The FIFTY - Line 32/50 - Castle Peak, ID - Bad Beta & Backcountry Buddies

On the heels of a massive sufferfest in Montana, Cody Townsend and cinematographer Bjarne Salen, hurry down to Idaho to catch a favorable avalanche and weather cycle to attempt a line deep in the Idaho wilderness north of Sun Valley. Armed with a borrowed snowmobile, enough equipment to survive a week in the woods, some bad beta and the desire to check the line of the list, Bjarne and Cody go out on a mission filled with good vibes, great laughs and some damn fun turns.
This is Episode 29 for The FIFTY, and line 32 of 50 completed by Cody Townsend. The FIFTY is 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 along with the people that dedicate their lives to the mountains.
Music Licensed from Artlist.io
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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.co....
WEATHER:
For a 60 day trial to an All-Access subscription to OpenSnow click here: bit.ly/3TTZhA5
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

[@heylois4243]

that mountain lunch conversation was by far one of the best moments in the series yet!

[@attemoilanen4848]

This clearly was a mission of gastronomical proportions.

[@danjon1972]

@@attemoilanen4848 I see what you did there

[@TheOGofSki]

It was top notch stuff!

[@riverradley1639]

My favorite part

[@mary-ellenmayoh9698]

Lunch choices are muy importante 👌

[@zacdavis9806]

As much as the audience loves the suffer fests, it is absolutely awesome to just watch you guys... Succeed. "Oh, it's closer and shorter and easier travel than anticipated? Hell yeah"

[@samueleller5469]

You know they're doing too many sufferfests when Cody is like "oh a twenty mile tandem sled ride, 5k feet of vert? bad beta, this is an easy one day line"

[@CodyTownsend]

My definition of what's easy and hard has changed drastically since the start of the Fifty

[@cactuscooler48]

@@CodyTownsend When Cody snaps or says somethings hard like he did in the last video, you know that peak blows 😂

[@jimross8101]

I had the same thought. This would've wrecked me for a month.

[@nomadtrails]

@@CodyTownsend yeaaaah boy, y'all are getting strong af

[@-tr0n]

@@CodyTownsend And the facial hair just gets more haggard to go with it! Oldtimer mountaineer over here. Really appreciate you taking us along for these trips, it's great.

[@claykarmel4730]

"What are you thinking?" "I'm not thinking, I'm skinning." Needs to be on an official shirt from The Fifty.

[@jimgooch3704]

Would buy.

[@thomaslusignan945]

I would definitely buy that

[@henrykullberg8091]

Honestly the best episode so far. A break from the pain and just an episode where two guys go in the mountains for an adventure and finally hit good snow

[@Tom_Bradley]

Yes! Loved the simplicity of it.

[@nickdambrosia2304]

This is one of my favorite episodes yet! As a videographer myself I got a lotta respect for Bjarne and was happy to see him featured so much in a single epi! Thanks for sharing fellas!

[@CodyTownsend]

Same here!

[@joeulman9140]

I'm so glad these episodes are back semi regular.

[@thomaslarouchethibault9278]

Great episode guys!! Really loved this one, you two casually eating sandwiches made you look human and not mountaineering gods for once lol keep up the awesome work!

[@CodyTownsend]

I mean, we are human and eating sandwiches on summits is half the fun.

[@danshepard5083]

@@CodyTownsend One of my favorite things about skiing as a kid was taking the breakfast leftovers and making a sandwich to eat at noon on the lift. Thin mountain air, good crusty bread, butter, cheese, and cold cuts. Not quite the same as a Summit Lunch, but still delicious.

[@tee918]

The tandem sled ride looks straight from a sitcom. Like Cody and Beorne each wanted to drive and refused to ride backseat

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

It's rad to see you doing crazy long approaches and gnarly accents, but I think this has been my favorite episode so far. It was cool to see just you and Bjarne hanging out.

[@CodyTownsend]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@cactuscooler48]

"That was back when I did dumb stuff...granted everyone would probably think what I do now is pretty dumb too" - This 100% the way everyone who isn't a mountaineer/climber/back country skier thinks 😆But all it takes is that perfect weather mountain top experience and you're hooked for life! (Or if you're born to be a climber, you get into a horrid 70mph wind gust storm on your first peak and are still hooked for life haha...)

[@midi510]

For me, it's all I know. I've lived in the Eastern Sierra for 60 years and started skiing b/c when I was 12. Started mountaineering and Ice climbing at about 20. I think living in a city surrounded by people and human-made stuff is insanity.

[@northeastfamilyadventures9186]

"Hey Bjarne, I know we just came back from this massive sufferfest..." Best way to start a trip. This one actually looked like a ton of fun though. Straight line challenge was AWESOME! Bjarne had us scratching our heads on what we thought was the line from the drone shots. I was thinking that was going to be tough, but then we saw the real line, that looked really sweet. What a difference from the last trip out. Great way to follow on a sufferfest!

[@franco_is]

I will forever see the drive over Galena in a new light haha!

[@nicholasrandell2310]

I appreciate what you said on Instagram about this episode revolving around how much better skiing is with a real good friend for a partner. That scene on the summit was hilarious!

[@michaelsproul7020]

You guys nailed the essence of skiing mountains with friends.

[@hagbardc623]

What a great summit, calm as can be, eating sandwhiches, being goofballs. Good times! (those are bold words about coffee tho! )

[@jeffreyrhoades1305]

More Bjarne in front of the camera please! Great work boys, you two are a fantastic team for the ages. Winter is coming!

[@MrNodwell]

This is my favorite thing on KZbin and maybe just to watch in general. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you guys 🙂

[@Steve-dj6ww]

Same here, without a doubt

[@danielrosenblatt]

Some of the sweetest looking actual SKIING of the series.

[@joshuaneubert3265]

I just binged this entire series and was NOT ONCE disappointed. Incredible on all fronts (filming, planning, skiiing, safety, I could go on). I love skiing, but I'm not a backcountry skier for fear of the dangers that exist, but this series has shown me that by following safety protocol, you can have a rad and safe time in the backcountry. Love it. Can't wait for the last 21 best descents!

[@CodyTownsend]

Thank you Josh.

[@drewwatson4258]

There is just no series on yt like this. Between the edits, maps, music, lines, friends, gear, and amazing mountaineering skills this is the best entertainment. Nothing gets me more exited to tour then watching you do it ha! I hope there is another 50 mountains you can climb after this series!!

[@Tom_Bradley]

100% agree!

[@paulpetersen3071]

I really need to get my buddies motivated to get out west this year. I'm sending this to all of them to hopefully get the fire burning inside. Thank you for these great escapes from my daily grind.

[@paperboy7364]

Need to now explain to my boss why I have done very little work for the last hour or so of the day. Thanks for the episode. Keep en rolling - thank you 🙏

[@CodyTownsend]

Glad to help

[@jimgooch3704]

Nothing like a little serendipity to lighten the mood! One of the more enjoyable installments, C&B. Like a lot of other people have said, the great relationship you guys have kind of fades to the background when you pick up a crew -- Bjarne disappears behind the camera. But with that epic crusher from Ep 28 in pocket, to see you guys on a silent, bluebird summit, crushing sammies, with really wonderful skiing (in AND out)...well let's just say you guys really deserved this one. Really good show, fellas.

[@neilmattson9804]

Cody thank you for coming to Idaho and giving us a nod. Yes there are a lot of mountains here. Idaho is Shoshoni for “Light on the mountain” Cheers from a homegrown spud!!

[@tyb3938]

We hunt up there all the time, hike up and glass from the ridges you ski. So cool, never imagined anyone skiing back there. We spent a week back there last year and never saw another human being, paradise.

[@etanklean7256]

I'm addicted to the Fifty. Nice work Cody and Bajarne for providing escapism at its finest.

[@ablackshedd]

"Summit Lunch" This was the best buddy episode ever. Heartwarming to see a couple good friends go for a ski. I had a big smile on my face the whole time. Thanks for this, you guys rock.

[@James-wc2ys]

I always call them summit sammies.

[@jessewaller3435]

One of the best episodes of the series, loved it!

[@sempyrski]

You know it's a really great serie when for each release, people are saying "one of the best episode so far !" ^^

[@CodyTownsend]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@beautifulportland9592]

This is one of my favorite, so far in the entire series, so spontaneous in planing and then the natural unscripted sense of ADVENTURE . . . . Keep up the great Work!

[@randyspotts5069]

Due to the random nature of these features appearing on KZbin, I am watching this series out of order. The format is excellent. I enjoy every aspect of the tours... the people, the places, the bushwhacking, the climbing, the descent, the victories, and the agony of the feet... a true travelogue. I can't believe you let me watch this and experience the adventure vicariously, and not have to suffer alongside!

[@CodyTownsend]

Thank you Randy.

[@returningtoearthtv8836]

Sandwiches on the summit, van hang time - all such good stuff. Great edit and choices to tell a great story yet again. Strong work.

[@CodyTownsend]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lucasbs3267]

I was really looking forward to hearing Coddy's early morning "Buenos días" . Lovely to see you both back again. Greetings form Spain!

[@booger5514]

Great epi! Loved the summit lunch BS-ing - finally, something I do as well as Cody and Bjarne! Hanging it out there only taking one sled tho 😁

[@Freerider19]

Ok now I'm REALY ready for the season to start... Keep Checkin Off!!!

[@wiedmer43]

Loved it, one of the best episodes showing how much fun can be had playing in the mountains with good people. Thank you for documenting so much of the decision-making process as well!

[@jyouchan1]

This video sheds such a good light on your decision-making process. All the signs are saying "go!" but you're still stopping to think "is this the right choice? Does this still make sense?". Important process given that many fatalities still happen on blue bird days when people let their guard down.

[@neilbower123]

I love the; "well, why don't we just head up to that bit & see how we are going..." attitude. Makes your adventures seem more real

[@alhOOO2O]

Having just watched one of the sufferfests, this was such a joyous episode

[@brenttaj8042]

If you have any low risk lines left, you should give it a go in some vintage gear. Tele skis w/ wax, glacier glasses, wool shirt, etc.

[@lavuemusic]

This is perhaps one of the best episode! So inspiring, thanks Cody & Bjarne, for what you are doing!

[@willlane1969]

Once more you provide the perfect highlight to my week! Thanks

[@CodyTownsend]

Happy to hear that!

[@DJ-zq2pb]

Starting the day with a smile on my face. Thanks!

[@andytranter]

"Professionals - do not attempt". Funniest thing ever. This was a great episode. So relaxed and just fun.

[@ricewychrij]

Another great vid. Great to see that not all climbs are sufferfests, and can be genuinely fun days out. Loved seeing Bjarne getting in on all the footage too

[@Hauntedundead]

Bad Beta, good vibes. Loved the lunch convo you guys had, really reminded me of the times with my buddies on the mountain and just talking about random things that pop up in your head.

[@lionelubc]

Think I've enjoyed this episode most, pure enjoyment. That mountain-top chill session took me to so many good days I've had on summits.

[@neiljones8010]

Another great episode going from "sufferfest" in Episode 28 to "funfest" in episode 29. Bjarne is so good at what he does and the perfect partner for Cody. Must try that mustard and peanut butter and jelly sandwich combo....!

[@emilgiese]

Keep em rollin! Great you guys went for it in good conditions! Just go!!

[@miscvideo8140]

Nice run guys, love to see you actually have fun on the descent once in a while :). The only thing i can't agree with is the American coffee vs European coffee :D

[@jarnold1789]

I lived in the Bavarian alps for a year and a half and traveled Europe a bunch and I definitely agree that American coffee is better. Europe HAS good coffee, but MOST of it is pretty awful lol. The standard is higher here in the states IMO

[@cameronmelendrez8706]

WOOO!! In my backyard! I spent many weekend this summer doing trail work in the wilderness zone of the White Clouds. Beautiful country for sure!! Glad you got to enjoy it, Cheers.

[@CodyTownsend]

That is awesome!

[@alancampbell2918]

Love it! I've been backpacking there in the summer and have always wondered what it looks like in the winter. Thanks for showing me.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

One of the best episodes yet. Loved the chill vibe.

[@Luthjo]

The summit conversation was totally the highlight for me of this video! Haha - mostly food oriented (makes sense given the calorie burn on the way up), and fun to hear both of your perspectives from past and present. I've been watching this project for a couple years now and always enjoy new vids. Keep the solid content coming

[@slimigan]

Another banger. I miss the days when I first discovered the FIFTY and watched about 30 eps in a day or two...this one every few weeks is SO NOT COOL.

[@slimigan]

Ok maybe it was 15 eps, but it was still glorious to binge

[@RobertKusicki]

Thanks Cody and Bjarne for making these episodes. Makes me want to get out there and ski, or just get out and go for an early morning run tomorrow. Ok, goodnight

[@massieflippin4736]

Its like a holiday every other Wednesday for my buddies and I now. Cant wait to recap the episode with them tonight!

[@markthomasson5077]

That looked so much fun, you guys ripped! (Much better than jump turning down a narrow gully)

[@scottitheyogichef]

Awesome! We climbed that! Also shot the road gaps! I was head chef at Galena Lodge for 2+ years. Endless tours! Still dreaming of a cabin in the Staley valley.

[@mikeshaw009]

Another great video! Loved all the conversations. That added a really nice element to the video. Keep it up.

[@Tempo719]

Way to go Cody and Bjarne on #32! Keep that momentum rolling. Can't wait to see you guys crush #33!

[@djsdownhill2010]

So stoked for my second season of backcountry skiing!

[@doryman3]

Love seeing so much of Bjarne.

[@colekempinski5818]

these could all be an hour and id watch every second

[@lasseh1576]

Congratulations on nr. 32 guys, well done! Jellow Yacket cracked me up!

[@skyjockbill]

Ha ha, loved this one! Looked like some of the skiing was more enjoyable than the last one too.

[@pault950]

For some reason that was one of the best episodes. Well done lads.

[@mthoyland]

Love getting to see more of you and Bjarne just having normal conversations!

[@jeffreyhendrickson756]

Sick. This came at the perfect time to get the stoke up.

[@kgramckow]

The "wipppahhh!" was hillarious. so pitted!

[@X3A5YULTRAX]

Another amzaing episode. Thanks Cody and Bjarne!

[@VladtheeImpaler]

I appreciate each of these videos.

[@rubenjohnson7376]

I just watched "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" and honestly this episode feels like a companion piece to that film (stylistically...not thematically)

[@AlexanderJemt]

Best episode so far! this is what skitouring is al about!

[@nomadtrails]

Awesome to get to know Bjarne's personality better! Lunch looked fun lol

[@dareangelmusic]

Conditions looked killer! Your videos always help to accept the coming snow season here!

[@megancooper6130]

So glad you had an awesome day after the last bushwacking episode!!

[@dam8087]

Excellent as always

[@williamstikeleather1284]

Awesome episode, this and Big Stimmy truly show the full range of emotions of the project as a whole... and both ends of the spectrum are visceral in their own unique ways. Love it guys

[@kickflip1972]

This episode was more like a HeckleFest... I love it. LOL

[@stevenbeyea1670]

“That’s back when I used to do dumb stuff!” 😂. Love it.

[@jeremywagner7111]

Cheers to another safe climb. Loving this series, will follow until the end!

[@davegordon1537]

I enjoy all the episodes. This one was fun the whole way. Thanks for the series and glad you're back!

[@kholmes3439]

So glad this series is back.....you guys live my dream life

[@gianluther4361]

Been watching since episode 1. theres no better series on youtube than this!

[@dillbags809]

So happy these are coming out again!

[@westcoastvibes.]

Looks like a killer time in the mountains with good company!

[@christophermorath6866]

Great episode! Nice to see you had a somewhat easy climb and good snow. I enjoy every video you produce. Stay safe and keep up the awesome work.

[@benmdavis89]

Loved the lunchtime banter.

[@bihlygoat]

Yeah, “bad” beta that way is better than bad beta the other way! (Like from Killian: oh yeah, you’ll be done in a few hours!) I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks skiing down with skins and in walk mode is a challenge! Without skins is even more “fun”!

[@dinobatchelor9404]

The best episode so far for me! Really chilled! Keep up the great work👍

[@80sRadDad]

This was my favorite episodes so far!

[@rocksnowandwater]

Weather looked on point! Great video guys!

[@ErikFullmer]

LOVE this area. You guys certainly made the right choice sledding in. We hiked in with our camping and climbing gear last April and it was MISERABLE. Much rather do Castle Peak with rested legs.

[@amog849]

One of my favorite episodes so far

[@zentune100]

Awesome episode, especially after that last suffer fest! Looks like you guys had a great time! Bet you were secretly glad about how "easy" it was haha, one of my favorite ones to watch 🤠

[@philperson9896]

This is the Cody Bjarne bromance episode we all wanted

[@FallingDownMountains]

Ciao from Napoli. 🇮🇹 Completely agree with your Italian coffee observation! Lol

[@strangemobius]

Love how last episode was a sufferfest and this was so light and chill and fun.