Corbet's Couloir facts for kids
Corbet's Couloir is a super famous and challenging ski run. It's located at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming. This run is known all over the world. Only expert skiers should try it!
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Corbet's Couloir: An Epic Ski Run
Corbet's Couloir got its name from Barry Corbet. He was a ski instructor and mountain guide. He saw this narrow, funnel-shaped snow patch. He famously said, "Someday someone will ski that." The first person to ski it was Lonnie Ball in 1967. He was a local ski patroller. Many expert skiers call it "America's scariest ski slope."
What Makes Corbet's So Famous?
A "couloir" is a narrow, steep gully or channel. Corbet's Couloir is about ten feet wide at the start. It has tall rock faces on three sides. But it quickly opens up. The biggest challenge is the entrance.
The Entrance: A Big Drop!
To get into Corbet's, skiers must drop off a snow ledge. This ledge is called a cornice. The drop can be anywhere from 10 to 20 feet (about 3 to 6 meters). The exact height depends on how much snow there is. It also depends on where you choose to drop in. You land in a narrow channel with rock walls on both sides.
Some skiers choose a slightly different way. They ski down the first part of the south face. Then they drop the rest of the way. This makes the drop a bit smaller. But they must quickly turn right. This helps them avoid hitting the north rock face.
Beyond the Drop: Powder Fun
After the big drop, the rest of Corbet's is usually full of fresh, soft snow. This is called a "powder stash." Snow collects here because it's protected from wind and sun. Not many people ski through it. So, the snow stays fresh. After the exciting drop, the rest of Corbet's Couloir is like a normal expert ski run.
Other Extreme Runs Nearby
There are other challenging spots near Corbet's Couloir.
S&S Couloir: Even More Extreme
To the left of a large rock, you'll find the S&S Couloir. This run is even more extreme than Corbet's. Its opening drop is over 20 feet! Because it's so challenging, you need special permission. The Ski patrol must say it's okay to ski it. It's only open sometimes. This trail is named after Charlie Sands and John Simms. They were the first two ski patrollers to ski it safely.
Coomb's Cave: A Snowy Hideout
Near the end of Corbet's Couloir, there's a small rock area. It's called Coomb's Cave. It's usually hard to reach this cave. This is because of the deep snow and the steep slope. You often have to ski down Corbet's to get there.
