+ 1
Central Couloir
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
0.29 mi
12 ft
Front and center; the epitome of an extreme ski line.
Central Couloir is the north-facing gash separating the rock buttress forming Cody Peak that looks like the craziest ski line anyone could imagine. Though seemingly impossible, this highly technical line is in fact ridden by both skiers and snowboarders alike. The slope is incredible steep, chokes in the middle to the width of a couple ski lengths, and is closed out by a massive cliff that there is no way around. For extreme riders, this line is the ultimate test. To access the run, climb the Cardiac Ridge Bootpack to just below Cody Peak’s summit. Typically, a large cornice forms across the entire entrance, however, the topography and wind patterns almost always form a small slot on the skier’s righthand side that avoids this danger. Follow along the righthand cliff wall until you are dumped into the couloir below the cornice. Assess the snow from this point, as it’s easy to retrace your steps from here. Once in the couloir, you are committed. It is possible to hike back out from any point in the chute, but be aware of the potential for debris in various forms flushing through the couloir regularly. It’s best to spend as little time in the couloir as possible, and be observant of the sluff you create while skiing. The choke in the middle will undoubtedly be full of barely covered rocks. Choose your line wisely through this section. For the exit air, conditions will vary year to year and day to day, but be ready for a large air. It may be possible to double stage through the cliff, or on big snow years, the air may be as little as ten feet, but often the air will be around 30-40 feet so bring your A-game. One might consider rappelling this last cliff, and it has been done, but the nature of the free skiing scene Jackson means there may be someone skiing the couloir behind you. The preferred style is to take the air. To ski Central Couloir one must pursue the proper conditions, and be ready to step up to the challenge. Do not take this line lightly, and keep your ego in check! Written by FATMAP Official
Central Couloir is the north-facing gash separating the rock buttress forming Cody Peak that looks like the craziest ski line anyone could imagine. Though seemingly impossible, this highly technical line is in fact ridden by both skiers and snowboarders alike. The slope is incredible steep, chokes in the middle to the width of a couple ski lengths, and is closed out by a massive cliff that there is no way around. For extreme riders, this line is the ultimate test. To access the run, climb the Cardiac Ridge Bootpack to just below Cody Peak’s summit. Typically, a large cornice forms across the entire entrance, however, the topography and wind patterns almost always form a small slot on the skier’s righthand side that avoids this danger. Follow along the righthand cliff wall until you are dumped into the couloir below the cornice. Assess the snow from this point, as it’s easy to retrace your steps from here. Once in the couloir, you are committed. It is possible to hike back out from any point in the chute, but be aware of the potential for debris in various forms flushing through the couloir regularly. It’s best to spend as little time in the couloir as possible, and be observant of the sluff you create while skiing. The choke in the middle will undoubtedly be full of barely covered rocks. Choose your line wisely through this section. For the exit air, conditions will vary year to year and day to day, but be ready for a large air. It may be possible to double stage through the cliff, or on big snow years, the air may be as little as ten feet, but often the air will be around 30-40 feet so bring your A-game. One might consider rappelling this last cliff, and it has been done, but the nature of the free skiing scene Jackson means there may be someone skiing the couloir behind you. The preferred style is to take the air. To ski Central Couloir one must pursue the proper conditions, and be ready to step up to the challenge. Do not take this line lightly, and keep your ego in check! Written by FATMAP Official
Created By
Strava Routes
