Trees, Beautiful and Deadly

Snowboarding with trees in view is an integral part of many people's mountain experience. Whether the trees are deciduous or confers, they can offer a fantastic visual component to snow sliding. As a bonus, riding near large strands of trees can provide much-needed clarity of vision on a day with flat light.

But trees can also offer something else that's much less enticing: death. On her blog, Shayboarder, one of my favorite snowboarding bloggers, offers advice on the dangers of tree wells. Be sure to read through to the link she provides to a site on tree well and deep snow safety.

Sadly, the most enticing kind of terrain--deep snow, lots of trees--can also be deadly. Be informed, and act accordingly.