Trees and tree wells. Heres a few things I do and a couple are new to this thread.
Yes partners are always good. Preferably someone you ski with that is pretty much the same ability as yourself. As stated we all don't ski at the same speed or the same line, so what good is a partner who loses you or vice versa? Heres what I do to overcome this problem. Prior to going into the trees have a plan with your partner. You will wait for each other at the bottom or designated spot. Aways carry a whiste, whistling long blasts means you are delayed but ok, go ahead without me. Hurried short blasts mean I am hurt get the patrol. Obviously if your partner is out of earshot this won't work, so if your partner doesn't show up in say 15 mins, go get patrol and show them where you were skiing.
I don't like black clothes or forest green clothes. It is really hard to pick up someone in the trees in these colors.
I ski the trees a lot and wear med. blue jacket and when you buy a new coat be aware of the visibility problems if you are a tree skier.
Only once have I ever had a close encounter with a tree well. When I realized there was a chance I was going to go into a well, I immediately did a butt stop and went in skis lst and because of this I only went into the actual well a little because my skis stopped me.
Always ski the GAPS which keeps me away from tree wells to a certain degree.
Carrying a cell phone can also help sometimes. Whistle should be easy to reach. I also carry a small pocket knife that is very sharp in case my clothing, pole strap has be be cut/removed to free me, or someone else.
If I am skiing alone that day I will tell someone on the hill I know that I am off to the backside alone and if I don't show up in the bar at the end of the day then they know where I was/am.
AND ABOVE ALL. Don't look behind you for your partner or anyone while you are skiing. I committed this mortal sin and paid the price, broken wrist and: