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.
The presence of tree wells is a significant risk for skiers and snowboarders venturing off-piste, especially in areas where trees have been cut down or fallen. These hazards are found both in backcountry settings and near the edges of groomed trails.