JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming – Sometimes skiers shred Corbet’s Couloir with no problem, sometimes Corbet’s Couloir shreds skiers with no problem. This case falls into the second category. The Boston skier gave Corbet’s Couloir his best shot, but ultimately the legendary Jackson Hole ski run gobbled him up and spit him out on the other end.
If you somehow don’t know, Corbet’s Couloir, accessible by Jackson Hole’s Aerial Tram, is named after Barry Corbet. Barry spotted the run back in 1960, declaring that someday, somebody would ski it. Lonny Ball would later be the first to descend into the monstrous line on skis, and now it’s one of the most famous ski runs in the world.
I couldn’t tell you exactly what this guy did wrong in his attempt, but I can tell you that doing it with a bit more snow is preferred. It’s both easier to succeed, and less painful if you fail, when there’s a fresh dusting on the ground. Also, he’s gotta tap his poles more. Everyone knows that.