perfect for warming up to steep, tight lines that challenge even seasoned tree skiers. Be sure to hit the glades near Heavenly Ridge, an absolute must for powder lovers chasing that perfect line. (Avalanche danger is present in Niseko, but the resort closely monitors the conditions and will open or close gates depending on the circumstances.) 

Where To Stay In Hokkaido: Stay at The Green Leaf Niseko for unbeatable access to Niseko Village’s tree skiing, just steps from your door. Plus, you're less than an hour from the deep powder stashes of Rusutsu, making it the perfect home base for a multi-resort adventure.

Aspen Snowmass Tree Skiing

Three of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands – are a paradise for advanced to expert tree skiers, while Buttermilk serves up the perfect playground for beginners and intermediates looking to get comfortable in the glades.

Aspen Mountain is packed with tree runs like Bingo Glades, Gentleman’s Ridge, The Dumps and the legendary lines off Bell Mountain. Over at Aspen Highlands, adventurous skiers can hike to the summit of Highland Bowl for access to the famed Northwoods trees. Or, hop off the snowcat and take a shorter hike to drop into Mushroom Bowl and Hyde Park, two hidden gems known for deep powder and beautifully spaced trees.

Snowmass, with its massive terrain and varied tree zones, is another must. Ride the Cirque lift to the Headwall or lap the High Alpine lift and float through the Dikes into Buckskin. For intermediate tree skiers, the blue-rated Longshot offers an epic glade experience, with a mellow hike from the top of Elk Camp and dropping nearly 5 miles down to Two Creeks.

Where To Stay in Aspen Snowmass: Timberline Snowmass delivers easy ski-in ski-out access, an on-site German fondue restaurant, soothing steam room, and an outdoor pool and hot tub for soaking in those alpine views.

Check out the Aspen Snowmass trail maps to find these zones →

Jackson Hole Tree Skiing

A big part of Jackson Hole’s appeal is the huge variety of tree-skiing options. Much of the mountain is blanketed in widely spaced glades, perfect for flowy turns, with tighter, steeper sections tucked in for those chasing a challenge. Experts craving steep trees will love exploring Woodsey Woods off Bridget Gondola, Saratoga Bowl from Apres Vous lift, or Moran Face off Teton Quad. The terrain under the Sublette Chair is another fan favorite, with playful lines between Bird in the Hand and Table Rock that showcase consistent powder pockets.

Where To Stay In Jackson Hole: For the ultimate ski-in ski-out convenience, book your stay at the Snake River Lodge & Spa, making it easier than ever to hit first tracks in the trees.

Check out the Jackson Hole trail map to find these zones →

Whistler Blackcomb Tree Skiing

While Whistler Blackcomb is renowned for its expansive alpine terrain that rivals the Alps, it also has plenty of world-class glades. Tucked below the high alpine bowls, the resort’s glades often stay untouched longer and offer a more sheltered powder experience when visibility is low. On the Blackcomb side, the 7th Heaven Express drops skiers above several blue cruisers with easy access to the glades in between. For more variety, the Crystal Ridge Chair is a local favorite, serving up a mix of blue and black runs with perfectly spaced glades that are as fun as they are scenic. Whether you're cruising through mellow forests or tackling steeper lines, Blackcomb’s trees deliver the goods.

Where To Stay In Whistler Blackcomb: A stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler means effortless ski-in, ski-out access to the Blackcomb Gondola. Nestled in Whistler’s stylish Upper Village, this slopeside retreat is also within easy walking distance of the area's top restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant après-ski scene.

Solitude Tree Skiing

You’ll find Solitude Mountain Resort in one of the snowiest canyons in North America, and it sure lives up to its name, offering a peaceful yet adrenaline-packed escape. Known for its access to some of the most exciting off-piste terrain in the country, Solitude is a local favorite that blends steep thrills with laid-back vibes. With a mountain breakdown of 40% intermediate and 50% advanced to expert terrain, Solitude caters to skilled skiers and riders, especially in the trees. From wide-open glades to tighter, more technical lines, the tree skiing here is top-notch. Ride the Summit Express and hike just 437 vertical feet to reach Fantasy Ridge, the resort’s highest point. From there, you can drop into the notorious Honeycomb Canyon for a top-to-bottom run with 2,467 vertical feet and countless glade options that will make your tree skiing dreams come true.

Where To Stay In Solitude: The Inn At Solitude has a classic Bavarian lodge vibe and tons of perks, located in the heart of Solitude's pedestrian village and just a short walk to the lift.

Crested Butte Tree Skiing

Crested Butte is a haven for tree skiing enthusiasts, known for its tight, powder-filled chutes. Bordering the mountain is a host of extreme terrain hiding powdery glades. Hop on the North Face Lift up to Fredo’s trees and filter down into the 19 different bowls and untouched snow below. The High Lift, which deposits skiers and riders just above the North Face Lift, not only has amazing views of the valley below but also serves up plenty of steep gullies, glades and densely wooded runs. And the Silver Queen Express Lift transports skiers and riders next to Banana Peel, a steep chute-like run with excellent tree terrain below. There’s even a blue groomed run for intermediates – Gus’ Way – carving through widely spaced spruce, fir and aspen trees.

Where To Stay In Crested Butte:  Our top pick in Crested Butte is the Grand Lodge. It boasts that cozy, rustic cabin feel with all the modern comforts, plus it’s just a scenic 15-minute walk from the base area.

Steamboat Tree Skiing

Steamboat is a dream destination for tree skiing, offering terrain for everyone from adventurous intermediates to seasoned experts, all blanketed in that legendary Champagne Powder® the resort is known for. For some of the best glade skiing on the mountain, head to Triangle Trees, accessed from Buddy Run. The terrain is steep at the top, but levels out at the bottom for a bit of widely spaced tree skiing and hidden powder stashes. Don’t miss the three fun tree runs just below Four Point Lodge: Hurricane, Nelson’s Twister and Tornado. And be sure to catch a ride on the Sundown Express lift to the top of Sunshine Peak for direct access to Shadows and Closets, two popular tree runs.

Where To Stay In Steamboat: In Steamboat, you can’t beat the convenience of ski-in ski-out Christie Club, with easy access to the Christie lll Chairlift and just a 10-mile drive to Strawberry Hot Springs, a local’s favorite.

Telluride Tree Skiing

If you’re looking to trade corduroy for Colorado glades, Telluride delivers tree skiing in spades, all with jaw-dropping San Juan views to match. Advanced skiers riding the Plunge Lift can dip into the trees off Log Pile and Satisfaction, where steep pitches and tight turns make for an exhilarating descent. Nearby, Captain Jack’s (accessible where See Forever and Lookout intersect) offers a challenging black diamond option that rewards experienced skiers with stunning terrain. For expert-level glade skiing, hop on the Prospect Lift and head into Prospect Woods for a collection of double black runs: Prospect Creek, The Roll, Rock & Roll and Rockslide. 

Where To Stay In Telluride: When it's all skied and done, unwind at the classy and luxurious Fairmont Heritage Place (aka Franz Klammer Lodge), a favorite among our Mountain Travel Experts.

Red Mountain Tree Skiing

If you're chasing steep lines and deep stashes, Doug’s Run, Coolers, and Beer Belly are three must-do runs when visiting Red Mountain. These black-diamond glades are located on Granite Ridge and are accessed via the Motherlode Chair. For even more leg-burning vertical, jump on the Red Chair to explore Red Mountain’s seemingly endless maze of gladed terrain. Powder hounds should take a snowcat to Mount Kirkup, an in-bounds zone that serves up steep black diamond runs and a private backcountry vibe. When it comes to down-home ski experiences with unbelievable glades, Red Mountain is one of British Columbia’s best-kept secrets.

Where To Stay In Red Mountain: For the ultimate access to BC’s tree skiing, the ski-in ski-out Josie Hotel is located right at the base of RED Mountain. 

Tree Skiing Techniques

Tree skiing isn’t easy, but with the right techniques and a little practice, it becomes one of the most thrilling ways to explore the mountain. Our Mountain Travel Experts have put together their top tips to help you navigate the glades like a pro:

• Don’t hit the trees: It sounds obvious, but look where you want to go. Don’t focus on the trees – set your eyes on the spaces between them. Plan your turns by looking ahead.
• Start slow and stay in control: Make short, rounded turns to keep your speed in check and your rhythm smooth.
• Stay centered: Keep your weight balanced and your arms forward to stay ready for quick movements.
• Practice makes perfect: Start in wide glades where you have more room to move, and hone your short-turn technique before heading into tighter trees.

Tree Skiing Safety: Tree Wells Are No Joke

Always ski or ride with a buddy in the trees. Tree wells can be extremely dangerous, especially on deep powder days. Stay within sight of your partner and keep an eye on each other – better safe than sorry. Tree skiing rewards skill and awareness with some of the best snow and most memorable lines on the mountain. Respect the terrain, ski smart, and enjoy the adventure.

Related: How to Get out of a Tree Well While Skiing or Snowboarding

Ready to shred the trees like there's no tomorrow? Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts know exactly which resorts have the best glades and can take care of the entire trip, including ground transportation, lodging, flights, lift tickets, ski school, and more. Get a free quote today.