Tree wells occur outside of groomed trails and represent a significant risk to those who ski or snowboard off-piste, in backcountry areas, but can also be found on the boundaries between groomed and ungroomed areas.
Areas where trees have been cut down or fallen create a hazard for skiers and snowboarders who venture off-piste, especially in backcountry settings. These hazards are also found near the boundaries of groomed trails and ungroomed areas.