By Dick Butler

February 17, 2004- In over 45 years of skiing, I've never been so excited about skiing. In large part, its because they are great. Our resorts have finally realized that there is more to skiing and riding than on uniform, manicured, and often repetitive "corduroy" slopes. There is tremendous variety to this newly available terrain. Areas have cleaned brush, trimmed low branches, and removed downed trees, all to allow us passage into this inter-sanctum.

I'm writing about skiing and riding in the woods. The glades have names. Steep and tight wooded sections like Julio at Killington, Paradise at Mad River Glen, and Paradise at Sugarbush. Or intermediate terrain like Low Rider at Killington, Beyond Beaver Pond Glade at Jay, Avalanche at Bromley, and Straightbrook Glades at Gore. Or easy tree skiing like Squeeze Play at Killington's Ram's Head. There is also a great selection of forested terrain at Stratton, Tremblant, Mt. Snow, Stowe, Smuggler's Notch, and Bretton Woods and many other eastern areas.

It is quiet, very quiet in there. Slide a few feet off the traditional trails and the canopy of snow-laden trees surrounds you, insulates you, and challenges you. The trees soak up the sounds of most activity. It's peaceful. Its another world, away from the hustle and bustle of established trails and streams of skiers and riders. There is no lift noise and little sign of civilization, save for the occasional screaming of a joyous skier or rider who enjoys the trees most of all. They are the best-kept secret of the mountains. Few venture there, perhaps due to fear or a perception that they are only for experts. They're not. On a busy day, they're your true get away.

"They are the best-kept secret of the mountains. Few venture there, perhaps due to fear or a perception they are only for experts."

They can be narrow, wide, steep or gentle, with tight and wide tree spacing, with beautiful gullies, sharp ledges and blue ice falls. There are choices for most all willing participants, though venturing there may not be for everyone. Skill, confidence and a good coach are recommended to negotiate them safely. You must look several turns ahead.

The new shorter skis turn great in the trees. Above all else, we need to ski or ride them slowly, always with a helmet and goggles, and never never without a buddy or two. Skiing without pole straps around your wrists is important also, since they can catch on brush and branches and hyper-extend your fingers, wrist, elbow or shoulder.

A loose body stance can help you respond quickly to the constantly changing terrain. By bending your knees and keeping a wide stance, you can absorb the moguled ungroomed surface.

Trees catch and hold the windblown snow and branches and evergreen needles shelter the snow from the sun. After a fresh dump its prime time to indulge. After heavy winds, they may be the only place you'll find precious powder.

A good thick base of natural snow is a prerequisite for enjoying them. It takes a great deal of snow to cover the rocks, stumps and downed limbs. Grooming machines can't work in the trees, nor is there any snowmaking there, hence the snow condition is strictly at the mercy of Mother Nature. There have been winters when they weren't available for more than a few days, or perhaps not at all. Rain, freezing rain, and freeze thaw cycles can really mess things up.

Be relaxed, concentrate on the spaces between the trees and limbs, have fun and enjoy one of the best-kept secrets of winter sliding.