With ski season well underway and some record-breaking snowfall at many resorts in North America, it’s the perfect time to conquer your fears up on the slopes. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to experience the craziest runs imaginable, look no further than Corbet’s Couloir.
A couloir is a steep, narrow gulley on the side of a mountain, and Corbet’s Couloir is one of the most famous. Located at the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming, USA Today labeled this run as “America’s scariest ski slope.” The run is named after Barry Corbet, a ski instructor who noticed the run in 1960 and said, “Someday, someone will ski that.” Little did he know that the run he pointed out would become revered by expert skiers all over the world.
To get there, you’ll have to take a nine-minute aerial tram ride from the bottom of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, a peak that rests 10,450 feet above sea level. While the run itself starts only a short distance away from the tram exit, riders have to jump off a cliff to enter the run, free-falling for a few seconds before hitting the snow in the couloir. Steep stone walls line the rest of the run, so precise turns and stops will be required to exit the run injury-free.
If you can muster the courage to attempt Corbet’s Couloir, you might become internet famous. Videos of people tackling this legendary skiing challenge have gone viral on Instagram and TikTok, showing everything from skiers and snowboarders tackling this run for the first time to experts performing double backflips as they enter.
The resort even hosts a special event each year called “Kings and Queens of Corbet’s.” People travel to Wyoming from all over the world to participate in this spectacle. Skiers and snowboarders alike compete to complete this gnarly run with the most style.
If you wanted to participate, you’ll have to wait until next year, as this year’s competition happened a few weeks ago. The run is open outside of competition days, though, so every thrill seeker should still add this skiing landmark to their bucket list. If you’re planning a ski trip to Jackson Hole anytime soon, make sure you don’t miss Corbet’s Couloir.