The FIFTY - 42/50 - Avalanches and Blue Ice on the Columbia Ice Cap
Рет қаралды 216,022
Hanging above the Athabasca Glacier lies a classic line that is equal parts aesthetic and intimidating. The site of a multi-fatal avalanche in 2021, the old alpine climbing route needs a special blend of conditions to become skiable and safe. To help illustrate the challenges and changes of the Skyladder, the first descentionist and Canadian ski legend, Doug Ward joins to talk about his first time skiing it and give the crew some unique insight to the line. Joined by Kevin Hjertaas of MTN Guiding, the Skyladder is an exercise in patience but a reward of pure alpine fun.
Co-Starring: Doug Ward, Kevin Hjertaas
Cinematography by: Bjarne Salen
Photography by: Bjarne Salen
Editing by: Lou Currie
VFX Maps by: Blair Richmond
Music from: Artlist.io License 4023308
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ROUTE Info:
Want to use the maps used to guide The FIFTY, here is 14 day Free Trial and 20% discount to OnX Backcountry App: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r/fiftyproject
WEATHER:
For a 60 day trial to an All-Access subscription to OpenSnow click here: bit.ly/3TTZhA5
GEAR Used in Episode:
Salomon QST 106: alnk.to/6bRkaUX
Salomon MTN Binding: alnk.to/dLdUm1C
Salomon Carbon S3 Poles: alnk.to/87VEXX0
Yeti Rambler 20oz: alnk.to/gzS237q
Swatch BioCeramic: bit.ly/3gQhCzo
Hyperlite Porter Headwall 55: bit.ly/3NnROa6
Smith Summit Helmet: alnk.to/ehYjxBD
Smith Wildcat: alnk.to/d3ySqO7
Smith Pursuit Glacier Glasses: alnk.to/7M6hfmL
Smith Squad Mag: alnk.to/hDmzW2F
LeBent Cody Pro Sock: alnk.to/cHJmtdU
LeBent Base Layer: alnk.to/58mMi9D
Arcade Capture Belt: alnk.to/4MxozAr
Mammut Carbon Probe 280: alnk.to/cHJmtfT
Mammut Alugator Pro Light: alnk.to/8iQpWSn
Mammut Barryvox S: alnk.to/2uDpzVA
Pomoca Free Pro 2.0: alnk.to/aeUKJS9
Thule Duffle: alnk.to/9IatNqU
Thule Ski Bag: alnk.to/gKMN24C
Hestra Falt Guide Glove: alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Hestra Overmitt:alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Hestra Merino Touchpoint Liners: alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Honey Stinger Energy: bit.ly/3sPpX9g
Strainge Beast Kombucha: bit.ly/3sK6vLj
TinCup Whiskey: bit.ly/3FvbSpb
@Alastair_ Жыл бұрын
If you made each of these 3 hours long I'd still happily watch them.
@jimmy-jamesolivier-mccutch2126 Жыл бұрын
same and i dont even climb or ski lol
@LEGENDofBEANY Жыл бұрын
Gahahaha that’s awesome
@Trish.Norman Жыл бұрын
Me too. I wish they were longer.
@Nobrainnodamheadache Жыл бұрын
@@jimmy-jamesolivier-mccutch2126 ahaah the exact same thing here :D
@iansigman1651 Жыл бұрын
"I gotta poop but I'm gonna hold it."
@saywhaatnow Жыл бұрын
Just want to say how much I (and the whole skiing community) appreciates these. Such a joy to watch the process and decision making (and the scenery ain't so bad either). Thank you!
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
Thank Max…🙏🏼
@banme2784 Жыл бұрын
@@CodyTownsendMr Cody, could you upload one of these entirely unedited? I think it’d be interesting to see literally everything that goes into the hike and ski the day of
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
Trust me, it'd be boring as hell, really choppy and hours too long. No one, including the editors would want that.
@al_tariot Жыл бұрын
Bjarne's rear-facing "follow-cam" at 12:23 above all that exposure is epic camera work
@IdRatherBeHiking Жыл бұрын
I've got to think he is snow plowing with the gopro on a pole under his arm then Cody lines up the shot.
@returningtoearthtv8836 Жыл бұрын
Congratulations! Once again, impeccable risk management, inspiring guest skiers, fantastic camera angles and tremendous music choices from Bjarne in the editing room. The 80s jam to finish was hilarious. And, I always enjoy hearing Cody say, “Buenos Dias”.
@scottpratico1315 Жыл бұрын
Bingo in the music. Classic Warren Miller soundtrack. 👌 Hilarious 😂
@jpowtown2544 Жыл бұрын
Great video - I skied this in 2020 and it's the absolute highlight of my ski mountaineering career. Thanks for talking about how the line is getting sketchier and sketchier every year - a common talking point around the Canadian rockies is who is going to get the last known descent on some of these classic lines as glacial recession and permafrost melting related erosion makes some of these classic lines increasingly dangerous.
@antoinem.5813 Жыл бұрын
same in France... and almost everywhere I guess.
@john26razor340 9 ай бұрын
Wow congrats, that’s an awesome accomplishment
@stumpy25lbs Жыл бұрын
Wow - can't believe you've done 42 already.. only 8 left... I can't bear to think about when you're done 😳 🤘🏼🤘🏼
@smokerubberandlove Жыл бұрын
He'll just have to start adding to the list, forever lol
@ForzaMonkey Жыл бұрын
@@smokerubberandlove Just wait for The SIXTY, The SEVENTY, The EIGHTY, The NINETY, The HUNDRED, etc. lol
@IdRatherBeHiking Жыл бұрын
There's always my channel, but I do hiking not skiing.
@JakkeJakobsen Жыл бұрын
There's always Europe, Asia, NZ/Aus, South America. More expedition like but.
@Trish.Norman Жыл бұрын
@@ForzaMonkey The Hundred is a great idea
@teleyakco Жыл бұрын
I got MAJOR Aspen Extreme vibes from this one!I couldn't stop giggling.Great work guys!
@alexandregoulet1639 Жыл бұрын
The ski down soundtrack was just epic
@scottpratico1315 Жыл бұрын
Warren Miller style. Need Plake in one of these. Special "Americans in Chamonix" edition.
@chycoll Жыл бұрын
From 12:00 onward I felt like I was a kid watching "Warren Miller's Steep and Deep" for the first time all over again. Amazing if I was intended to be. Wonderfully enjoyable if it is just a coincidence.
@CalgaryDynastar Жыл бұрын
The music during the skiing had a great 80/90s arcade game feel to it, was actually quite fitting for the journey:)
@cattmarper1867 Жыл бұрын
The ripping downhill 80s soundtrack was on point, then when you guys did parallel synced turns to it I lost it! 😂 Well done
@CBonesey Жыл бұрын
Love the 80’s style rock ballad during the descent 🤙🏼
@deannilvalli6579 Жыл бұрын
Nice. You can never go wrong with classical music, but the Gorgio Maroder style electro on the descent was also very fitting.
@highalpine7321 Жыл бұрын
Revel in the glory of the day 👆🏔
@Whistler326 Жыл бұрын
This says it all, 63 years old and Shredding it!!! Kudos Doug for taking the time with Cody and Bjarn (Hats off sir) Cdn Pioneer indeed!!! As for the fifty.....your getting awefully close to wearing that Belt!!! P.s The Skyladder was amazing....thank you for taking us along!!! Be safe Boys....1000 islands Ontario Canada!!!
@mattwhisnant5926 Жыл бұрын
Love it. Thanks for bringing me on the journey. Awesome.
@krishnaveganathar Жыл бұрын
A little glam rock never hurt anyone.
@connorforeman6307 Жыл бұрын
Yo my buddy, his girlfriend and I were on a bikepacking trip across the icefields parkway last year when we ran into you and Bjarne in the Columbia tourist centre parking lot during this episode. Super cool to see the video now and you really made us regret not bringing our skis along like we had originally planned! (For sure doing the ski/bike this year weather permitting though... might be leaving skyladder for another time though lol) Thanks for being dope while me and my buddy were trying hard not to fangirl around you guys haha as others have said in the comments these videos are amazing and offer so much in the way of entertainment but also glimpses into how you guys and the guides go about smart and safe backcountry travel! Some of your videos have for sure made us feel better about saying "no" and skiing what the mountains let us ski. Hope there's a new project after the 50! Roll safe boys.
@dirkfriel8418 Жыл бұрын
What month did they ski this?
@karenk9404 Жыл бұрын
Please don't use the term "fangirl" when you are male. As a female I don't "fangirl" celebrities so I don't appreciate the insinuation that only a "girl" would. Please don't use gender to enhance put downs.
@johnnycigar3240 Жыл бұрын
@@dirkfriel8418 I climbed the neighboring silverhorn, going down through AA col in late may/early june (don't remember the exact date) a few years ago and like 8 people skied the silverhorn that day. Was straight up refreeze crust by then with a bit of an approach slog however. I have a friend that skied a 1200m run from the summit of mt temple in late june last summer. The canadian rockies have stuff that goes really late in the season.
@ronmosher2178 Жыл бұрын
Best yet. Canadian Rockies rock!
@drivecalgary6095 Жыл бұрын
No pun intended
@Jay__EL Жыл бұрын
BJARNE IS THE GOAT!!!
@danb.709 Жыл бұрын
Small request: could you include the date on which you do these? Valuable info to help understand the snowpack and conditions you are dealing with.
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
I've debated this a ton, sometimes have done it in the past, but I also don't include it because it could be misinterpreted as the best time to do the line, when in reality, the time of year a line is skiable and safe can wildly fluctuate because of that year's climate, snow and weather conditions. Essentially, if people want to do it, I want to leave it to them to figure out when the best time it is to do it based upon their own observations.
@WonderingRanges Жыл бұрын
@@CodyTownsend I love this and appreciate it greatly! as a local to these spots, there has been a large influx of social media posts that share the beauty of our Canadian Rockies, but don't share the danger and timing required in addition to many other things. which has led to an increase in rescues and resources being needed. Thank you for sharing the planning and journey with us! have been watching you for years now and will be a touch sad when this project is finished.
@MrCdrant Жыл бұрын
@@WonderingRanges The Rockies is either a get here and climb/ski what's in, or have the time to drop what you're doing at get here because it's in.
@danb.709 Жыл бұрын
@@CodyTownsend Completely understand. However I really believe you have created a valuable teaching tool here, that also happens to be very entertaining. Students can read guide books and avy reports all day long but seeing it in glorious 4k video really drives it home. Maybe KZfaq isn't the place, but with a proper audience and context I believe your videos could help teach, and just maybe help prevent injury or loss of life. The respect and proper fear some of these places demand is often lost on many new or younger skiers, it is obviously becoming a real issue. In contrast I have zero interest in skiing these specific lines or anything like most of them. I'm sure people trying to emulate you must be a real monkey on the back, I'm sure you worry about it and with good reason, I'm sorry you have to go through that. Anyways thanks for the response and thanks for the fifty, it's pretty special. Best of luck on the remaining 8.
@drivecalgary6095 Жыл бұрын
You should get a mountain guide from Canmore.
@LorPGDL Жыл бұрын
love that 80s synth so fitting!
@Dogmeatstew Жыл бұрын
Oh I've been waiting for Skyladder for so long, mega psyched to finally see the video
@joehook9635 Жыл бұрын
Climbed it in 79. Ski descent has got to be wild.
@MrnuffZ 9 ай бұрын
The scene at the end with the “ice express” is priceless 😂 Have binged the whole series in chronological order, best feel good mountain skiing documentary ever! Thanks for yet another jewel of inspiration 🙏
@CodyTownsend 9 ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
@MrnuffZ 9 ай бұрын
… And @CodyTownsend good job with input to Salomon on the S/LAB MTN Summit boots!!! They are awesome, look kind’a like a pair of rubber boots but really walk like a sports shoe and ski stronger than a whole bunch of dedicated alpine boots. Super stoked about them since last January and they pair so good with the qst 106 👍 And buying them led me to your fantastic channel - love it!
@Miles_To_Go Жыл бұрын
Incredible! Love that you get up high where not many go. Seeing snow & glacial conditions helps paint a picture of what's really going on!
@writemeonte.legramcodytownsend Жыл бұрын
Congratulations 🎉 You just won a package Write me up to claim ⬆️ ⬆️”’
@rubikscubeking8398 Жыл бұрын
i love everything about these videos. amazing scenery, proper approach to sports in the alpine, and amazing soundtracks!
@rubikscubeking8398 Жыл бұрын
@@writemete.legramcodytownsend hello
@lucstone7167 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for making a video that takes the objective hazard of the Canadian Rockies seriously. It often feels like people travel here and don't respect just how tricky our mountains are due to the smaller size of the peaks.
@jenb.6440 Жыл бұрын
Awesome work; thank you!
@barrowsworm1226 Жыл бұрын
Congratulations! I must admit to being a little envious: I have made two trips from CO up to the Icefields, and while we did manage first snowboard descents of Athabasca and Columbia, we were really wanting Skyladder, but it was just not to be. This was in '89 and I think '96... In '96 we got to the upper glacier at the base of Skyladder, and then a storm came in. The storm was going to last for over a weeks and we did not have enough time to wait for the storm , and the new snow to settle. It is amazing how much the line has deteriorated due to warming, in '89 it was FAT! But it is good to see that with some luck, it still comes into condition. Well done again, and thanks for sharing the stoke.
@agmartin2127 6 ай бұрын
Quick, very positive comment and a THANK YOU... for not 'brah-talking' and dropping the F Bomb every 5 seconds (you / your partners were pure throughout). So many potentially great ski films area absolutely ruined by those 2 things. And great skiing in a beautiful, steep area.
@JamesWilliams-en3os Жыл бұрын
Outstanding scenery and photography. Kudos to Bjarne yet again!! Oh, and btw, I really appreciate the way you've been sharing your assessment and decision-making process in these videos. Too many KZfaq adventurers fail to do that. Great job of setting a prudent and reasonable example, Cody.
@Luap-ls3ix Жыл бұрын
After years of watching backcountry/mountaineering videos, we finally have an answer to the question that has been on everyone's mind; 'What happens when you get to the top and you have to poop?'......You hold it 😂
@user-to2gh7sg3l 9 ай бұрын
That 80's music really is a perfect montage track....
@Ja50nkAt Жыл бұрын
I really likes how he ascends whatever he descends, not just taking a helicopter to the top, badass.
@danb.709 Жыл бұрын
Holding a crap in while skiing that might be the most perilous thing I've seen on the channel 😆.
@johnhadley7991 8 ай бұрын
Once again a video that equals the knowledge gained in several hours of study or class. Bjarne's camera work is reaching an amazing level of quality. Loved the scene where you guys skin past the "Columbia Glacier Explorer". Wonder who had the better adventure that day
@CodyTownsend 8 ай бұрын
Thank you John
@bethannturner4023 Жыл бұрын
The music/sound editing during the boot pack segment is so on point. 👍🏻👍🏻
@andyman127 Жыл бұрын
Maybe it is in the documentation, but it definitely seems like there has been a growth and change in approach to the lines. Not that what you where doing initially was in anyway wrong, but that there is a willingness to wait and nail lines when there are absolutely "right."
@AndreiKucharavy Жыл бұрын
Awesome line, sick skiing, great music and a metric buttload of wisdom. Everything we love about the Fifty and then some more!
@brunospasta Жыл бұрын
I like the positivity. That snow didnt look like too much fun to me :D
@SikConVicTioN Жыл бұрын
Watching this series since the beginning has inspired me to move from NJ to Colorado last year and pick up split boarding this winter, which I am now in love with. If I never came across this series my life would be so much different right now. Hoping to safely ride silver couloir this spring! Can't wait to see you safely complete all 50!!
@user-bk4kn5kz7w Жыл бұрын
Great work guys, as usual. Thumbs up. Do you consider to make a video about rappelling ? Techniques, equipment and base knowledge ? I think that this will be super interesting for the whole community. Thank you, again. You guys rock.
@mintmochagurl15 Жыл бұрын
WOW. MINDBLOWN. Great video/editing/soundtrack for this one! I really love how you show us how you make decisions that keep you safe. The descent looks super technical and you guys made it look so damn easy when it's the hardest thing to do
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
Thank you Chuyan.
@simon2776 Жыл бұрын
Really tragic to see the degradation of perennial snow and neve… Still awesome to see these lines though.
@alex.trading.reviews Жыл бұрын
Awesome Cody! I live in the East where mountains are small and mountain safety isn't something we ever think about as there isn't any substantial risk here. We can basically ski wherever, whenever. Thank you for showing how these mountains are in a completely different category, it makes me realize that when I eventually make my way out west for a proper back country ski trip, I'll need proper knowledge and guidance. My motivated ignorant ass would have thought, aight this mountain looks cool, let's just get on top of it and ski down!
@tobiasfroehlich5483 Жыл бұрын
Can’t imagine skiing that line while having to poop! 😂
@sba8710 Жыл бұрын
Another fantastic video. Thanks for these. I look forward to each one.
@jamesmah820 Жыл бұрын
Happy to see more Kevin in the series! Local legend!!
@zughoytim Жыл бұрын
These films are so great, always a treat too watch them!
@lukebohemian Жыл бұрын
Can’t believe we’re in ep 42 already. Don’t want this series to stop 😅
@bxx7666 Жыл бұрын
Can't wait for 50/50 Mount Everest Summit & Ski
@robinweidner678 Жыл бұрын
Like so many, I have watched every one of the past videos,. The videos and the views are epic but also inspiring! So glad you do it the safest way possible. Awesome!
@sidneyh5485 Жыл бұрын
Love this series so much. I'm in heavy anticipation of your Mt. Beluga ski. Grew up on Baffin Island and I can't wait to see you ski it!
@snafoo131 Жыл бұрын
the retro fucking beats, cut, and shots mixed with the modern is just dope. Great line great run Cody
@tonylicata7452 Жыл бұрын
This was one of the best. Fun episode!
@christophermorath6866 Жыл бұрын
Another great adventure! This series has been a joy to watch. It is fantastic that we the viewers get to see the technical mountaineering as well as the skiing. I sure hope Cody and Bjarne have something up their sleeve after this series. Well done!
@californian2344 Жыл бұрын
Amazing video as always! Looked like a fun and beautiful day. Digged that 80’s ski video music at the end. And I always enjoy that you show the whole journey, from planning, prepping, and having a bite to eat and a beer after. Almost feels like I’m there with you!
@neilbower123 Жыл бұрын
Wham bam, thank you Mam!! Cool, quick & efficiently dispatched. Looked great
@pittgrewe1110 Жыл бұрын
The 80’s ski movie soundtrack was inspirational.
@sligoblues Жыл бұрын
Bjarne, with that sound track we needed some Powder 8's! So great! Much love boys, thanks for such great work.
@dillbags809 Жыл бұрын
My dad grew up skiing with Doug Ward. My dad has some epic stories of the lines Doug would ski. So cool seeing someone my family has rode with in the fifty. Thanks for the epic vlogs Cody!
@mary-ellenmayoh9698 Жыл бұрын
I had so much fun watching this video!!! You had me at the first “buenos días” 😌.
@frozenragu Жыл бұрын
The footage, editing and music of the descent was on point, got me hyped for some turns
@cmrpunisher Жыл бұрын
Incredible as always! Doug you look amazing and thanks for sharing your knowledge with Cody. Bjarne great work on the moraine, loved it. Kevin, nice turns.
@sarcritchlow Жыл бұрын
Great episode. So enjoyable when your surrounded by good company. Skiing anything of signifigance in the rockies i always assumed Doug had skied it. So good that your out with those 2
@JeanaBeanaKG Жыл бұрын
The music and the jump turns really gave me the "pop in the new VHS warren miller ski movie" vibe. Loved it.
@anthonysteen56 Жыл бұрын
Type 1 fun!!! Congrats! The first time I drove the Parkway I was terrified and inspired…one of the best drives on the planet
@cristoffbaloc4231 Жыл бұрын
Besides the great ski-mountaineering adventure, I really fell for the 90' Glen Plake vibe of the style of skiing , filming, and editing the video, the music, all of it! Great stuff, can't wait for the next one. Maybe I'll just go back and watch again from the beginning!
@chriskutlina5743 Жыл бұрын
Cody is and always has been my favorite pro skier!
@petermakrauer6176 Жыл бұрын
Keep it coming Cody, you are an institution. THANK YOU!
@WAFRICAN125 Жыл бұрын
Nice to see some 4frnt factory skis out there.
@MrMagicmethos Жыл бұрын
It's Thursday morning, having breakfast before work, watching a new ep from Cody, couldn't get any better. Unless i was skiing there
@peterschoeffer6817 Жыл бұрын
dude sick day- love the 80's video game tunes while you guys swooshed short radius parrelell turns, hehe noice. keep it up bro, much respect
@MrAquatoad Жыл бұрын
Digging the 80s action show soundtrack. Bravo!
@charliebourque9231 Жыл бұрын
Just a head up from a glaciological point of view: Ice caps are bodies of ice that form a dome of ice of less than 50 000 km2 over a body of land - no ridges and mountains 'pokes' out from those bodies of ice. Glaciers that have mountains and ridges, like the Columbia Icefield, are referred to, well, as icefields. Just a simple fact that's been bugging me as a glacier scientist. Cheers! :)
@jeffspicoli2643 Жыл бұрын
Best day ever!
@Toniezzz 9 ай бұрын
Double thumbsup (rewarching it)!
@ZonDog Жыл бұрын
The pay off, skiing down! Nice.
@MurCurieux Жыл бұрын
Amazing work everyone.
@craigjones7954 Жыл бұрын
Walking down the road and he still has his boots on .. that's awesome !!
@manouanedeschenes3208 Жыл бұрын
Of all the lines you have filmed and skied, this is my favorite ! What a great run....
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@robson3954 Жыл бұрын
love seeing the backyard!
@thundercats2004 Жыл бұрын
Best soundtrack of all the vids so far
@chrisscheuermann450 Жыл бұрын
how has no one commented on the music in the background yet?? shout out to all the 80's ski movies who walked so this track could run!
@kevinw1129 Жыл бұрын
Awesome doesn’t do it justice!
@paulroggeveen8211 Жыл бұрын
Great skiing, as always!
@iainsomerfield Жыл бұрын
Wow that looked a lot of fun
@CheechSander Жыл бұрын
What in the TOP GUN was that last song lol rad episode!
@gavindowding Жыл бұрын
Awesome vid. Psyched for the CA peaks and the big boys still to come.
@CodyTownsend Жыл бұрын
Me too man. Me too.
@jasonwooden Жыл бұрын
"I gotta poop and I'm gonna hold it". Should be easy on a pucker-inducing line like that! (Sick sound-track and great editing guys!)
@marcverity5654 Жыл бұрын
Yewwwww! Love me some 50
@misterelm12 Жыл бұрын
Patiently waiting for the Polar Star Couloir episode... can't wait
@Helt-Offside Жыл бұрын
Just fantastic 👍
@ericsharp5079 Жыл бұрын
I’m not even a skier but I’ve watched every episode!
@FairwayJay Жыл бұрын
Im getting sad seeing 42/50! Hopefully you keep this rolling after with sick trips!
@arcadelt7 Жыл бұрын
best music choices yet!
@bob15479 Жыл бұрын
Big 70s energy :)
@rlb3616 Жыл бұрын
Epic 80s soundtrack 🤌🏽🤣
@larsw.larsen4173 Жыл бұрын
Always a good day, when you post a new episode🎉🎉🎉🎉
@ToaxnHoldem Жыл бұрын
Great choice of music, Amazing line
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