The FIFTY - Line 9/50 - Giant Steps Couloir - A California Monster Line

The Eastern Sierra of California is a mythical mountain range of massive mountains that rise straight out of the desert floor. Scratching the sky, Giant Steps Couloir, is a rarely tamed and hard fought line that takes careful navigation and strong legs to ascend and descend. Starring author of the book, "Backcountry Skiing the Eastern Sierra" Nate Greenberg and Professional Snowboarder Nick Russell.
This is line 9 completed of The FIFTY, a project following Cody Townsend as he attempts to climb and ski all fifty of the lines and mountains chronicled in the book, "The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America." The series documents Townsend's journey's, travels, challenges and each line and mountain listed in the book. It's a journey through the most majestic mountains and ski lines in North America along with a unique insight into how skiers make decisions in the backcountry, how they plan, navigate and safely move through the mountains and the people that dedicate their lives to the mountains.
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

[@SnowArcs]

Can't imagine telemarking a steep couloir with variable snow after a 10k ascent. Nate is a beast!

[@joeypage9268]

I like how they make it through the entire video w/o actually saying "Mt. Williamson"

[@Idiosynchris]

I thought I was losing my mind. I scrubbed back through the intros for like 10 minutes looking for a mention 🤯

[@Ryan_hey]

It's a common backcountry game. Don't talk about the objective directly. First person to say it has to downclimb.

[@nicholascrews744]

I love how you were like "guess what we got a binocular sponsor!" and then didn't even mention their name. some ambassador you are lol!

[@CodyTownsend]

And yet I have a ton of sponsors. So must be doing something right.

[@sam_s_]

@@CodyTownsend Who is the binocular sponsor?

[@RealSkiReview]

Didn't name the peak either.

[@delayedinsanity]

@@RealSkiReview Really? The title... google... it's all there man.

[@area51r]

@@delayedinsanity ur dumb

[@johntuttle9544]

My partner and I tried to climb the NE Ridge on Jan 1st, 1990 or so after what had been a dry winter until then. At about 12,500' overnight we got an un-forecast foot of powder over the previously dry rocks and an instant epic ensued. Saw a Bighorn ram at 11,500' looking perfectly comfy. On the descent we ended up in a canyon that narrowed so much we had to wade the stream etc in the dark with sticker bushes etc that only people that have done it on the Eastside can appreciate. Needless to say the beating you guys took at the end and the death march to the car in the dark brought back the "fondest memories" of our hubris. Stay live.

[@flowlineproductions]

Another banger. Nick has stoke/passion that you can feel right through the screen.

[@nilsnilsnilsify]

"We're almost somewhere. It's the closest we've ever been!" LOL

[@stumpy25lbs]

9:37 - Nick Russell is magnificent here. The endorphin high. I could play that back 100 times. It's the meaning of life itself. "...we are trudging along trying to beat the darkness..." Yeh buddy 🤘🏼

[@graysonridge4080]

Loving Nick’s attitude and energy man. Dude’s just lovin life

[@MacLeanWright]

Amazing!! I would love to see a behind the scenes where you talk about nutrition, gear, hydration, sun protection, boot packing... i.e. the "boring" stuff

[@dsenior4791]

yea that would great and fitness/training for these missions.

[@CodyTownsend]

That stuff is in the works.

[@doyle14]

@@CodyTownsend this is an amazing and inspiring series. I agree with the above poster (would really love some details on everyone's gear layering for these adventures), but also, i think it would be absolutely informative and great if you guys detailed a bit of your preparation for avalanche conditions and risks on these lines. Checking websites, forecasts, slope aspects, pit digging, etc. As someone who would love to do these things safely, this prep part would give a little insight to how the pros do it (in conjunction with proper training of course) !

[@MurCurieux]

Yea - I would be stoked on that too.

[@rnm1745]

Great stuff. I look forward to these posts each week. Nice to think there are 39 more adventures like this in the works. 👍

[@delltodd7111]

More tele!!! Another grand adventure day on skis. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

Snowboarder had a great time :)

[@andrewmitchell5807]

Sometimes I forget you did one of the most badass lines in the first season lol

[@sempyrski]

wait wait wait, did the guidebook guy ski that first - very - steep and exposed section in fricking TELEMARK ??

[@TheCaptainA]

Yeah boy! It would be cool to have more pinheads on these missions

[@mitch3137]

@@TheCaptainA We are out there...Freeheelers are so worn in...We don't shine in the light!

[@TheCaptainA]

@@mitch3137 yeah, you are right. Well maybe Cody should free his heel for one of these...

[@Gabagool93]

I literally said the same thing. What a bad ass

[@TordNilson]

fucking boss!!!

[@VinceVideo53]

Best episode yet. Nothing better than California spring backcountry skiing.

[@jazzman3508]

Nice work! The moment I read giant steps, I instantly thought on John Coltrane's Giant Steps.

[@cats-and-robots]

Token knuckledragger with best attitude! Great episode once again. Thank you.

[@jonathankoenig6516]

Gotta get Nick Russel in some more of these! Dude rips!

[@CodyTownsend]

Oh for sure, always stoked to be in the mountains with Nick.

[@scottybeegood]

16 hours at work and come home to watch my favorite sliders slay something awesome. Wed made!

[@stevenbeyea1670]

“Don’t. Fall. There.” Awesome!

[@TheBillyBlack]

Just did Baird’s creek approach last month. I paid quite the toll to find the route. You guys were right on about getting the guide!! But now I know, and I hope no one ever precisely maps it.😊

[@morganmoe4080]

what a beautiful line in an absolutely amazing wilderness! we truly are blessed to be living amongst the grand range of the Sierra!

[@Salvatore7921]

Loving the series Cody. Big fan.

[@timlarsson1451]

Easily the series I am most stoked on when there is a new episode. Keep up the good work guys!!

[@chrisjansen6859]

Need more time with Nick Russell. Great commentary.

[@themilkrun3964]

Token Snowboarder did well! Loving the project! Best of luck with it Cody

[@erickjuarez5044]

This is simply amazing. You guys are killing it at life!

[@bmurray7248]

Nice to see Nate Greenberg cranking the Tele turns.

[@Waff3lMan1]

Good to see the deep appreciation for nature on top of the skiing in this one!

[@robbhardesty3033]

Gotta bring more splitboarders on your adventures. They are always the life of the party.

[@midi510]

Yeah, the ones wearing the lampshade.

[@DaveSearle]

Chalky goodness! Keep up the good stuff Cody and Bjarne!

[@anthonybonellopandp]

Yeah boys! Looked like a huge day.

[@midi510]

Glad to see you get around to my neck of the woods and you even brought someone I know. A friend's son who went to school with my daughter skied this in '19.

[@keithmelmon]

There was something special about this episode. Maybe it's because I'm holed up at home, anxious about the current COVID-19 situation, or maybe because I'm from California and have a soft spot for this part of the Sierra Nevadas, having spent time regularly driving by this area on my way to Mammoth Mountain from San Diego years ago. This stuff warms my soul. I'm watching every episode in order, a few each day. Thank you Cody!

[@CodyTownsend]

One of my favorite stretches of road in the world.

[@yo2stix]

Monster day. I have climbed 8 CA 14eeners. That was a massive day you fellas put in. Bad ass!

[@randyspotts5069]

Mount Williamson... No way! Early in the feature, I recognize the monolith, the way it buttresses out into the valley. My friends and I summitted that in the summer of 1973. But we took our time. We scrambled up to the summit from Williamson Basin. We scrambled up Mount Tyndall the next day. I'm amazed at your one day tour. Thanks for taking me back!

[@gregreynolds391]

You guys made that look easy...almost.. Whew!!!

[@Ryan-td3td]

yes! there's a "token" snowboarder on this one! And he's a super cool dude! Love it!

[@alexroseinnes]

best stuff on youtube right now. This was beautiful, thanks Cody.

[@randyspotts5069]

Obviously, seeing the time that has spanned since my last comment, I've watched this feature umpteen times. The featured location is without a doubt a sacred site. I even have most of the dialogue memorized... "I'm like... so close to vomit!" Cheers, eh!

[@kirkhwaltz]

Another great episode Cody! What a rad adventure!

[@HaCh3_]

Images are insane, always good feelings

[@kx7kx782]

The best you can watch. Great work Cody. Do a episod about your gear Salom, Hestra, Thule etc.

[@CodyTownsend]

Those episodes are coming down the pipeline.

[@jackcarney4799]

This series is epic! Super inspirational

[@tomkennedy8617]

So good Cody, thanks. We climbed Whitney in summer, as a one-day, and we felt exactly the same.

[@chriskutlina5743]

You guys slayed that couloir, what an amazing adventure!

[@user-zz6rj7ne3c]

One of the coolest and chillest episodes yet! :)

[@adrianjfussell]

so sick! eastern sierra is just the coolest place. "euphoria" after a long slog that took you all day and you ski one sweet run - totally!

[@MrIsomer]

Hats off to you guys. Way to push the physical boundaries!

[@CodyTownsend]

Thanks so much!

[@michizer0]

What a beautiful scenery!

[@retobaumann5604]

Love it Cody... you manage to have great content, amazing skiing and some awesome humour. Insane. Can't get enough, hopefully we see some more stuff this winter.

[@sokbok]

this project is giving me positive vibes while stuck in Kansas. Keep PUSHING!

[@russman109]

So so good!! I think Nick’s commentary really tied the room together on this one. 🎸🎶🔥

[@kaytlinr8526]

10 hour approach! Wow, big day!

[@mtadams2009]

That was one serious ass kicker, thanks fot sharing

[@JS-yj7ow]

Free the heels! Well done mr guidebook man!

[@ProfessorQi]

Awesome video boys. So nice to see backcountry skiing in Sierra"s

[@TB-we1we]

Right on!

[@bradmacdonald7626]

This is the best content on youtube.

[@willa223]

Strangely the best one yet. Loved the music in this one and the mood/feeling. Did you switch the camera? It almost looked 3d

[@jeffd1919]

Man! Gotta be some kind of adrenaline rush. Used to ride bulls. Pretty dangerous, but so is this!

[@joeymaloney3947]

You are amazing my dude

[@willpowell4275]

Great video. 39 to go.

[@megcauzillo]

Nice one Cody, Nate, Nick, and Bjarne - always thought this was called the Giant's Steps and it looked like a giant walked down the mountain. You're right, few have probably been up there because of the absolute slog, but more than you think I bet and it can be a good multi-day with another nearby 14er!

[@buildakicker]

Ah yes! I love the Sierra Nevada

[@FELiPES101]

Music selection on point in this one

[@drsolarii]

You guys are an inspiration! Keep it up.

[@TheHowtoDad]

good as always! It's kinda nice to see the pros billy goat and side slip a little. we are used to seeing your just point and shoot, makes you seem a touch more human.

[@vlchilders]

Nick is the shit. Very cool trip!

[@OccidentalonPurpose]

Epic hike and ski. I wouldn't have made it to couloir. Would have gotten to top of some of those nice pitches you climbed on way up and turned around and skied those.

[@johnsagnella7445]

Rite on very cool...nice back ground tunage .

[@Boods01]

These videos are sooo great man!!! Definitely helping to get through this coronavirus bullshit!!

[@luckyrvr]

You guys are Amazing, Congrats!

[@BrooksMore]

Cody, would love and appreciate an episode on the equipment you use. Maybe produced on a down day or during the off-season? For example, looks like you use shorter skis on some episodes. Also, noticed your crampons have string to connect the front and rear plates. Did they come like that, or is this one of your hacks based on experience? Safety gear would also be good. Love the videos. Keep it up and be safe. Thanks.

[@eakzor]

wow what a day

[@robertbeightler1473]

Awesome video!

[@paulrichardson6804]

Great to see a Telemarker out there doing it

[@skyjockbill]

Wow... what a day...

[@ethanromer8675]

its a well known fact that telemarkers havent showered in 3 days

[@galenpewtherer8371]

#teleTilYoureSmelly

[@zachsstms9541]

Ski for real, drop the heel.

[@davidkmetovic8627]

Giant Steps is a monumental and energetic (musical) achievement by John Coltrane. Expected that as soundtrack.

[@Gordeaux]

New vid... boom 💥. My Work days just became more interesting

[@tightirl]

millenials....go back to work you lazy bum.

[@midi510]

I see this was published May 1. It snowed nearly every day in May '19 (in Mammoth) making for one of the best b/c spring skiing seasons ever.

[@CodyTownsend]

It was shot in March before the spring dump age.

[@jordanselker1240]

Free the heel!!

[@midi510]

I thought the saying was: "Free your heel, free your mind."

[@YetAnotherAaron]

Could always do with some sweet Tele lines Edit: actually, would love to see Cody try Tele skis

[@extreme_ryan_delena]

Aaron Lieberman that would have been interesting in the TC episode...

[@CodyTownsend]

Ouch, I don't know if anyone wants to see me Tele.

[@galenpewtherer8371]

@@CodyTownsend I do!

[@andrewblack7852]

The High country is amazing!! So is underwater... how lucky are fish?? Lucky bruh!

[@james-jm5vo]

Let's go

[@onecutmedia]

That down climb looked intense 😬. I’m out 😜

[@bugrutch]

aka The FIFTY - Ep. 11 - Giant Steps Couloir. 2 skiers, a snowboarder and a telemarker (finally) go on an adventure

[@galenpewtherer8371]

Yep, I was so stoked to see Nate dropping a knee! #teleTilYoureSmelly

[@BKInbound]

telemarkers arent skiers lmao

[@YanD1976]

Glutenburg for the finale ! great line

[@TonikFilms]

big gnar

[@amykopischke4860]

Yeah tele!

[@daverainey...AK1911]

Hey Man Love your Channel, content is the Bomb! the lines your working are legit! Don't change a thing...Humor is right on...would like to see some of your gear choices for the back country, I've been boarding forever and thinking about 2 sticks again...point me in the right direction...thanks in advance

[@CodyTownsend]

Thanks man. As far as gear choices, I have some videos in the channel with gear talk. Otherwise, go try on a bunch of touring boots at a shop, that's the single most important part of your kit and can only truly be figured out by what fits and feels good.

[@Benzknees]

Amazing place! That section before you started skiing (@ 7:35) looked like an incredibly steep rock face to climb down with ski boots. Did the camera reflect reality?

[@CodyTownsend]

Definitely did. Usually the camera doesn't do it justice. It's a spicy little down climb in ski boots.

[@snowledge]

Such a BIG mission 🙌 Nice work fellah's!!

[@lindseymckirdy1830]

telemarking very cool

[@Gabagool93]

5:19 you’ve been up there for 4 hours, Cody.

[@listening7114]

Man, I feel like Radical and Gnarly were wasted adjectives describing on early 90's skiing video's. This! is a gnarly ski video... that downclimb... sketchy AF!

[@gregknipe8772]

some cuts off of taj mahal's giant steps album would work very well into this video!!

[@stphnratcliffe]

Hey Cody such a great one, climbed Williamson in the summer once via Shepherds Pass, looks like you went straight up from the valley !

[@fabianrigan9625]

What splitboard was that trow the whole episode in my head like I want to do this but to bring 🎿 also was yes 🏂