The Best Ski Resorts for Tree Skiing in California

Weaving through snow-dusted forest trails is one of winter's true joys. Our tree skiing rankings showcase the best spots for those magical moments when light filters through branches onto fresh powder below. This league table represents the collective wisdom of the Snomad community – genuine skiers and snowboarders who've actually carved their way through these wooded wonderlands. Only resorts with sufficient user feedback make the cut, ensuring these rankings are properly representative. Been threading the needle between pines lately? Share your experience and leave a review.

Looking for other ways to slice and dice California's ski offerings? Check out our rankings for Off-Piste, Powder Zones, or see which resorts offer the best Value for Money.

Best Ski Resort for Tree Runs in California: Kirkwood - Tree Skiing Rating 4.19

Tree skiing at Kirkwood is consistently praised by Snomad users as exceptional. Expert skier Rob raves about the "great steeps, powder bowls, sidecountry laps" while advanced snowboarder Glenn loves the "great tree runs" that complement the mountain's varied terrain. Chase, an intermediate skier, claims "the tree lines you can find once you know the mountain are unmatched. Steep, deep, and always a blast." Many riders mention how Kirkwood's trees offer perfect progression for those looking to venture off-piste without being intimidated. With fresh powder often lingering between the trees, it's an ideal playground for adventurous skiers and snowboarders seeking natural, challenging lines.

#2 Mammoth Mountain - Tree Skiing Rating 4.17

Mammoth Mountain's tree skiing is a major highlight for powder enthusiasts. Our Snomad community members consistently praise the quality and variety of tree runs throughout the resort. An advanced skier, Michal, loves "the abundance of off-piste terrain where you can create your own kind of fun!" Even after 14 seasons, Gina still finds fresh lines among the pines. Expert skier Sean mentions that there are "tree runs full of powder" waiting to be explored. When fresh snow falls, you can almost always find untouched stashes, as noted by another experienced skier. The tree areas cater to various skill levels, though they're particularly rewarding for advanced and expert riders.

#3 Palisades Tahoe - Tree Skiing Rating 3.95

Palisades Tahoe offers exceptional tree skiing that gets our users excited. An expert snowboarder, Tyler, raves about the "steep trees" that make Palisades stand out. The lower mountain is particularly known for its tree runs, while the upper sections deliver more challenging cliff and chute options. One Snomad community member who's been skiing there for years mentioned always finding "new terrain to explore and fun lines to try." Even when the resort gets busy on weekends, ducking into a tree line can help you escape the crowds and find your flow. For advanced riders, the tree skiing here truly is world-class.