Montana Bill Would Add Tree Wells As ‘Risk Of Skiing’

The Legislature is passing a bill that would include tree wells as one of the risks of skiing in Montana.

Senate Bill 164 will go to Gov. Steve Bullock next for his consideration.

Sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Hoven of Great Falls, the proposed measure modifies the state code’s definition of the risks of skiing. The code outlines that skiers “accept all legal responsibility for injury or damage of any kind to the extent that the injury or damage results from inherent dangers and risks of skiing.”

Tree wells are hollowed areas or areas of less densely packed snow at the base of trees surrounded by deep snow.

The odds of surviving after falling into a tree well, particularly head-first, are low.