The FIFTY - 38/50 - A Return to the Steeps - The Sphinx, AK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- In 2019, The FIFTY sent it up to Alaska to attempt the modern classic, The Sphinx. But the puckering steeps, cruel exposure and hardpack conditions sent the crew home with their tail between their legs and the line unfinished. Three years of watching the weather, conditions and stability from thousands of miles away and a miraculous window beckons in April of 2022. A mad dash scramble the day after skiing Line 37 of The FIFTY leads to a strike mission to Cordova, AK and the base of Points North Heli.
This line represents not only a monumental moment in the history of freeriding when it was first ridden in the late 90's but also a measuring stick for the progress of The FIFTY. Returning to it's legendary steeps to climb again highlights just how far the project has come since its inception in 2019.
Co-Starring: Nick Russell and Ed Shanley
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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:
For a 60 day trial to an All-Access subscription to OpenSnow click here: bit.ly/3TTZhA5
GEAR Used Throughout The FIFTY:
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 5400: bit.ly/3XJVCHC
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:
Hestra Overmitt:
Hestra Merino Touchpoint Liners:
Honey Stinger Energy: bit.ly/3sPpX9g
Strainge Beast Kombucha: bit.ly/3sK6vLj
TinCup Whiskey: bit.ly/3FvbSpb
One of those lines where the conditions are good enough for Cody to show just how beautiful of a skiier he is.
No kidding....he is NO newbie (his words not mine...lol)
I agree
I can't believe this video was less than 15 mins. It felt so much longer because of how well you guys tell the story and because of how much work you put into it. Amazing job, keep it up! Can't wait for more lines!
Thank you so much.
Ditto....OMG, Soo good Quality vs Quantity!!!
When I started watching The 50 Project during the first season, the episode where you turned around on this route got me hooked. This wasn't just a ski video, this is real talk about risk and consequence in the backcountry. It's gratifying to see you get back to the line and crush it. Can't wait to see what's next.
Thank you for that man. Much appreciated.
Y’all are crushing not only the 50, but? As a 60 year-old high mountain athlete? Gotta say you boyz are elevating the aesthetics of mountain athletics in a manner that makes me grateful that my 15 year old daughter can learn from and be inspired by. Head bowed from the San Juans…🙏
LOve ...absolutely love that season 4 is dedicated to the biggest Badass of ski mountaineering...RIP Hilaree and prayers for her boys!!! Cdn skier and snowboarder!!!
Watching the 2 drop ins from Nick and Cody was surreal. Like they are stepping off the chairlift. So calm and sure. Now I want to see the drone pilot and guide runs down.
Yeeeeessssssss Alaska episodes are always the best
agreed. they're my favorite to do as well.
I watch these for the climb more than the ski, and that climb was the dogs bollocks! One of my favorites so far. Keep doing what you’re doing! Thanks! 🙏🏼
Its nice to see you back in the steep Powder.....and total respect for season 4 being dedicated to Hilaree Oneil Nelson, She is truly inspirational like yourself ...Line 36 with Jim and Hill is one of my favourites!!! Ps sympathies go out to YOU sir, and the many that personally knew Hilaree ....it is a tragic loss but one that we can celebrate knowing that she lived a life well lived...and shared it with the world, her legacy lives on through people like yourself and of course The North Face!!! RIP Hilaree and prayers for her beautiful boys!!! Warmest of regards, 1000 islands Canada
Right back at ya Bruce.
The footage of y'all hitting the line literally gave me chills. So sick, and such an incredible edit.
The sequence from around 10 minute mark is a masterpiece, cinematography, music, skiing, everything. Just incredible.
it's not like I don't like the episodes where you turn back, but it is always awesome to see a big line checked off
I agree with that sentiment fully.
Conditions were clearly better than the first time, but this still looks heebee-jeebee steep! Episodes 8&9 are two of my favorites, even as “failures”, because of the measured cautious approach you guys took. Makes this victory more meaningful.
Another great video and the drone footage is truly stunning. The angles and the scale that the footage shows are incredible. Always looking forward to the next one!
When you get the text from the boys you gotta say 'yes'. Words to live by. Great episode!
Living vicariously through Cody and his team makes me very happy. Especially after a long day of work.
Nice job guys.
Hopefully I'll be on my sticks soon. got a new backcountry dog to train up.
Agreed.....something to look forward too!!!
Nick is the man. A true G
Amazing video as always, can't wait for the season to start! Climbing such steep couloirs; how worried are you regarding avalanches from above? Like for example you say "It's really hot" meaning that the sun probably also warms the snow alot up at the top. Do you ever think about what would happen if you fall or started sliding, or do you feel really confident that you won't fall? I have climbed some steep couloirs, and usually when snow starts coming down due to the sun, I stop and go down. I haven't climbed something that steep probably, but when it gets too step I feel and think "Man I wouldn't wanna fall or slide down here", and that usually is my turn around call.
Nick Russell says "fuck yo kombucha, we're vitamin R all day"
Can't believe I get to watch this awesome content for free. I'll be sad when it's done. It's been an incredible journey
Let's take a moment to recognize Nick for flying the drone clung to the side of this massive snowy mountain. Not only did you guys get good snow conditions, good wind conditions to get those drone shots.
The production value and storytelling in these are second to none in mountain sports. Great stuff Cody and Bjarne
This was a fun one! Cool mix of what The Fifty does best: badass ascents and good ol' ski porn/badass descents. Oh and badass approaches are also fun, but I think it's because we just enjoy watching you suffer a bit. Nice work to the whole team.
If Cody is only just now feeling less like a noob, we're all screwed, absolutely god level skills on display!
Hahaha. I was quite skilled in the down, in snow evaluation and skiing big lines...the climbing for them thing was a whole new world for me when I started.
What's the music during the down hill part?
Descend Into Madness by Humans Win
so f-ing sick and the cinematography was just as epic
Incredible footage, and another amazing episode
Thank you.
Nick is always my favorite addition to the crew!
Nick Rocks!!!
This moves me. PNH is one of my favourite places on earth. Quinner, Jess and the gang make you feel at home. The Sphinx is the reason I first went there. Watching Jess McMillan and Ingrid Backstrom ski the Sphinx is what drew me to Alaska and PNH for the first time. Being there is what brought me back many more. I've watched that scene with Maroon 5 blaring in the background more times than I can count. I finally got to see the Sphinx my last visit to PNH. I sat humbled in that heli. Pictures, video don't really show how intimidating that descent is. Watching you guy's climb and ski it, like I said - I'm moved. I'll be playing this episode on repeat.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
he didn't go to the top lol
Redemption! Beautiful day, beautiful line, beautiful episode!
Thank you much.
Cody! I can't believe I only found out about The Fifty a few months ago! Blame the snowboarder in me! Anyway, you're as much a legend as always and I've been loving the series, but Nick Russell is my new favorite freerider ever! One last thing, congrats on parenthood. Now, #hereholdmyteenager! Keep shredding, bro!
Mailman! It's been too long since I've heard that perfect Americanized fluent French voice! Thanks for the kind words and stoked you found the show. All the best my man.
Comparing the first attempt on the Sphinx and this time was amazing! Well done guys, this was just outstanding 🤘. Everyone looked so chill and comfortable, it’s a credit to the amount of learning and suffering you’ve done over the years. Coincidently, recently rewatched the Mt Stimpson (31/50) episode…Damn did Nick deserve the heli ride and the bomber conditions this time round 😂.
drone footage - off the hook. Congrats boys!
I watched the first Sphinx episode yesterday! So stoked about this Episode
Cody and Nick have great chemistry. Keep it up boys!!
Wow. Just the quality of the production on top of the quality of the line and snow. Top, top work!
Every time I watch this it gets me so nervous. Epic day.
Just amazing!!! Such a story of patience and redemption. One of the best episodes yet. Keep up the strong work, Cody!!!
It’s now official - I can no longer watch the 50 on a phone. Must be on a big ass TV and in surround sound to honor their suffering.
Cody that was insane! I have watched every episode you have done and this one was easily my fave. Those conditions were all time. Great job to all!
Thank you. It was definitely a fun one to do.
Nick "Mt. Stimson" Russel
Nick "Mt. St. Elias" Russel
Hope he finishes along with you and Bjorn for the 3 holy grails!
03:28 Looks like he's racking a megaslug of gak.
Just sayin'
What’s the drone operator’s instagram or social media? He killed it
I’ve been watching since the beginning and the journey you e been through has been amazing to watch. Mad props for everything you do. You are a true inspiration. Thank you. 🙏
Great Summit! And it's inspiring to see Nick Russell practicing what he preaches... "Bring your electrolytes..." Rainier Beer no less!
Downvote for flying to AK and using a helicopter for a single tour
Getting back and nailing the second attempt! fantastic. Easily my favourite episode, the conditions and skiing on that line were amazing!
Turning around in the mountains sucks, but when you go back and achieve the goal it makes all the hardship worth it! Awesome job for persevering Fifty Team
Wow these drone shots are unbelievable!! Amazing film, thanks guys!
Got excited with ye packing in the airport carpark and my heart is still going....
Great to see the three amigos nail 5* conditions. ThanX for sharing the adventure.
Stay safe
Fave Fifty so far. Concise, gorgeous, steep. Southeast Alaska is paradise on earth.
Congratulations Cody. You made that look easy, which is a big compliment. That is a serious line. Stay safe and take care
“Feeling like a little less of a noob” Ha ha okayyyyyyy. Anyway these are really great, it’s pretty fun to start cheering you on as you nail some of the past partial completes.
I’ve loved watching the iterative battle with the Sphinx over the years…it happens to be my bday, and what a sick episode to release! Fueled my stoke today. Right on Fifty crew.
Happy Birthday Matthew!
Agreed....Cody definitely fuels many viewers stoke...cant wait for some snow!!! Happy Bday
@@Whistler326 Couldn’t agree more!! Can’t wait to sink my crampons into some splitter snowpack.
@@CodyTownsend No way! Thanks Cody!! Absolutely love your content!
Thanks for inspiring the next gen of climbers/skiers alike. Especially as a family man. God Bless out there!
I watched the other episode prior to this one with my wife and wow the cinematography has improved so much. Kudos to Bjarne for improving his craft and to your drone pilot who got some feature film level shots with that drone.
Breathtaking. You all earned this one. Climbing the steeps through deep snow is a tough test. The drone footage is just amazing too.
Helicopter, powder, nice weather, nice skiing... You were bought by netflix or what? The coming out will be in this episode or in the next one? 😏
Please tell me that you used the heli for a 2nd run down!!!!! -? You had it
RIGHT THERE!
THE OPPORTUNITY!!!
WTF?
🏄 🏴☠️
That line was so good and smooth. Were you at all tempted for a 2nd attempt via Heli and just do it for pure enjoyment?
Totally amazing, poetry in motion and in execution. Great run!
Just happen to find this video. I clicked on it since I love snowshoeing in the white fluffy stuff. Doesn't hurt (till next day) when I topple sideways. But that mountain??? Hiking up? Do you all have a death wish? Do you have life insurance? OMG!
This is one of my favourite episodes of The Fifty. So well done.
Excellent episode! Your storytelling and filming and editing (and skiing, of course) are totally on point! And it's so refreshing to see a fellow snowboarder (Nick!) represented in The Fifty! Looking forward to future episodes.
Thank you Dave. Much appreciated.
This Cdn is definitely addicted to his wonderful videos!!!
Absolutely stellar footage as always!! Love watching these
I guess that last bit was immediately following the run since Cody still had his ski gear on 😆 I get it...sponsors and all...my real comment is that this could've been twice as long. More actual footage of the descents would be awesome. Why rush the best part?
Amazing, best line yet. Way ta man up guys.
you guys are doing incredible things , well done
What’s the song w
Playing during the first turns?
Congratulations Fellas! What a day! I love how at the end Cody is still geared up and the rest of the team has taken off most of theirs. Looks like it was one of those days to just keep it going as long as possible. Just dreamy.
I definitely could’ve made a few more laps up there!
Cody, do you know what brand/kind of glasses Nick was wearing? Those things are sick!
New hashtag... #dreamswithnick. Well done gents!
This was an amazing episode. Grats on the peak!
I think your comment of calling this a Karmic run was right on the money. For all the struggle, learning & determination over the years of this project & showing us all a more pure way of experiencing the mountains & all they bless us with. Your work is always got such a great vibe because of who you are & those with you. It inspires to us to embrace the journey of life in all aspects. It's not just an adrenaline filled blast on perfect snow & blue skies, but a warts & all rollercoaster that's full of lessons, trials & rewards. Congrats on this epic line, truly one of the best so far. Can't wait to see the next clip. Best wishes to you all & your family from Australia.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Love you Hils. 😢
Зашибись спуск!
Bjarne is the GOAT!!!
Russel with the celebration Rainer!
That was some sick climbing shots! Great vid
I didn't like the music this time.
Otherwise great as always.
I can't believe Cody is a pro, I'm so much sicker than him
1:59 that's an empty plane. one other guy left of Bjarne's fist?
Nick Russell.. legend 🤘🏼🙏🏼
Bros really took a helicopter to the base of a mountain so they could boot pack it
Tough drop. I get a little scared. Got to get down somehow.
Where are Mr. Nick Russel's sweet glasses from?
11:28 trackID?
wondering the same! love the floaty electro tune for a heady line
Still remember seeing this for the first time on TB5, pretty sure it was a first decent on that one. Well done boys!
It was! Jim Rippey opened it up. In legendary style too
Another great video everyone!!
As a resident of Alaska, I wanna ski this soooooo badly 😂
what width are those salomon QST boards?
Anyone know what board nick rides?
Does anyone know the app they use in the approach?
Can anyone give me the name of the song used at 11:28?
live near Seattle, Washington. This weekend I spent time at a popular resort called Crystal Mountain near Mount Rainier. I first noticed a gentleman ski down the mountain with an avalanche backpack with the airbag deployed. Moments later that same guy noticed me and said "hey are you Cody" as he was referring to my long hair looking similar to yours. I said no. He started to explain they were filming an episode of your airbag avalanche backpack. Just like you. Thought I kinda looked like you. Instantly we were celebrating how two complete strangers knows Cody Townsend. So cool you are entertaining and showing safety.
Awesome story man. Thanks for sharing. Got a chuckle out of it.
#NightmaresWithNick 🤣
I'd love to hear about the equipment choice. Given there was no skinning, were you tempted to take alpine gear or at a least non-pin binding like the Shift?
Yup! I wish I had A Shift set up on Blanks in my van but unfortunately didn’t so had to go with pins. Would’ve much preferred to be on a Shift for that line.
Nick crushing a Rainier for après, absolute legend. Take notes Cody/Bjarne ;)
fully gripped watching this. beautiful camera work
Incredibly picturesque line. Fantastic work all around. My goodness
Beauty