Corbet’s Couloir at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is arguably North America’s most iconic and intimidating ski run, a narrow chute flanked by towering rock walls that demands expert skill and nerve. Named after Barry Corbet, who spotted the line in 1960, it gained fame as “America’s scariest ski slope.”
The terror begins at the entrance: skiers face a mandatory air off a cornice, with a freefall drop of 10-30 feet depending on snow conditions. Many opt for the “goat path” on the left, sideslipping in before committing.
The real challenge is the tricky first turn. Upon landing on the ultra-narrow, often firm snow, you must immediately execute a sharp hop turn (usually right) to check speed and avoid slamming into the opposing rock face. One mistake here often results in a spectacular yard sale.
The skier in the video below opted for air at the top and straight into the run.
Once past that, the run maintains a consistent 40-50-degree pitch (sources vary, with the resort citing around 50°), narrowing to about 10 feet before widening into Tensleep Bowl. In good powder, it’s exhilarating; in variable conditions, unforgiving.