The FIFTY - 41/50 - "One of the Worst Places on the Planet"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Nestled at the base of the highest mountain entirely in BC, Canada-- Mt. Waddington-- lies a perfect couloir. A white ribbon knifed through colossal granite towers set among an ocean of ice and snow. While Mt. Waddington is a prize for mountaineers, the Combatant Couloir is a prize for ski mountaineers. But what if the mountains, the ice and the permanent snow has changed so much, that exactly what defines the Combatant as perfect, is no longer true? Joined by professional freeskier Nick McNutt, the FIFTY crew heads up to one of the stormiest, windiest and what local legend Mike King describes as "One of the worst places on the planet" to ski a line that looks classic, but may not be classic anymore.
Co-Starring: Nick McNutt
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.co...
WEATHER:
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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
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Thule Ski Bag: alnk.to/gKMN24C
Hestra Falt Guide Glove:
Hestra Overmitt:
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What a great nod to Hilaree. Some random dude remembers her from years ago. Just speaks to who she was and the impact she had. RIP.
Mike King has flown a lot of great climbers and skiers . He's not exactly random.
It is great, I just wish he had not called her a girl, no man of that age and ability is ever called a boy.
Oh JFC millennial much?
Everybody knows that Waddington is the most badass mountain range in the world and Mike King is the heli wizard who makes your dreams come true!
@Scott Pratico Mike King, hahaha... so NOT a random dude.
Enjoying all the love for Hilaree. It truly shows the impact she had and is still having on so many of us. xx
I don't think anyone can say that this doesn't count. You skied what is now the new Combatant couloir. Great video and a really nice homage to Hilaree.
Really nice memory of Hilaree shared by the pilot.
seems like he doesn't know...
@@janbuchta6593this was filmed in May
Hilaree is a legend... She casually skied past me a few days before her death. I was descending from C2 on Manaslu having already spent 3 days in C3 and my body was shattered. She'd spent more time on the mountain (and even higher up) than me at the time, yet she was skiing down with a huge smile on her face the whole time. Last thing she ever said to me was when I asked her how she was able to do it. She said "You have to passionate, I love this you know", strapped her skis back on and skied her way into (and half way through) C1.
Great video as usual. Bjarnes really did a great job to display the beauty and magnitude of such a place.
Really show the need for initiative like POW.
RIP Hilaree
Wake up babe new Townsend vid dropped
The scale of the walls on either side is truly amazing
Wow it's pretty shocking to see the snow drying up in the deep mountains of BC illustrated in such a clear way.
so excited it’s Townsin Time that i almost McNutted
I think it was in the Joffre Peak video but there is a real sense of tragedy in that several of these lines (this one, Joffre peak, and the Mt. Baker traverse) that are starting to fall under the category of "Last descents." Obviously many of these lines are rarely skied regardless and the palpable accomplishment in these videos is truly fantastic but it's odd to think that this may be it for some of the lines.
True, but what often doesn't get mentioned is that for every line lost, there is a new one that is being formed somewhere else. A lot of people will blame climate change without considering that weather and snow packs are always in a constant state of change.
@@ADAMJWAITE this!!! cant teach people common sense
@@ADAMJWAITE I mean with the state of global snowpack's the ratio of lines being opened vs closed forever leans very very far to the latter. very few glaciers are gaining mass most are receding and deteriorating at record speed thanks to human impacts so I don't think this is really an argument in good faith.
@@danieljay8009 After the younger Dryas cooling event 12000 years ago the earth went through a geological overnight, 15-20⁰ warming event. We aren't helping much but the world is not warming strictly because of humans. We're well under natural variations of climate change the earth has gone through countless times the last 4 billion years.
@johnkimball3106 cool false naritive bro. Your right, the planet does go through cycles but this is undeniably human caused and far more extreme than any natural events from the past.
Great video and great work getting up there and safely back! I work with Mike studying the ice at Combatant Col, drilling ice cores. I think there's been a rock step at the top of the couloir since I've been going there on and off back to 2010 or so. That said, it was high 60s F at nearby Plummer Hut for several days during the summer 2021 heatwave, so everything took a hit. With Mike's help, we'll try to drill an ice core to bedrock at the Col summer 2023, which should tell us how the climate up there has changed some.
There has been a rock step for sure, but from old pictures, it looks to be above the choke. In the choke the rocks we found were very glacier polished, blocky and barely frozen in...which is signs of recent exposure. From talking to old legends and more experienced mountaineers that myself, snow can stick and pile up above easier with the neve. My belief is the neve has receded enough in the choke, that the snow isn't stacking up to those upper reaches of top of the couloir like it may have once done. I do think with some miracle June snowstorms, it may be doable, but I think the window for doable conditions is shrinking. But it's awesome to have you chiming in and I'm really curious to what you guys find this upcoming summer.
@@CodyTownsend no disrespect to your awesome efforts and sharing about the place! I certainly can't claim to have been up the couloir! I've only played around below the bergschrund and drilled cores. 🙏❄✌
a few minutes into watching the video and hearing the comments about Hilaree Nelson 👌 Very cool!
Awesome to hear the conversation that many of us have surely had around ski or general objectives in the mountains. Think what most would call that is maturity and evolution of both the line and you as a person Cody. Congrats on 41!
Hi Mickey! The TH-cam algorithm lead me from your great channel to Cody’s. Immensely enjoyable content from both channels!
@@bradbuss9753we don’t belong on the same playing field but appreciate the kind words, Cody is the man 🐐
@@TheVirtualsherpa you two are both inspirations in the outside community. Cody pushes me into the back country and you push me to find great treks and climbs
@themosswillreclaimall8098 Appreciate it 🙏
That Hilaree Nelson ski was in Warren Miller's "Cold Fusion" which majorly impacted teenage me to move west! Funny to think the helicopter pilot vaguely remembers her, while I can picture that whole segment in my head.
Wild to see how the lines are changing. Feels that way in the PNW when reading guidebooks, looking at photos, then getting up to a line that just doesn't square up with the beta anymore. But I'm not sure if it's a micro or macro trend in some cases: or maybe the window is changing. Maybe instead of "first known ascent/descents", "last descents" will become a thing.
This series is amazing! Not only is it a treatment to the awesomeness of nature but also a lesson on our own impact of it. Love what you're doing and can't wait to see you finish it!
"Nev", lol.
A lot of lines I dropped in the 90s on Canadian Rockies north faces are not drop-able any more. What were once solid snow and ice routes that you could rocket down on a Snowboard (or skis I guess ;) ) are rock faces now. It's kind of sad, but it reinvents the mountains for a new generation.
I love the decision making. This is as far as we can go ‘safely’. Beautiful. No question about it, this one counts!
these episodes are just getting better and better
Nice ski, looked maybe a little dust on crusty, but you made it look safer than it was. As far as these lines disappearing, last winter gave us some hope going forward. We skied stuff in the Sierra that were never doable even in the biggest years. As a matter of fact I just drove back Thurs. 8/24 and Giant Steps still looked skiable, with Mt. Williamson fully covered in snow. So don’t give up ski addicts there is still hope. Peace out
So poignant to hear you speak of Hilaree with the helicopter pilot and then see your dedication to her in the credits. A reminder to all of the very real and present dangers you face on the mountains. Add to that the other reminder that global warming is real. Permanent snow from just 20 years ago has receded so much that it is no longer possible to ski from the very top of the line. Sad times.
On the other hand, another really interesting episode, with more awe inspiring shots from Bjarne
What often doesn't get mentioned is that for every line lost, there is a new one that is being formed somewhere else. A lot of people will blame climate change without considering that weather and snow packs are always in a constant state of change. It's a completely natural process, one which we don't know in what ways, how much or if humans are effecting it.
@@ADAMJWAITE This is the same comment as above and kind of irrelevant. Sure, there are a very few places in the world gaining snow mass. And there is some debate on how much of an affect humans are amplifying it. . . but what's undeniable is the RATE of human impacts. The rate of loss of snow is astounding, and the fact that it's happening in the habitable world. Many of these "possible new lines" you speak of would be so remote as to be vitrually unreachable.
@@andrewmcfadden6350 You mean the same RATE that caused "global warming" to be renamed "climate change" after global warming was debunked? Or Glacier National park to replace the signs informing tourists that all of their glaciers would be dry over a decade ago? No, the truth is weather fluctuates and has to be observed over decades and centuries to get a comprehensive understanding. We've only begun to study the subject in comparison to the time frame the earth operates on. All we observed is that things change, we don't know if this is caused by humans or if other factors have a greater impact and we don't know how permanent these changes are, if at all. Geologists have been surprised to discover over the last couple decades that processes they believed took centuries to develop often take place during a single catastrophic event. It's causing them to go back and reevaluate a lot of their premises. I'm not saying that we shouldn't be good stewards, just that it's an overreaction to be an alarmist.
glaciers are an enormous threat , thank god they are still receding and have as yet not begun once again their onslaught and destruction of everything in their path
@@andrewmcfadden6350the rates of glacier loss today are nothing compared to what was happening 14,000 yrs ago . The warming period is actually coming to it's end . We can have no impact on such an enormous phenomena . Please , subdue your egos , you are not the superbeings you see yourselves as . You are just another form of monkey .
You definitely completed this one! Great episode as always. And most of all, RIP Hilaree.
First Central, now this... sad to see how lines are drastically changing and disappearing before our eyes, and yet some people are adamant that the change isn't real or happening.
Definitely counts! You skied what was actually skiable! Amazing. Great job .
I love a good evening glassoff. Yeeeew! Nice work. Count it!
always a treat and the start to a great day when these videos come out, cody!! thank you for inspiring us all. the homage to hilaree was especially touching
Bjarne on some discovery channel level type filming! wow that was awesome!
So much so!
RIP Hilaree, what a legend you are!
Not sure if you are familiar with the palisades? But went there this summer to climb the U and V notches. Super classic Sierra climbs. Snow climbs till July, Ice climbs in September/October. Totally melted out. Nothing but Rockfall. Sad that super consistent lines are disappearing.
"OH my God there's fresh snow like down low, this winter just won't let go" -Cody T 2022.
Much love and appreciation for the entertainment. I do have a hard time hearing about climate change and the visible/measurable impacts of such while a helicopter drops you off for "a strike mission" . Again much love for the series and your approach to being in the mountains, this style just didn't sit well.
Your videos are national geographic level quality. One of the most challenging places in BC you picked. Great stuff.
gnarly, enjoy the series, stay safe!
I just love this series. So good! Thanks, Cody!
Great testament to the need to deal with variable snow conditions. Because... "The mountains don't care!"
The silence surrounding the climate change angle you took narratively and the helicopter used to reach the line felt very loud in this video.
It was clearly a deliberate decision to not talk about it so I'm not looking for a reply in the comments, but please be conscious. Flying helis to ride lines is almost a dictionary definition of needless pollution and I don't think it would hurt to address that in a way that you see fit for your channel
I'm hoping to add context to this line with a follow up video down the line, but ultimately, I was hoping that the audience would notice without having to even say it. The irony of this line as a classic is by doing it you're contributing to it's very destruction. It's why I won't be going back to this line. It's deteriorated and the environmental impact to get there is just too big for what is essentially a mediocre line.
make an objective out of getting there by human powered means? Hunt/fish along the way?
That shot at 15:20 👌 Well done Bjarne!
As always, thank you thank you for distributing this on TH-cam!, and thank you for showing all the impact of climate change! Ditto everyone's props for Hilaree Nelson. The only time I did anything like this, our guide had the pilot do a quick circle over the peak so he (and the rest of us) could eyeball the ascent, run, escape routes, etc. Was weather at the time, or money (how much Google ad revenue does it take to pay for one heli hour?), an issue? Just wondering if maybe you guys took a little for granted here relying solely (?) on 20 year old guidebooks and photos?
We had no idea we were gonna land there and at that point, if you know bush pilots, you don't ask for anything extra nor question what they're doing.
@@CodyTownsend 🤣 Bush pilots and brain surgeons
One of the best on youtube🎉, thanks.
Thank you too!
Nothing like a Bell 407 to get you in and out of gnarly places
nice snipper mission bud. well done.
Anytime safety is chosen over risk, it’s a win in my book! What a cool trip!
Mark Synnott shoutout. New Hampshire legend.
I'm really enjoying your series, thank u for sharing. Truly amazingly beautiful scenery. Stay safe out there. Definitely will keep watching your channel
Less than 10 to go! We in the home stretch!!
"One of the Best Places on the Planet"
Another great episode. So sad to see climate change impacting the mountains that we love.
Outstanding job with this line and the entire series…..
Hey which crampons are you using here?
Amazing adventure, love this series so much! Beauty of the mountains man... And good people!
Good god, I just realized we’re into the final 10… kinda sad…
Doing a NOLS trip out here this summer.
Wise choice.Thats a Full descent👍
it was pretty jarring to watch you guys heli in to a remote line that is no longer fully skiable due to climate change
Agreed. It’s why I won’t go back.
I've been watching your whole series. This one hit timely. As you may know, floods just destroyed dozens of hot springs in the west. In 2016, I walked from Santa Barbara to Canada and visited 100 hot springs in 100 days then published a guidebook for the route. Nowadays, people are making plans to hike but unfortunately, wildfires have been as bad as floods and so much of the route I walked is no longer good trail. Your journey is a testament to the rarity of good conditions in the mountains. The rocks may remain, but the route that once lived has died. Glad you made it out safe, that's what matters most.
*taps ice* the snow is...variable to say the least
We were yelling at the screen " What are going to do? Cimb, rappel and then put your skis on?" You skied it. Zero doubt. ✔️41
Dang, global warming is really putting a wrench in mountaineering and outdoor adventures. I'm curious about what the future of skiing will be.
I definitely have a hard time at times, trying to be conscious with my environmental impact vs my drive for powder adventures. It's definitely an irony and tough calls on all those powder days we all chase for ...
So many lines that can't be skied anymore due to Neve meltout. looks like you got lucky with the flying condi's there though. Good quality content as ever guys. Bravo!
Yup, so apparent in Canada and Europe. Sucks.
Thanks for sharing these amazing experiences, always want 1 more episode! Not sure what to do after you complete all 50? Cheers!
epic strike mission. bottom half actually looked like decent skiing
Wise call. Wondering:
* if y’all DID have lead climbing gear, would you have summited the line?
* if someone (Wirth?) does ski it from the top, would you then feel pressured to go back to nab that final 2%?
Head bowed from the snowy SanJuans, Colorado 🙏🏾🏔
1. Yeah it could’ve been done. It’s often the question mark that leaves ya hanging more than anything else. 2. No, it’s far too great of an environmental impact to do something as selfish as “checking off” 2% of a line. If I go back it’s only on foot and it’s a multi-week expedition. Then again, it’s actually a pretty ordinary Couloir so why do something that long and difficult for something that exists in many places around North America.
Question for Bjarne... What would the ideal pack volume be for bigger lines where you would need to make camp in a tent? (Including camera gear)
A surprise that McKnutt didn't ride it switch.
i admire your commitment to this project. each video is appreciated.
So nice of you
Let's go
Spent weeks on the Diaz glacier, Munday glacier. Epic terrain. Did two 3 week trips in and around the Homathko, Waddington, white mantle range, etc…
Rip Hilaree😢
BJARNE IS THE GOAT!!
Another awesome episode! Question: is Cody wearing the Patagonia down jacket? It looks exactly like mine, but the logo must be taped over. Why? Is it a sponsorship thing?
That's exactly what I was thinking about. It's the Patagonia Grade VII down parka right? Probably being sponsored by Salomon he taped away the logo, idk
@@mattiafusaro9947 Yes it is the Patagonia Grade VII down parka. Can confirm because I have one
It's actually a prototype to a Salomon Elixir Ultra Down that I was testing last year. It's very very similar but coming out next fall.
Dont worry guys the snow and ice will come back just as big one day, just maybe not in your lifetime. The ebbs and flows of nature.
This counts and both as a descent of the "Fifty" Combatant Couloir line as well as a first descent of the "New" Combatant Couloir
And that's why I always buckle up my boots at the beginning of a steep climb. No guarantee that you will have a spot at "the top" to bend over and crank on a buckle. Super sad to watch the deterioration of a classic line during our lifetime. As always, Cody - you're a badass.
New to your channel, I'd love to see a brief boot review of the footwear you use on your ventures!
Could have gone further up but cool😮
My two favorite Canadian skiers in the same video, excellent!!!
They packed enough stuff to survive for seven days if they got stuck there 1:14. Personally, i would want to survive for longer than seven days. What month was it the first time it was skied? Maybe late May was too late for snow all the way to the top.
LOL "Northern BC"......Naw man its only about 25% of the way up the province. BC is monstrous.
Thanks guys.Yep.We are all witness to routes becoming less attainable, shorter.Melting away
I will allow it as full line Cody
5̶0̶ ̶c̶l̶a̶s̶s̶i̶c̶ ̶s̶k̶i̶ ̶d̶e̶s̶c̶e̶n̶t̶s̶ 50 classic steep downhill hikes
I wonder if they meant 25% instead of a quarter of a percent or 0.25%? Seems like a nice landing spot if not windy or cloudy.
Enjoyed the video, but Mt Waddington is in southern BC,......in it's entirety!
I'm not a skier so I have no idea, but how do you generally deal with bergschrunds in the desc? Is it safe to just ski over it quickly? What are the considerations here?
Cody is there any chance you will do a video of you ripping through some groomers in one to the resorts you have to do for the 50? Would be cool to see how you zoom through 20-35 degree slopes which terrify beginners and intermediates
What's the length of your ski your using?
Not much makes me wish I was young again. This makes me wish I was young again
Anyone know what shoes McNutt is wearing at around 4:00?
I've been reading climbing guides about this area for like 15 years. Don't know if I'll ever make it up there. But this video makes it seem possible. Having time has always been the issue. I don't know about being able to climb the couloir but I could def ski it. That looked amazing.
Another nice one!!! Yea, Hilaree was skiing around the World also here on Kamchatka, and Kyle Smaine🙏🏼 love this line, we are trying to make some interesting lines here too😬 and sometimes we ski with guys from Death Zone Freeride, your project is inspiring so much🙏🏼
Just know this. When I was a little girl the difference is mind boggling in Newfoundland and Maine. It's really crazy and very scary. The snow has gone its nothing like it used to be. Nothing.
World class scenery. Thanks for vidio Cody!
This stuff is so cool. I'm not a skier, but my cousin Woody is married to a pretty well known big mountain skier/ former olympian, and I love seeing all the crazy work that goes into getting a sweet line. (even if in this case, it wasn't exactly what was originally intended)
well, you are flying helicopters into there...
Cody hit up your Mammut rep. You should try the new Aenergy or Eiger Speed Harness. We will replace the Zephir Altitude soon. The new ones would suit you perfectly. Cheers
Great episode again. After you’re done with all the 50 I just have the feeling your gonna ski all the 8000m plus mountains. 😂
8:32 man...sell me that as a large format photo. Really gives the scale of how insignificant people are on these mountains.
Awesome.
This looked horrible, I can't lie, not jealous at all, but your documentation of these more remote lines is so valuable, I think polar star on Baffin must be coming soon...
Check it off the list 👍🏼