Tree Skiing

Term from Ski Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Tree skiing is an advanced skiing technique where instructors guide skiers through wooded areas off the main trails. It's an important skill for ski instructors to have, as it involves teaching students how to safely navigate between trees, handle deep powder snow, and make quick turns in confined spaces. When you see this term on a resume, it indicates that the instructor has experience teaching or performing advanced off-trail skiing techniques. Similar terms include "glade skiing," "off-piste skiing," or "backcountry skiing."

Examples in Resumes

Led advanced groups in Tree Skiing and Glade Skiing instruction at Mountain Resort

Certified to teach Tree Skiing techniques to intermediate and advanced students

Developed safety protocols for Off-Piste Skiing and Tree Skiing programs

Typical job title: "Ski Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Ski Instructor Snow Sports Instructor Mountain Guide Winter Sports Instructor Advanced Ski Coach Backcountry Ski Guide

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you assess if conditions are safe for tree skiing instruction?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss evaluating snow depth, weather conditions, visibility, tree spacing, and student ability levels. They should also mention emergency protocols and risk management strategies.

Q: How do you structure a progression for teaching tree skiing to intermediate skiers?

Expected Answer: Should explain building confidence with easier gladed runs first, teaching proper spacing, turn techniques, and safety protocols before moving to denser trees.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What safety briefing do you give before taking students tree skiing?

Expected Answer: Should cover tree well awareness, buddy system requirements, maintaining visual contact, proper spacing, and emergency procedures.

Q: How do you adapt your teaching approach for different snow conditions in the trees?

Expected Answer: Should discuss adjusting technique for powder vs. packed snow, different turn shapes, and speed control methods based on conditions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic requirements for a student before you introduce them to tree skiing?

Expected Answer: Should mention strong parallel skiing ability, good speed control, quick turning skills, and proper equipment requirements.

Q: What basic safety equipment do you require for tree skiing lessons?

Expected Answer: Should list essential items like proper ski length, helmets, appropriate clothing, and communication devices.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic ski instruction certification
  • Experience on groomed trails
  • Understanding of basic safety protocols
  • Knowledge of equipment requirements

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced certification levels
  • Experience leading group lessons in trees
  • Strong safety management skills
  • Ability to teach various snow conditions

Senior (5+ years)

  • Highest level certifications
  • Program development experience
  • Ability to train other instructors
  • Expert risk management skills

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal ski instructor certification
  • Limited experience on advanced terrain
  • Lack of safety protocol knowledge
  • No emergency response training