Things could probably be worse

As a non-skier, I had never heard of such tree wells. Wow! What a miserable experience, even if you survive.

I've fallen into them, but never head first. The cone-shaped spruce and fir trees act like an umbrella and direct the snow to the sides of the tree, creating a void under the tree that can be several feet deep. They can be difficult to get out of especially with the light powdery snow from the Rockies. There's just nothing to grab onto to pull yourself out.