Trying to find the best skis for tree skiing? you’ve come to the right place…
The first time I went to a huge mountain, I tried navigating through mass amounts of powder and trees on my ski blades. Needless to say, it was very difficult! Consider more thought out options instead to give you the ability to go through powder plus control when going through trees…
Here are the top picks:
| Image | Product | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis | Check price |
 | K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis 2023 | Check price |
 | HEAD 2022 Oblivion 94 Men's Skis | Check price |
 | Traverse Atlas Men’s Big Mountain Ski | Check price |
 | Blizzard Black Pearl 88 | Check price |
Contents
Best Tree Skiing Skis
Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis
The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti ski is an exceptional option for tree skiing. Particularly if you are an advanced or expert skier, it is a high-performance ski for trees, powder, or moguls.
These skis are fairly lightweight thanks to a poplar wood core and two full sheets of metal. Although the metal construction might reduce some springiness, this design choice prioritizes stability and dampness over extreme agility.
Look in the item picture above, and you can see the new top sheet graphic with trees. I think it looks pretty cool! So the Maverick 88 skis really stand out both in performance and aesthetics.
Pros
- Capable in trees, moguls, and smaller amounts of fresh snow
- Impressive blend of carving and freeride performance
- Stiff flex and metal construction provide great grip and stability
- Quick engagement in and out of turns with excellent rebound
- Well-rounded versatility for various terrains and conditions
Cons
- Not optimized for extreme powder or aggressive carving
- Not as springy as some other skis with less metal
K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis 2023
The K2 Mindbender 99 Ti Men’s Skis truly shine in tree skiing. The mid-fat 99mm waist and tight turn radius will allow you to maneuver through tight spaces while maintaining stability.
Good for weaving through trees as well as handling moderate powder. Despite their weight, their adaptability makes them an exceptional choice for diverse terrains.
Pros
- Reliable performance in trees
- Ideal for various terrains, including groomers, trees, crud, and powder
- Stable, predictable, and fast-edge-to-edge carving
- Handles well in choppy and tracked snow
- Versatile for various skiing styles
Cons
- Relatively heavy, may lead to fatigue after extended use
- Not the best on hard pack or icy conditions
- Requires strong leg muscles for optimal control
- Longer length can demand more effort and stamina
HEAD 2022 Oblivion 94 Men's Skis
The HEAD 2022 Oblivion 94 Skis are a versatile and performance-driven choice for tree skiing, featuring a wood core with fiberglass wrap. The twin tip design allows for quick maneuvers in challenging terrains.
These skis have a 94mm waist, a fast flex, and an early rise tip, which should improve agility. Great for intermediate to expert skiers to enjoy exhilarating runs in a variety of environments, including trees.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Forgiving and fast flex for tricks and maneuvers, even in trees
- Stable edge-to-edge performance for navigating tight spaces
- Versatile for park, trails, and varying snow conditions
- Transition smoothly between backside, trails, and trees
Cons
- May not excel in specialized park or high-level freestyle use
- Some other options may offer more focused performance
Traverse Atlas Men’s Big Mountain Ski
Designed to be useful in deeper and looser snow, as well as when coming down off of the mountain, these skis make it easy to glide across the surface without floundering. Thanks to the strong edge on the skis and the sleek design, they easily cut through snow.
With a 116 mm waist width, this ski floats easily on top of deeper powder without getting caught or sinking, making it ideal for navigating through the woods and under trees where additional snow will dump. The rockered tail and tip prevent a lot of catch when on harder snow.
Pros
- Rocker on tip and tail prevents skis from floundering or getting stuck in powder
- Camber underfoot produces great edge hold
- Easy to turn in deeper snow
- Steel edges protect skis from damage and improve durability and agility
- Poplar wood core helps to eliminate additional weight and provide extra strength and stability
Cons
- Wider design can be difficult for some skiers to control, especially when used at higher speeds
- Not ideal for use on packed snow as they perform better on lighter and fluffier powder
- Careless packing during shipping can cause damage
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
This popular ski is a great all around mountain ski, which means that it can easily handle most snow and skiing conditions without any problems. Thanks to their ability to grip steeper and icier surfaces, they are ideal in most locations and situations.
As they are so light, they are ideal for zipping between trees without feeling a loss of control. The hard edges on the skis help cut into snow and grip it, even when it is deep and fresh powder.
Pros
- Great for skiers of all ability levels
- Does a great job holding its edge, especially in bumpier terrain where other skis will fail
- Rocker design provides forgiveness when frontside skiing
- Mounting on a forward position makes it very easy to initiate and control turns between trees
- Made with a light poplar beech wood core for power and lower weight
Cons
- Can be difficult for some skiers to find a length that they like
- Not the best option for harder packed snow
- Other skis may feel a bit more responsive, which means that these can be somewhat difficult to use
Read Also: Best Head Lamp for Skiing
Features You Must Consider
Flexibility
The flexibility of skis will play a huge role in how well they handle in the trees and whether or not they will allow skiers to easily change their direction at higher speeds. Skis that will bend and flex when used at lower speeds are much better options than skis that remain stiffer, as they will allow for fast directional changes without accidents.
Shape
Ski shape also plays a huge role in how easily and quickly the skier can navigate through trees. A gradual design, especially in the tail, will allow the skier to retain complete control over the ski. A great rocker will also allow the ski to change its contact length.
Since the snow in the trees is generally undulating, skis that can easily adjust the contact length to work with the snow, not against it, are a better option. Since terrain and condition in the trees can change at a moment’s notice, opting for skis that will allow for fast adjustments without an accident will result in a much smoother, safer, and more professional ride.
Taper
When skis have a lot of taper in both the tip and the tale, then they will tend to catch more often. Having skis with less taper in the ends allows skiers to easily release the tail right away when it catches in the snow. This also allows skiers to more easily change directions and hold tight in firmer snow, which can help them control their direction and their speed when navigating through trees.
Width
Width of a ski will come into play depending on how deep the snow is, as well as the conditions. A mid-width ski is, generally speaking, a fairly good option for tree skiing. This is because they are generally suited to working well in both looser and more packed snow conditions.
Skiers who are more advanced or who are willing and able to invest in multiple pairs of skis will find that having wider skis for looser snow and narrower skis for harder snow is a good idea. Being able to choose the correct width for the snow conditions will invariably make tree skiing significantly easier and more fun.
Skill Level
Skiers of all skill levels can try tree skiing, but to ensure the best results and a safe time on the mountain, it’s a good idea for skiers to try to match the skis that they use with their skill level. Newer skiers will be better suited with skis that turn easily, such as ones with a soft flex, narrower design, and a rocker in the tail and tip to help with turning.
Intermediate skiers will find that wider skis with a strong wood core are a better option for them. These skiers will likely choose skis that have a rocker or full camber.
Advanced skis are best for more experienced skiers who aren’t daunted by the prospect of navigating through the woods. These are generally stiffer, although they will be a little flexible to ensure that they can be turned easily around trees. Additionally, they come with many different rocker configurations for skiers to choose from.
Price
Skis vary widely in price, and skiers will have a lot of options to choose from when they want to go tree skiing. Talented skiers who spend every weekend on the slopes will want to opt for something that is more expensive and reliable, as it will likely be made of higher quality materials that will last. Skiers who aren’t sure if tree skiing is right for them can get away with buying something that is a little less expensive.
Wrap Up
Out of all the options, our favorite is the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis. Since they are designed to carve on groomers, but also excel in challenging terrain with ungroomed snow, they are the ideal type of ski you’d want for cruising through trees.
Stay safe out there!
