How to Glade Ski

Glade skiing is snow skiing through ungroomed terrain, usually covered with trees. Many ski areas provide marked off areas for glade skiing, and you can learn how to use them with the following steps.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Try glade skiing only if you are an expert skier. You need to make split-second turns and handle all types of snow while glade skiing.

2. Ski in groups of three while glade skiing. If someone is hurt, one person needs to stay with the injured while the other goes for help.

3. Know the terrain well. Carry a map of the ski area and ski only in areas marked for glade skiing. Follow the map because glades are usually not marked.

4. Realize that glade skiing carries its own risks. Glade areas aren't patrolled as often as main ski areas and if you're injured, it usually takes longer for help to arrive.

5. Carry as many emergency supplies with you as possible. Bring water, food, a compass and first aid supplies. Bring extra clothing, head lamps and a fire starter if you are venturing far enough that they may be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If glade skiing for the first time, try a relatively open area with few trees.
• Don't ski through the trees unless you know where you're going. Otherwise, you may end up spending the night in the snow.
• Don't glade ski after 3 p.m. because the lifts close soon and you might not make it out in time. Also, the snow tends to get icy after this time.

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