The FIFTY - COMSTOCK - Mountain Philosophies & Adventure Dreams

Round 2 on the wild, rugged and exposed Comstock Couloir in Glacier National Park, Canada. With 28 days to ski three lines, a tough decision to stay in the Sierra versus driving ~2000 miles for a two day weather window hangs over Cody and Bjarne. Go to Canada and risk an opportunity in the Sierra or wait in the Sierra while wasting an opportunity in Canada. After making the call, the FIFTY crew links up with Greg Hill, Mali Noyes and Spencer Harkins to give another attempt at one that got away last season. An episode that opens up some of the philosophy behind the project, the irony of this objective based dream and why a lot of us go into the mountains.
Film Length 23:09
Co-Starring: Bjarne Salen, Mali Noyes, Greg Hill & Spencer Harkins
Edited by: Lou Currie at Donderlab
Cinematography by: Bjarne Salen & Spencer Harkins
Intro VFX by: Blair Richmond
Maps by OnX: James Lee & Katie Scott
Music from: Artlist.io License 4023308
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ROUTE Info:
Want to use the maps used to guide The FIFTY, here is 14 day Free Trial and 20% discount to OnX Backcountry App: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r...
WEATHER:
Track incoming storms and compare 10-day snow forecasts for your favorite mountains with a free 30-day trial to OpenSnow: opsw.co/thefifty30
GEAR Used in Episode:
Salomon QST Echo 106:
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 Crux 40L: bit.ly/3Qr8SPw
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
TinCup Whiskey: bit.ly/3FvbSpb

[@cps102]

Similar to your philosophy in the mountains, I think your audience feels the same at this point. We're not motivated to watch you tick off lines (although it's great when you do), but we watch for the adventure, the process, and the camaraderie. Love this series!

[@CasaDelMandar]

idk I'm pretty motivated to watch him tick off lines

[@maxbowen6482]

i cant agree with you on that. id be super stoked for him to get them all.

[@josephregan1007]

I know what you mean. Plus, the longer he keeps getting worked by the Comstock the longer we're guaranteed FIFTY episodes!

[@cps102]

@@maxbowen6482 Uh, yeah. Me too. As would everyone.

[@flukeofficial]

Came to the comments to say the same thing. I’m more than content watching the adventure, even if it means no check mark. Not worth the risks.

[@cjheaney6265]

I love that you refused to say pit viper 😂. Great episode!

[@tullyjoneswilkins3378]

Shout out Sonoran Avalanche center for uncovering the vail facet manufacturing! Good to see the word spread on the FIFTY

[@CodyTownsend]

Our pleasure!

[@glenrostie]

Would have been great to see more of the ski out. You guys focus so much on the objective that you forget there is a real interest in seeing great turns in interesting back country. Makes it even more interesting with all the gear you are carrying. You are one of the worlds best skiers, you don't have to be on a 40 degree incline for us to enjoy watching you and your amazing friends. Absolutely love your content Cody; keep it coming.

[@dustificator911]

Yee we would love to see some good ski

[@alexcooper7195]

To be fair to Cody, the ski down the Asulkan Glacier is very mellow and not exciting at all.

[@glenrostie]

@@alexcooper7195 I don't mind watching mellow skiing when its done by the best and in a setting average people will never get to see yet alone ski. No knock on Cody or Bjorn at all, I'm saying they may have an opportunity to put out more content and don't forget that watching people do something they love with 100% commitment is a formula for success in the content world...not just death defying stunts that ratchet up the danger factor every time you post.

[@TheGreatKrystoff]

Regardless of how many boxes get checked when the project ends, the legacy of The Fifty will be the joys of *responsible* backcountry skiing and alpine adventuring with friends. At this point you and Bjorne have the production and polish of these episodes at such a high level I'd watch 10 failed attempts on the same mountain and be entertained, educated and inspired. You're an absolute legend my dude, hope you enjoyed it because we all did!

[@jalanG10]

Cody... I've watched all of the episodes from this project and this is one of my favorite. It's funny because yes, you've shown this Comstock adventure twice, and yet, this episode is different from the first. It speaks to why I stay up to date on this project. I've been a expedition guide my whole life. I'm currently a river guide, and I'm a ski mountaineer myself, so I learn a lot from your content. Not only that, I am silently applauding so many of your decisions which are based in great communication and calculation. You are a great leader, and a team member, and you obviously draw exceptional, level-headed, good hearted people to do these projects with you. This is amazing material and it stands out from so much of the other ski content I watch. I see so many stunning, jaw dropping videos... But I can't help but read between the "lines" and see skiers and climbers making bad decisions, and narrowly escaping disaster. I can sense that there is often a lack of good communication in many of these. I know you would say you've made some bad decisions here and there and I would say is inevitable. But it is the fact that you and your teammates are constantly humble enough to keep checking in as calmly as possible, and keep in tune with your protocols, and guiding philosophies, that is keeps me coming back. It is the fact that you make a point to make this an integral part of your content that is most impressive of all. Finally, I'll just say your monologue on the ridge-top right before the decent, with Bjarne's addition afterwards was first class. Thanks so much for what you're doing. Keep on keeping it classy!

[@CodyTownsend]

Thank you for all that. I really appreciate your feedback and perspective.

[@andrewbarabas4900]

@@CodyTownsend I bet a lot of people feel the same as jalanG10. I know I do!

[@peterhone9763]

@@CodyTownsend I would second what @jalanG10 said. One of the things setting you apart from other videos I have seen is that you show everything. It feels like it paves the way for very important discussions to be had, on and off the mountain. I think you're a role model for leadership and good communication. Thanks for the videos man!

[@moldpirate8113]

Third time is the charm she's in the bag

[@michaelspencer4226]

It’s gotten to a point where it’s fun as a viewer to see you guys go up and ask the mountain and have it say no.

[@RentonBrax]

It's one of my fav things about this. Makes me feel better about all the lines I didn't send as a kid because it didn't make sense anymore.

[@mball831]

It's not necessarily a no. It's a "Try Again Later".

[@toastymctrigger6061]

The fact you guys would drive all the way out there and hike up only to turn around once again because of weather and snow conditions says alot about your professionalism and the quality of your approach to your sport. Thanks for putting these videos out!

[@rcktmn]

spoiler alert bro

[@sba8710]

Please don’t spoil the videos for anyone else

[@TheWmelton]

Who the hell reads the comments before watching the video? Isn't that just asking for spoilers? I've never understood that

[@rcktmn]

@@TheWmelton it was at the top and I saw it in my perifs

[@brianp9268]

@@rcktmnfull screen

[@pauldicang1080]

Send, don't send... Whatever you guys do, I'm here for it!

[@ablackshedd]

I have a recurring situation here. I wake up, it's kind of a "life" day... walk the dog, take the kids to school, get ready for work etc... you know... you resign yourself to the mundanity. Dare I say, take it all for granted a little bit. BUT then a funny thing happens... you guys drop an episode of "The FIFTY". It makes me genuinely happy, odd such a thing affects me so much, but there it is. So my coffee is better, I appreciate the day more, hold hands with my kid on the way to school and watch the leaves fall.... Thank you. From my point of view, the set backs are as important to the adventure as the wins(and selfishly another episode for me, lol). What you and Bjarne say on the ridge really resonates and is a huge part of why I appreciate these videos so much. Friends, family and the journey...cheers.

[@CodyTownsend]

Thank you for saying all that. Means an absolute ton. All the best to you my man.

[@sba8710]

“I’m still happy to be here with you” - as an audience member that’s my feeling too.

[@KellyEdlyn]

Honestly I'm not that invested in the 50 lines anymore! I'd love to watch y'all just keep ski mountaineering even if it's non 50 lines. I was inspired to start splitboarding and got my avy one last year because of y'all!

[@jaykita2069]

I;m a long time resort skier with very limited backcountry experience, but the commentary you gave when turning back and the inputs from the audience highlight how great an experience skiing can be. A wonderful film.

[@denkogami]

The Spencer Snack Zone was clutch

[@michaelcwirth]

Mount Dawson. A weather collector that we both saw was in not the best of condition this year. Great story telling as always! You got this 🤙🏼

[@CodyTownsend]

Such a cloud magnet. Yeah can't force it in the mountains. Thanks buddy.

[@davidhartnett4648]

I think it every time, but this too was one of my absolute favorite episodes.

[@HikingwithGus]

Nothing sweeter than that sound of snow creaking under your skis. You know its a great day when you nose runs and you breath in and yo nostrils stick together! Love these videos!

[@AndrewGroat7]

Thanks for bringing us along for this adventure Cody! We would love to see a Comstock attempt #3, even if it ends up being another “same episode”. It’s awesome to have you come up to this beautiful little area in Canada and share your experience!

[@user-np1fh2kf5n]

Wow, 17:28- 18:50 is a stand alone Zen story about life. Kids will do that to ya. Your there man and its radiating out to all of us. Thank you for this. Meta~ 🙏🌈❤🍀

[@andrewbarabas4900]

I think these episodes are super valuable even if you don't ski the line! Not only are they still rad adventures to watch, they teach us about decision-making in the backcountry. Like you said in one of the Gear 30 podcasts, a big improvement in avy safety is gonna come from human factors: decision-making, communication, bias training, etc, and probably the same is true for mountain safety in general. What you're doing really emphasizes the decision-making process (and overall the process in general) as opposed to just focusing on skiing a sick line, and I'm so glad this content is out here. I feel I learn a lot watching these. I'm bummed you didn't ski the line here, but I'm glad you still had a cool adventure and that you're staying true to yourself. I hope that you can continue making videos like this whenever the 50 project comes to an end

[@ianholl9100]

No Chill Greg Hill is Back! Bravo....Lou Currie at Donderlab, great edit!

[@CodyTownsend]

She’s the best!

[@MrnuffZ]

Finished watching you at Split the other day, sort of have the feeling that we haven’t seen the end of this yet… and if you come back, it will be for all the right reasons ❤ I have to give it to both you Cody and Bjarne, throughout ups and downs your mood varies between serious consideration and happiness - even in the lows there seem to be a smile not far behind. That’s impressive. Big shout out also for your collaboration with Salomon on the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT boots, got them last winter before finding this channel. They are awesome! And together with the QST 106 - love them!

[@Marionetax]

I could see your “same episode” again and again… it’s not about the summit, it’s about the journey. Thank you for share yours with us. Awesome!

[@ChadRedl]

You are such an amazing ambassador for snow sports Cody. I really appreciate your approach to the mountains, and highlighting the decision making that goes into these consequential lines over the whole course of this series. Loved the episode!

[@climbmotoadv1550]

The thoughts about what makes us happy, and being humble. Sometimes in life you can find yourself to be surrounded by a lot of people that think about how they look and who is the best all the time. Really like that your taking it down to earth and giving us thoughts on what is really important in the long run. Really nice said, more of this on youtube, love your series, love you man! ❤

[@jddallager1699]

A big tip of the old chapeau to Cody and Bjarne for their expertise and willingness to share the prep/detailed study/decision-making that goes into each of The Fifty ..... whether successful in completing .....BUT ALWAYS SUCCESSFUL IN COMING HOME! As Ed Viesturs, one of the most successful mountaineers of all time, has said: "“Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” Well done ...... THANKS for the insights and motivation you provide us all! 🙂

[@CoffeeKillersClub]

The personal reflections leading the decision making process behind the actions to take the mountain or to turn back had always brushed by me, but this one at the end of the video really hits home. I think what you ran into is human nature, how we objectively and philosophically approach our lives in general. The discussion says a lot about us as humans. Life is not a checklist. Checklists help, but when we use the checklist as our guiding principal we often run into disaster. In each moment I think the greatest philosophy to hold is one where we appreciate the time spent with one another.

[@briannorwick]

Absolutely no need to apologize to the audience! I watch these videos BECAUSE you show the decision making behind turning around. Love the evaluations and discussions on safety and priorities! Cheers!!

[@thegravityenthusiast8632]

I’d watch you guys walk up any hill 🤙 The book lines aren’t what makes these series special; it’s the full mountaineering experience that y’all share with the world.

[@dirkrichardson1681]

Love seeing the highs and the lows. Shows how not every adventure goes as planed, but still an adventure in its own.

[@Sck519]

One of the better videos on Avy safety/backcountry decisions making I've ever seen. The amount of effort it took to get there and then make the right decision to turn around is huge on the teams part. I hope this helps others make good choices this winter. Stay safe everyone!

[@willardsbruce]

Such a great series! These lessons transfer over into all aspects of decision making in life. Very cool to see the pure energy of the mountains translated for all!

[@travisdeatherage4914]

So much respect for your choices in the mountains. It’s never as easy and simple as you make it look.

[@augustschilling6486]

What a crew! Thanks for sharing another great adventure.

[@hankmishima4798]

Thanks again for sharing your adventure! To me, the best moments are the ones that you can vividly remember over the years that bring back a great feeling about the experience. I remember just a few of those moments that bring that internal satisfaction over the past 63 years of life. As this year has shown in the Alpine across the world, one needs to carefully measure risk and rewards when attempting to accomplish goals to avoid suffering serious consequences.

[@JasonSchmidt]

I love that you are able to make the choice to turn back when it's not right. Love the content, really enjoy seeing you and Bjarne on this journey! Stay safe!

[@paulgilbreath4914]

I appreciate the sentiment described on the ridgeline regarding the real fulfillment of our activities. As a previously objective-based adventurer, I quickly came to realize that I more fondly recount the failed ones with good decision making then the ones that went smoothly. A shitty day in the mountains is almost always better than a good day at work, for those of us who don't get to work outside.

[@morije2morije276]

Thank you so much for the testimony you've expressed during this adventure. You managed to put into words what I regularly feel when backcountry skiing, namely the paradox between the intense joy of an unforgettable experience and the dismay of an incomplete sensation. From a backcountry skier in Northeastern Québec in the Charlevoix region around Le Massif.

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

Love these episodes. Anyone can show off their successes. It takes real character to show failure and humility in the face of adversity. How many people die in the mountains because they have an ego about their objectives? I am envious of your friends and adventure buddies not your objectives. Love it

[@MrMimichel]

One of the best episode so far! Love the energy! Keep on pushing while being safe and still having fun, love it!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

18:11 is so real. Thank you thank you thank you for always keeping it 100. For me, although the objectives mean so much on paper, I realize after they mean nothing. However, turning around is always a stinger for me (at least in the moment) because part of me does feel that “failure” even if I know it was the right decision.

[@darrylhunt1397]

The way I see it, you've got two options here. Option A) move to Revelstoke so you will for sure be around for a prolonged high pressure system with good stability. Option B) do the bugs to Roger's traverse again, but this time the traditional way and get Comstock along the way. I suppose there is option C) post up at the Glacier Circle Cabin as long as you're allowed in the spring and wait. But that's not as fun.

[@CodyTownsend]

Option A is most and least likely.

[@AlexEvans-Osteopath]

Great to see a beautiful part of Rodgers Pass never been that far in. Love the discussions on objectives.

[@marcopinelli8330]

Simply one word: amazing

[@NN-rk4bx]

I love your philosophy! Great times!

[@boudibla4011]

Drivng the project that drives you... Way to go! Asulkan Pass and Dawson range are properly awesome places. Keep the adventures coming friend! Happy trails.

[@JK-zi1rg]

I love the process - getting to see first hand the planning, the execution, and then of course the in the moment decision making. Turning back can be the hardest but best decision. Been there many times and I rarely have regretted turning back or think it was the wrong decision. Every time, and I mean every time I have pushed it past that point, it got knarley and required too much luck! Love the vids! Could watch this 'episode' over and over!

[@michaelkantor]

Big props for making the smart decision as difficult as that must have been. You're influencing a lot of skiers who are getting after their own bucket list of lines and have to make their own tough choices. Now we can all say "hey if Cody turned around I can too". Live to ski another day.

[@stephenshippos4604]

"Shared memories of adventure with family"....Amen

[@goooooller9353]

Genuinely some of the best ski content on the Internet.

[@goldstandardaviation1667]

Turning around before the summit is a no worries thing. The journey is the best part.

[@JackHawkinswrites]

Top of the mountain to you!

[@mattb.8750]

I love that Bjane has a cotton hoodie leaving camp. No big deal.

[@alphubel1000]

thanks so much for the awesome adventure and sharing this. Just sitting in Munich, Germany, winter is on its way and a lot of lines to catch this winter. have a great time, take care and enjoy your life Cody 👍👍👍 ride on

[@robertflynn1084]

so real so honest so much fun ... thanks so much

[@liamdoyle3572]

Great video as usual, love seeing the decision making process and the maturity/professionalism of your choices on this type of thing, I’ve only done one of the lines on your list but watching stuff like this changes the way you look at choices when risk is involved

[@windowshots]

This is why it’s so great to watch your efforts. The real deal when it comes to mountain pursuits. And how about those rocky talkys. They are a game changer when it comes to communicating on slopes.

[@robertmooretruro]

Absolutely love watching these adventures. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to each episode in the same way that people got excited about game of thrones.

[@dietrichschuhl1957]

I love reruns. Even better the second time around.

[@jodiegordon]

Another killer episode!!

[@lukasschneider7964]

Great episode. Thanks!

[@gmoriano]

Centre of the universe! So good

[@superlightsarah]

just so beautiful it looks unreal, amazing filming what an adventure 😍

[@ssmokem]

as always, some great lessons on listening to your gut and the mountain.

[@edwardconover4728]

Such a great meditation on intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation. Thank you for the that.

[@ianzinnerphoto]

Way of the road bub. Curious tho, if you go to that much effort to travel, get permits, etc., why not plan on a longer trip to give you more opportunity to wait out inadequate weather? Seems like a ton of work for such a short window. Either way, I respect the send, Spencer's snack selection, and turning around when necessary. 🤙

[@brandonmacmullin]

I love playing in the mountains but have started to feel the time on the road and being away. Doing all that prep, driving and approaching only to walk away empty handed for a second time would be devastating to me. I appreciate you guys sharing your perspective and showing the commitment and sacrifice that goes into these objectives.

[@Social_Grenade]

Super stoked just to see you guys have a good time. The line might not have been achieved but we all know having fun and getting home safe is the goal

[@kirkgulick]

Thank you for showing us, there is success in admitting “failures”

[@chuzzwade288]

Aw man, I’ve loved watching this! I’m an ageing snowboarder stuck in the middle of the UK! If I was a skier (and younger) this is just the kind of trip I’d be so stoked on. The skiing still looked incredible! Loved your speech 18mins in about the Stoke and the feelings. Not that I’ve done anything close to competitive snowboarding, but I just love being in the mountains, the feeling and inner peace is awesome, and sharing with best friends is something else (the wife just doesn’t get it 😅) Stoked to watch you all 🤙🏼

[@paulcentineo4174]

Tremendous effort! Hats off to trying again!! 💪🏼👊🏼

[@injurylad1]

I love that this attempt made you reflect on why you are doing this. I know I don't go into the mountains to check a box.

[@dylancross233]

Absolutely insane .3

[@svenball5384]

some mistakes can only be done once. Therefore you can be glad to have another shot, if you feel like. great effort !

[@patrikrohner2641]

I just love this Episode and all the good decisions you made. Keep on doing what we all love ❤️ greetings from switzerland😊

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Always a wild ride with you guys. A+++ for effort!!!

[@aFeinPhoto]

The philosophical meanderings at 18min was 🙏❤️🙏.

[@koriklein2690]

That one was a real gooder!! And the end-music was classic ‘interior-BC’. Well done on the adventure, Buds. 🇨🇦🎿

[@johnrobinson5506]

Amazing to watch guys so inspiring 🩵💯💯💯💯

[@dirtbagoutside]

Love her hilight tent!

[@zmjackson1]

I need to get in touch with Mike. I’ve been a huge fan of cracked pepper triscuts for some time. What an idea!

[@galliumarsenide]

I agree with your philosophy. I always think about alternatives.. to be able to go where conditions are best, looking for the best tour/line/experience available at the day. Like looking at a buffet and taking what looks the best, vs having to take what you set your mind to before.

[@clausbrix8471]

Super cool to see the process...

[@seanu4963]

Nice evo collab pomocas. 😊 nice philosophies too. Enjoying the mountains vs forcing yourself in them.

[@jdubbsvt85]

The journey is almost always better than the destination...especially when it involves friends 👍

[@ericclaptonsrobotpilot7276]

All good man. I have faith y'all will get it in 2024.

[@truecrisp]

Bravo

[@mundanecrisp3786]

Shut up 🤐 h

[@stevenqirkle]

Wow that place is beautiful 🤩

[@danielpimenoff657]

Wow, very good video. Makes me want to become ski bum and climb mountains.

[@shaylawley9437]

So good brother!!!

[@llo70422]

very smart to make a decision not to do it. I think you make things very real when you tell us how you feel and you did in this video. You are fantastic and so talented. Comstock is not going anywhere and will be there for you "if" you decide to go back. Sheila Vancouver BC

[@lylecarlsonsurfboard]

I hope you guys do 50 more I love watching this show

[@tekrunner987]

No matter how the FIFTY project ends, I really hope that we'll keep getting more mountain adventure videos from Cody (& Bjarne?). Your philosophy and low-key style would work great when just showing days out in the wild, even or maybe especially when not goal-focused.

[@silverchannel8582]

Happiness is only real when it is shared 🤙🏼

[@slagmaker6780]

Great way to go... even if you don't make the top... you made it worth it!

[@johnshellenberg1383]

Excited for a return to BC for the Comstock and for the NF of Mt. Robson.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

First things first: Once again a top notch episode! Finally, after 6 days had time and the mood to watch it - totally worth it! Then: thank you Bjarne for being the Swede and adding the kilometers on the drive from cali to BC, and thank you Cody for teaming up with someone from a country with a normal measuring system for those adventures :-P Btw: Cody, if i am right, those were the QST Echo's you were skiing: do you know how the naming system works for the QST ski-family - and more important - how big that excel-spreadsheet which QST ski gets which name ended up being...? ^^

[@ricklauderdale3967]

Thank you Cody for saying it well, as this has resonated with me. My approach to life is in line with this philosophy. Slowed down enough to take it all in. Also your video series "The Fifty" has been a great inspiration to me and informative as well. Check'em off!

[@shauntaylor5034]

Your approach to skiing is just 👌. Love the content as always (especially when you come up to Canada!)

[@CodyTownsend]

I wish I could spend more time in my home away from home.

[@kimb2582]

It wasn't the same episode though. Same place, sure, but another year of growth and developing a deeper connection to your why. And who cares if we have seen this place before, do those views ever get old? I did my graduate work and got to live in Canada for 3 years. I climbed Mount Sir Donald and Uto Peak in Glacier. An unreal place. I hope you go back, I wanna see it a third time ( :