Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s infamous Corbet’s Couloir has a well earned reputation for humbling skiers and snowboarders who attempt to ride one of North America’s steepest ski trails. With its 20-foot drop and 50-degree pitch, if you make one mistake on entry there’s no telling when you will come to a stop.
Jackson Hole local Owen Leeper recommends approaching the edge slowly and locating the goat path for the best chances at success:
“Slowly creep your skies down sideways until you can see the path headed under the cornice to the skiers’ right. Once you get down low enough and you can see the turn, slowly rotate your tips downhill and into the couloir. This is where most people go wrong – they lean back and turn uphill as soon as possible, trying to stop, but that puts their weight on the tails of their skis and they lose control, sliding the whole way down on their back.”
If you’re in need of a confidence booster, check out this skier who plays his cards to perfection and skis Corbet’s like he is getting off a chairlift. Obviously easier said than done but it’s always good to see how something is done correctly before attempting yourself:
Jackson Hole offers diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, but no discussion of this iconic destination would be complete without mentioning Corbet’s Couloir. With a 20-foot drop and 50-degree pitch, it’s one of the steepest ski slopes in North America. Known as one of the craziest ski resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort brings skiers from around the world to test their limits on this legendary terrain. The Aerial Tram cruises right by Corbet’s on its way to the top, offering skiers/riders a glimpse of the famed couloir. And if you’re hungry for waffles, check out the famous Corbet’s Cabin.
Access via the Aerial Tram
Accessing Corbet’s Couloir requires a ride on the Aerial Tram, which transports skiers up 4,139 vertical feet in under 10 minutes. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of the stunning Jackson Hole terrain park and take in 360-degree views of the Tetons and the Jackson Hole valley. After skiing Corbet’s, head to Corbet’s Cabin at 10,450 feet to celebrate with gourmet waffles.
