Couloir Series: The Epic Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole
It's one of the most classic ski runs in America. Watch five videos of skiers, dogs and mountain bikes dropping in
While Jackson Hole is known for fun terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, no discussion of the terrain at the resort is complete without talking about the legendary Corbet’s Couloir. The gondola cruises right by Corbet’s on its way to the top, offering skiers and riders a glimpse of the famed run.
No ski resort in North America has a chute so legendary as Corbet’s Couloir in Wyoming, a crucible where skiers go to prove their mettle (or more often, to retreat in fear). The run is named for Barry Corbet, a mountaineer who in 1960 spotted a narrow crease of snow shaped like an upside-down funnel, high up on the mountain now known as Jackson Hole. He said, “Someday someone will ski that.” It was first skied by local ski patroller Lonnie Ball in 1967.
The couloir is around three metres wide at the endtrance with steep rock walls on three sides, but opens quickly onto the lower slope. Entrance into the couloir requires dropping off a cornice with a fall ranging from three to six metres, depending upon snow conditions and exactly where you choose to drop in. You can opt to ski down the first part of the south face, dropping the rest of the way, but you must make a quick right to avoid a wall.
The rest of Corbet’s is usually deep powder because snow collects in the couloir where it’s protected from both wind and sun, and relatively few people ski through. The rest of Corbet’s Couloir is essentially an average expert run after the drop. Around the left of the large rock outcropping is the lesser known S&S Couloir. Toward the end of Corbet’s Couloir, to the right is a small rock alcove called Coomb’s Cave.
Kings and Queens
The ultimate Corbet’s competition like never before.
First Mountain Bike Descent
Cam McCaul and Casey Brown made the first mountain bike descents in 2017.
Dog Descent
Elu the powder hound drops into Corbet’s!
Corbet’s Session
Pro skiers session Corbet’s nearly a decade ago.
S&S Couloir
Watch skiers drop into S&S Couloir, Corbet’s harder neighbour.
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