Chad's Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chad's Gap |
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Candide Thovex clearing Chad's Gap,
January 1999 |
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| Location | Grizzly Gulch, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County, Utah United States |
| Range | Wasatch Range |
| Coordinates | 40°35′46″N 111°37′16″W / 40.596029°N 111.621132°W |
Chad's Gap is a famous spot for extreme skiing and snowboarding. It is a huge natural gap in the mountains, about 120 feet (37 meters) wide. This makes it one of the biggest jumps ever tried by skiers and snowboarders.
It is located in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains in northern Utah, United States. This area is known for its deep snow and challenging terrain.
What is Chad's Gap?
Chad's Gap is not a regular ski jump you find at a resort. It is a natural "gap" in the terrain. Imagine two large piles of dirt or rock with a big space in between. Skiers and snowboarders launch themselves from one side. They then fly across the gap and land safely on the other side.
Where is Chad's Gap Located?
This amazing gap is found in a place called Grizzly Gulch. This is near the Alta Ski Area in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It is part of the Wasatch Range mountains. The area is known for its heavy snowfall. This makes it perfect for winter sports.
How Was Chad's Gap Discovered?
The story goes that a local Utah resident named Chad Zurinskas found the gap in 1999. He saw it as a perfect challenge for skiers. The gap was formed between two piles of leftover material from old mines. These are called mine tailings. Chad then worked with a filmmaker, Kris Ostness. They planned to film the first successful jump.
Who Made the First Jump?
The very first person to successfully jump Chad's Gap was Candide Thovex. He is a legendary skier from France. His jump in January 1999 became famous. It showed the world what was possible at Chad's Gap.
Why is Chad's Gap Famous?
Chad's Gap became famous because of its huge size. It is a true test of skill and bravery for athletes. Only the best skiers and snowboarders dare to try it. It is also known for the incredible videos filmed there. These videos inspire many young athletes.
What Makes Chad's Gap Challenging?
Jumping Chad's Gap is extremely difficult. Athletes need perfect speed and control. They must hit the takeoff ramp just right. The landing area also needs to be perfect. A small mistake can lead to a very hard fall. The gap is also in the backcountry. This means it is not groomed like a ski resort.
Famous Jumps and Athletes
Many top athletes have tried to jump Chad's Gap. Each jump is a unique event. It pushes the limits of what is possible in skiing and snowboarding. These jumps are often filmed and shared. They become part of winter sports history.
Candide Thovex's Legendary Jump
Candide Thovex's jump was a huge moment. He was one of the first to do a "cork 720" over such a big gap. A cork 720 is a trick where the skier spins two full rotations while tilting off-axis. This jump helped make Chad's Gap a legendary spot. It also helped make Candide a global star.
Safety and Backcountry Skiing
Chad's Gap is in the "backcountry." This means it is outside of marked ski resort areas. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are exciting. However, they also come with serious risks.
What is Backcountry Skiing?
Backcountry skiing involves going into wild, undeveloped areas. There are no ski patrols or marked trails. People go there to find fresh, untouched snow. They often use special equipment to climb up mountains. Then they ski down.
Staying Safe in the Backcountry
Safety is very important in the backcountry. People must be aware of avalanche dangers. Avalanches are large slides of snow down a mountain. Skiers need to carry special gear. This includes shovels, probes, and transceivers. They also need to know how to use them. It is always best to go with experienced guides. They can help you stay safe.
