THE STEEPEST RUNS ON BLACKCOMB - Ultimate Whistler Blackcomb Extreme Steep Skiing Guide

[@mcdoonaldsmanager8706]

The vibes are unbeatable, the flow is real. And this dude can ski

[@riseandalpine]

Only thing harder than these runs is containing my hair in a helmet

[@mcdoonaldsmanager8706]

@@riseandalpine 😂😂

[@mountainguyy]

@@riseandalpine Enjoy the follicles while they last 😀

[@lolerishype]

bro's raising my confidence to the point that I feel like I can do freaking triple blacks while I'm scared of dropping a 5-foot drop

[@riseandalpine]

hahaha - Glad to give you a confidence boost but be careful out there!

[@the420god3]

I feel bad for kids that will never know good snow......that shit sounds like nails grating on chalkboard....

[@riseandalpine]

Guess I'll have to get used to it for when I'm skiing on soil in 40 years :(

[@onecutmedia]

Pencil chute is full, I might have to go ski it again

[@lhasalynn2091]

....so, you're back for another one on Pencil Chute! (Saw you there last year) And, now, I'll be looking for you again!!) I want to see both you and 'Rise and Alpine' have a "Ski Off"! LOLOLOLOL! But please wait for the snow to soften up a bit!! :-)

[@onecutmedia]

@@lhasalynn2091 ski off 😂. He’s like 20.

[@riseandalpine]

@onecutmedia It's filled in solid but the snow quality in there is questionable (as per usual) No need for good snow if you're jump turning HAHAHA

[@riseandalpine]

@onecutemedia I'd willingly take the yard sale for ya! I want to see you shredding steeps when I'm 40.

[@riseandalpine]

@Lhasa Lynn you are going to enjoy my next video (Spoiler: it may involve a questionable ski release)

[@lhasalynn2091]

OMG! I thought I was going to asphyxiate, holding my breath way too long watching each one of those runs. (And with 'one arm' no less!) I even forgot to drink my coffee!! BEST. BEST. BEST ski video this year!! (And on a funny note, sometime in the mid-90's my twin and I stood at the very top of 'Saudan's----and decided, after about 20 minutes in a frozen stupor staring at the ICE---that this was NOT A GOOD IDEA. Especially for the first day skiing at the start of a two week vacation at Whistler/Blackcomb!) It was nostalgic, though, seeing you standing on that top of the peak--I don't think it's changed a bit! It was a beautifully sunny day like yours---but with the same conditions--ICE! So glad I discovered your videos. (My twin says "Ditto!) best, Lynn (and Alice)

[@riseandalpine]

Hey Lynn, Fantastic Story! Sounds like you and Alice have an important trait that I lack (Common Sense) 😂😂😂 . Really happy you enjoyed watching this one!

[@franciscosanchezhdez]

Just great videos! I just discovered your channel and it's great content! I have a video suggestion if you are open to try different things... I'm thinking about a tour of the terrain parks on whistler and blackcomb. I think it could be fun and also get you some more views. Keep it up! Already pumped to see your next video!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Fransisco! Always open to try new things :) I'm not much of a park dweller these days. Used to locale the Grouse Parks but have hung up the park skis after one too many concussions. Maybe I can do a tour of the park with one of my buddies who still rips park good!

[@ianwilliam9690]

Epic skiing man! We just got back from Whistler April 27th, our conditions were incredible, but the fact you're ending these lines on ice is like EPIC dude these are steep ass lines. We skied Soudan's Coulier, and Way Stupid off Hortsmans. It was sick, edit coming soon. Thanks for your video!

[@riseandalpine]

Happy you had such great conditions! Late-April was sick. I'll check out your edit when you upload!

[@JHSports]

My homie ripping double blacks by himself and holding a camera stick

[@stolenmustang91]

I’m a big fan and I really like your content. Can you ski please Outer Limits at crystal chair?

[@riseandalpine]

I could totally get back in outer limits at some point. I think I have quite a bit of footage of me skiing it in the earlier season. I think the video 'going on a pow hunt' has lots of Outer Limits. The trick to it is to ski down the fall line with a slight trajectory to the left. There is a massive cliff band at the bottom. Sometimes I ski right down to it and then traverse left above it to meet back up with Arthurs choice and glacier road.

[@sebastiendecabrol9380]

Find a dude with more enthusiasm anywhere on youtube I dare you

[@riseandalpine]

🤙🤙🤙

[@BrennenL]

I'm only a minute into this - I was expecting a helmet or chest cam once you made your first drop-in!! Good for you skiing that gross, steep without both poles!!

[@mrcool76789]

these seem much harder with that snow, i think i'd only try it with more fresh powder

[@riseandalpine]

I agree - it was way too much ice hahaha

[@codak604]

Dude that was a rad video. Went to Whis for the first time last week and was really wanting to check out some of these hikes. Great video and will definitely check out a few of these next time!

[@riseandalpine]

You're going to love em!

[@RodrigoR9]

Wow, this is the best ski video I’ve seen. Production is obviously not as good as something sponsored by Red Bull, but this is so authentic. Good job!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Rodrigo!

[@Pizoo]

You ever thinking about visiting resorts in California, Utah, or Colorado? You'd love it man. Keep up the great vids lol

[@riseandalpine]

I'd love to visit some US resorts. Barely able to afford groceries right now so maybe next season!!

[@Terminator37819]

How steep is Saudan Couloir? I’ve skied pakalolo and cougar chutes quite a few times but never had the chance to ski Saudan. Is a lot more challenging than those runs?

[@riseandalpine]

Saudan is steeper than both cougar and pakalolo. If you can ski those very confidently you would be okay on Saudan. I would not recommend starting from false face as there is lots of exposure. Start right in the middle of Saudan off the ridge and don't ski above any of the cliffs. If you fall, you'll just slide to valley bottom. Good luck!

[@dashielcockrill998]

Amazing video can we get the whistler lines next? I know a lot of them are extreme enough that you would need insane conditions but it would be awesome if we could see that.

[@riseandalpine]

Absolutely man! Fingers crossed for some more snow!

[@krisgrey5555]

Any of those chutes = bad place to blow a tire... Great skiing J and good memories!

[@riseandalpine]

You got that right! Had an interesting ski release that I'll include in a video soon. Needless to say my DINS are absolutely cranked hahaha

[@jasonprice8973]

Sound of that snow is like nails on a chalkboard 😱, gnar terrain, dreamy in good conditions.

[@Aboard_and_Abroad]

last bit on permanently closed areas = boss talk

[@zipperboy2008]

Props for doing them hard as rhymes with duck

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Richard!

[@kevinl8440]

According to Google topo Coulior Extreme is 1300 feet not 2500. And that is the longest steep line in the resort.

[@riseandalpine]

Back in the 1987 before the first ever Saudan Couloir race they coined the term "2500ft of thigh burning hell" Those boys in 1987 had better measurement tools than google - long story short - I don't believe GOOGLE 😂 😂 😂

[@kevinl8440]

@@riseandalpine It's not Google. It is ANY topo map. You are basically saying that one alpine chute is HALF the total vert of Blackcomb even though the first 80% of vert of Blackcomb is mellow tree cut runs (according to their own map unless you are saying they lie too). And i didnt want to call you out too much but most those runs are 300ft vert. You are exaggerating them by 300%

[@kevinl8440]

Actually i was wrong. I just eyed it quickly on Google. Fatmaps which is run by local skiers puts the run at 1000 vert feet. Look it up yourself if you dont believe me. Or are all those pro skiers who maintain Fatmaps wrong too?

[@riseandalpine]

​I was just joking around/being sarcastic my dude 😂😂😂😂The Topo's are right! I'm sure enough bud was being smoked in the 80's on Whistler that few numbers got misconstrued. Regardless of what the Topo's say "2500 feet of thigh burning hell" is what they called coined the race back in the day!

[@theroadnottakentravel]

Do you live in the area or do you drive up from Vancouver?

[@riseandalpine]

Pretty much 'in the area'. I live in Squamish and sleep in my truck quite a bit.

[@paultrudel9791]

James, nice comments re knowing ones capabilities, prevent forest fires buy not smoking yo. Trying to learn W/B and you are punching it. Can't wait till we are there again trying to copy you. P.

[@riseandalpine]

hahah you're the man Paul!!!. Just don't copy my poor binding and conditions choice ;) Can't wait to be out there again!!

[@gabuchan123]

hawaii 5-0 looks insane man with that ice! I don't even know if that is skiing or skating...cannot imagine doing this on a snowboard.

[@riseandalpine]

It's a super steep one! Coming in on a snowboard (for many the heelside edge) would be a horrifying experience 😂😂😂

[@jonathancannon6823]

That was awesome! Great video and bonus points for doing it all on mostly ice! my knees feel your pain... LOL

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Jonathan! Used some of the ice on the slopes to reduce knee swelling at the end of the day :)

[@nancymarchand8427]

That was an awesome video! I did some of those runs I wouldn't say I'm an advanced skier but I'm more of a daredevil and this gives me an insight on the other runs so I may want to try them someday. Only on a good pow day! that way if I tumble it hurts less.. 🤣🤣

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Nancy! It's awesome you've tried some of these. Sounds like you have some brains (unlike me) and don't want to ski the steepest runs on the mountain in the hardest conditions hahaha

[@rosshacquebard4462]

Are you worried about prerelease? Coming out of lone pine one ski just flew off! Over an exposed area that could go bad. I have the same skis but I wouldn't take them off piste with those bindings, definitely feels safer on my beefier skis/bindings. Great vid!

[@riseandalpine]

My Head I-Rally bindings have always been my go-to hard pack couloir skis. I've never worried about pre-release until just the other day when it starting happening. Dins are maxed out but they just can't handle the heat anymore. Bindings are like 8 years old though so I definitely will be retiring them soon... And they probably won't see any runs that steep ever again 😂😂😂😂 I'd say it's the right call riding your beefier bindings on these big lines!

[@rossh]

@@riseandalpine nice! For me it started happening when my boot toe wore out, so maybe it's just that!

[@averagetuber8564]

hey quick question. Where are u seeing these runs on the map, cause idk how to find them. Can you share the map u use?

[@riseandalpine]

I've got some stuff mapped out on the www.riseandalpine.com website

[@averagetuber8564]

@@riseandalpine thx

[@andywalker5277]

Also Google this pdf you can buy, a pretty comprehensive guide to just about everything, opened up a whole new world for me, although Saudan's is about my limit on a single plank. Almost makes me want to switch to skis. Almost. Advanced/Expert Ski and Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb

[@TheNcmore]

Runs look radically steep on your video...and since runs appear much steeper on-skis in-person than they do on video, I can only assume you have some sort of anti-gravity device on your skis to keep your edges from sliding out from under you and simply free-falling down the runs.

[@riseandalpine]

Shhhh... Don't share my secrets!

[@torrieorchard2570]

Man tough conditions to be hitting those runs. Props to you 🤘

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Torrie!!

[@cyrusAD]

I love that you did all of these with one pole. Dedication to the craft and for your viewers!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Cyrus!!! Now that I checked this video off I'll be sticking to two poles on the steeps 😂😂😂

[@alexbeis1861]

Pencil Chute on a snowboard would be interesting....

[@riseandalpine]

It would be so mint shooting through it in pow on a board - With the icy conditions I couldn't even imagine....

[@enderboygamer3248]

Holy beep

[@riseandalpine]

Holy Beep is right hahaha

[@enderboygamer3248]

@@riseandalpine yeah lol

[@austintarko5500]

love your vids, made very well, keep it up man!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Austin!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

pakalolo closed - you like ice - insert - vanilla ice PAKALOLO = THE CRAZY WEED ahh the 90S whistler

[@riseandalpine]

Hahaha I bet the 90's were a blast!

[@Collision13358C]

I definitely would not want to lose my ski on that run! Great recovery from that though!

[@riseandalpine]

Ya that was less than ideal LOL - I since have some new skis and don't have any pre-release nightmares

[@Dennisgoeshiking]

one of my fav videos so far, I've only done Saudan Coulouir out of this list so far. If I get injured trying these lines, its all your fault bro 😁😁

[@riseandalpine]

I'll be calling my lawyer 😂

[@ezski4688]

Bruh that krakatoa thing is scary. are there any videos of it? Just curious

[@riseandalpine]

I know right. I don't have any videos of it. I'd be super eager to see someone go big off that bottom drop after sticking the first one!

[@ezski4688]

@@riseandalpine It would be satisfying to watch maybe some other winter seems like whistler has low snow this year...

[@bholdr----0]

Very impressive to ski these runs well while holding a selfi-stick and giving a running commentary... good job! (Though I'd like to see him really rip one- he looks pretty good!)

[@riseandalpine]

Holding the selfie stick on icy conditions was totally a questionable decision hahah. Kept my mind off the ice though :)

[@bholdr----0]

@@riseandalpine There weren't even selfies, let alone sticks, back in my day! (/grumpy old guy... j/k... as long as I'm having fun, it's still my day!) The tour of the steeps of Blackcomb really reminded me why I dig your kind of riding. ...Have you ever ridden Alpental? ('Alpensmall') at Snoqualmie ('Snowcrummy') Pass, on I-90 in Washington State: legendary backcountry... Cheers and thanks again for the vid.

[@zach1638]

Hope you got to enjoy all the snow over the past week. Got out a few days ago and did Saudan's my first day because I thought it was the only way back to the Rendezvous lodge. Shit my pants man. Gonna try the chimney next, seems mellow ;)

[@riseandalpine]

LOL - craziest way back to the lodge. Chimney is very chill in comparison. The hike can feel a little scary though. Have fun!

[@chadk3223]

Solid video. I've skied a few of those runs (but never the Pencil Chute - crazy steep and narrow) but never with a selfie stick! Good job!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Chad! I just had to make it more challenging LOL

[@Paolo8772]

Saudan Couloir to the bottom of Glacier Chair is 2,500' vertical, but the run itself is only the top fraction of that portion of the mountain.

[@riseandalpine]

Totally! My stats were way off hahaha

[@Paolo8772]

@@riseandalpine I haven't skied in about 17 years but I've skied Blackcomb since 1984 when the biggest lift was Chair 3 (later named Stoker chair to the south of where Excelerator is now) and Whistler since 1982 (as well as the Green chair on Whistler in 1981 and a bunny hill at the bottom of the creak side in 1976, as well as Rainbow). Skied the from the 7th heaven T bar in early '86, the Peak Chair in early '87, Blackcomb in early 1988 and both for a couple days in 1993. I've only skied there a couple times since. It's the best. I'm a single black diamond level skier; only managed Saudan once without falling. That day actually I skied Gearjammer with ease. In the early 90s I did Jersey Cream Chair via Hooker in 90 seconds. My favourite run at the resort is probably Bear Paw on Whistler; I love lapping the Garbanzo chair, skiing upper downhill to the bottom of Bear Paw in 3 minutes. Anyway, thanks for posting! Cheers!

[@jayveethree6197]

What a great video, thanks for the cool content. What model HH jacket is that? It looks so comfortable

[@riseandalpine]

It's a Ridge Infinity Jacket! I've got the link to it in the video description. I've had it for 3 years now and I love it. HH always has some great sales and I think I scooped it for 50% off when I bought it.

[@platano123]

That was awesome man!! Can't wait to hit up Whistler! Random Q: Who makes your goggles?

[@riseandalpine]

They are an older set of smith IOS Goggles. Like these ones www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=315033&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=495197

[@88500990]

Down the false face, no poles, holding a selfie stick, on a pair of freaking carving skis... bruh you're crazy.

[@riseandalpine]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@愤豆]

still waiting for the best wsl tree runs 😁

[@riseandalpine]

Working on it. It's been icy and chunky in the trees since late January hahaha.

[@jackwabbit9784]

Great videos, I’m kinda guy who loves checking out runs on hills I haven’t been too, so I really love how you tag/talk about what run is what❤

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you liked it Jack!

[@jackwabbit9784]

@@riseandalpine 😎 hoping to get to whistler this next season, def gonna re watch these before I do for the scoop on the best lines, been to revelstoke a few times tho (from kelowna)

[@anthonysteen56]

I like how Alta has “only” single black runs and Blackcomb had triple blacks

[@riseandalpine]

Blackcomb only has Double Blacks.. Triple Blacks are just made up by us skiers. It basically means that you're above potential death exposure.

[@TheDmanMA]

wow..planning a trip for March...but unfortunately wont be riding that terrain.

[@riseandalpine]

You'll have a blast regardless of your skill level! Check out some of my other videos if you want to learn more about Whistler's awesome terrain.

[@bkramer]

Sick vid! Super comprehensive

[@chrisskiingpowpow]

Bruh my heart almost jumped outta my chest when he shows Hawaii Five O lol Hella good vibes and keep the Whistler ski guides coming!

[@darrellcope2071]

Did I miss spanks?

[@riseandalpine]

@Darrell Cope - I just made a small mention to Spanky's since I made a separate guide on it! Totally is one of the most important steeps playgrounds on the mountain

[@luckmc2874]

Is there anything skiable on the ridge at 11:43? When I was looking on fatmap I saw a line called AP. Doubt it is avalanche controlled tho and is probably considered sidecounty.

[@riseandalpine]

Couldn't find the line you were talking about. Anything towards lakeside is permanently closed and beyond that last little peak is all side country. Sometimes I wonder if they actually even avi control that area at all. Worth it to wear beacon for that one!

[@luckmc2874]

Ok, thanks! Whistler has such amazing terrain! I’ll have to make it out there someday.

[@Terminator37819]

There is also a run called “Husume” next to AP. It’s all side country and it takes you into the blackcomb glacier.

[@tommymai3062]

Dude your a pro. That’s fkin scary

[@riseandalpine]

Thx Tommy!

[@QUincez]

You're puttin' on a jump turn clinic my guy.

[@riseandalpine]

I think this guy was seen jump turning the whole way down Peak To Creek this afternoon. #legsofsteel #cantgetenough

[@matiasgibbs251]

Great stuff. Your videos are gold man. Which run would you say it's the easiest from the Horstman PeakZone? (or the run you would recommend doing for the first time in that area)

[@riseandalpine]

The easiest form the Horstman Peak zone is probably stupid east, but this year given the snowpack they are all extremely gnarly

[@supersorbents]

Cool ski dude 100%

[@jimmydougle9743]

Great video man!! They look hella steep

[@riseandalpine]

Cheers Jimmy!

[@ezpznoob8092]

great vid love the editing

[@riseandalpine]

Appreciate it!

[@cherries4life387]

Great insight!!

[@riseandalpine]

🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@ehess8845]

Recently found your channel...I will live vicariously through you! Keep doing your thang!

[@riseandalpine]

Welcome Eric! Glad you're diggin' it!

[@olliepaterson6665]

Thanks for the vid, used to live here 2006 ish for a couple years, brings back some memories.

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you got to experience it. Such a fun mountain!

[@steffenwilliams8154]

Love the helmet bro, keep grinding

[@riseandalpine]

Gotta keep the cranium secure!

[@skieurdevalmorel3033]

Awesome skiing dudes you rock \m/

[@riseandalpine]

THANKS! 🤙🤙🤙

[@Migueiii65]

Question ? Can an Intermediate Skier Ski Spanky Ladder ? Thank you

[@riseandalpine]

If you can confidently ski Whistler Bowl & Pakalolo I think you would be ready to try the Ruby bowl in Spanky's. There are lots of cliffs in Spanky's so you need to have really solid control on steep runs before you give it a try! Hope that helps :).

[@Migueiii65]

@@riseandalpine thanks a Bunch 🙏

[@Migueiii65]

@@riseandalpine thank you lots 🙏

[@adventureawaits5003]

Awesome video 🤙

[@riseandalpine]

Cheers!

[@TahoeTrailRunner23]

Any chance you would be able to make a video explaining how some of these runs got their names? I bet there’s some fun stories behind a few 🙃

[@riseandalpine]

Would be an awesome video - my Dad is always asking for this one too. I wonder if there is a book somewhere out there or if I need to chat with some of the legend patrollers?

[@jonesov]

1:20 psst.. you were right the first time. Saudan's vertical is around 1200' to the very end of it. 2500' is from the top of Saudan down to Glacier lodge.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks! I'm a fishermen so I can't be trusted with numbers 😂😂😂

[@jonesov]

@@riseandalpine Lolz nah it's not you it's those websites that get their numbers from who knows where. Like the sites that bizarrely say that Peak to Creek length is 11km when in reality it's 5.5km.

[@jameshamilton9643]

Do on on Whistler mountain

[@riseandalpine]

🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@mirageleung]

This was epic man! I was up there the last few weekends, hasn't snowed in like a month! Psyched to try some of these lines

[@riseandalpine]

Fingers Crossed for some POW 🤞🤞🤞

[@jonathanleach383]

Haha sick vid buddy, can you do a whistler steeps vid next? What in your opinion is the scariest / most committing / steepest line you’ve skied at whistler blackcomb? And would you say that’s the toughest run you’ve ever skied?

[@riseandalpine]

Hey Jonathan, Working on a Whistler Steeps as we speak! Need some decent snowfall but shouldn't take long since Whistler has less steeps than the Blackcomb Side. Thats a tough question. Snow conditions can really change the feel of a run as well as the way you ski it. Bombing straight down is sometimes less scary than jump turns where you risk a binding malfunction. To me exposure is what is really scary (ie. runs with huge cliffs beside or beneath so a fall = trouble). Krakatoa, Crack House, Lone Pine, Teetering, Hiking into Coffin. The steepest less exposed lines are Coffin, Pencil Chute, Exhilaration and Hawaii 5-0. All are challenging in different ways so wouldn't be able to put my finger on one. I can confirm that these lines are some of the steepest and most committing I've ever skiied!

[@jonathanleach383]

@@riseandalpine thanks buddy appreciate the intel, looking forward to the next vid!

[@riseandalpine]

​@@jonathanleach383 No worries Bro! Thanks for tuning in :)

[@PKMz3ta]

Is that a map app that you are showing screenshots from?

[@riseandalpine]

It's FATMAPS . I usually use it on my computer so not sure if they have a decent app. Would be worth checking out!

[@leoguy1030]

the conditions look wack af

[@riseandalpine]

Couldn't have been worse... sharp race skis were required

[@brizzchizz7302]

The one pole wonder.

[@riseandalpine]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@TheNcmore]

Where's your helmet skiing in that steep gnar?

[@riseandalpine]

Don't worry I was wearing a bucket! I have my go pro on my helmet and take my helmet off to film selfie style when I'm stopped because it's easier than unclipping the cam. You definitely need a helmet for the steeps!!!

[@CCSn0ws]

You are the best

[@riseandalpine]

Thank you my friend!

[@stevemullen8457]

Excellent.

[@riseandalpine]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alexmartel4896]

epic dude!!!

[@riseandalpine]

Ayye thanks Alex!

[@strevens84]

What length skis are you on?

[@riseandalpine]

Was mainly using my 176cm carvers in this video. If the snow was actually decent I would be on my beefier 190cm skis. Any length works on the steeps!

[@nzheliking1278]

Full respect for skiing that shit with one pole while filming yourself.

[@riseandalpine]

I live for a challenge 😂😂😂😂

[@lrapson01]

Been there and did it it is crazy

[@riseandalpine]

Which one did you do? All of them?

[@jrab3680]

Thanks!

[@riseandalpine]

Wow thank you. Your support and generosity means a lot :)

[@jrab3680]

A pleasure to watch you and you are so insightful! So really, thank you. Be there for 11 days late Feb to Early march...Creekside Accommodations. Wheeee