FIFTY+: Northstar Couloir

Cody Townsend returns with The FIFTY+ reigniting his quest to tackle some of the most iconic ski descents. In this next chapter, Cody sets out to explore the meaning of a “classic ski descent.” Is it defined by its aesthetic beauty, technical challenge, or cultural significance? As he navigates the breathtaking and perilous Northstar Couloir, Cody pushes deeper into the heart of what makes a descent truly legendary.

Go Behind The Line with “Mapping The FIFTY+”

Introducing the first episode of the FIFTY+ (that’s FIFTY “Plus” FYI). With many more to come, Cody Townsend and a long list of guest skiers, climbers and outdoor adventures climb and ski a list of backcountry ski lines and mountains that number far beyond 50. Using a personally created metric of characteristics like Aesthetics, Ski Quality, Climb Quality, Bragging Rights and more, each episode will venture into the mountains and come home with a decision on the question, “Is it a Classic or not?”

Videos

Mapping The Fifty+: Northstar Couloir

Duration 21:02

In Mapping The FIFTY+: Northstar Couloir, go behind the scenes with @CodyTownsend as he breaks down the logistics of tackling the Northstar Couloir. Get an inside look at how Cody evaluates potential avalanche hazards, studies terrain features, and plans his route using onX Backcountry. This video gives you an unfiltered and inside look at how Cody preps and makes decisions for a successful day in the backcountry.

FIFTY+: Northstar Couloir

Duration

The Northstar Couloir, a line that draws your eye in from almost every corner of the small ski town at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort, Girdwood, Alaska. With a 10mi / 16k approach and 6k / 1800m of elevation gain, the couloir follows the mantra of Alaska, everything is bigger than it looks in AK. Joined by Elyse Saugstad, the crew embarks on a multi-day adventure to take Elyse on her first winter camping adventure, encounter tough decisions, touchy avalanche conditions and an obligatory sufferfest to ski an off-road Alaskan quintessential couloir.

View Cody’s Line in onX Backcountry

Below is an interactive map of Cody’s line for The Northstar Couloir. Use Control + Drag to rotate in 3D on desktop or two fingers to pinch, zoom and rotate on mobile.

The FIFTY+ Guidebook: Northstar Couloir

onX Backcountry has partnered with Cody Townsend to bring you guidebook quality descriptions of routes in The FIFTY+ from Cody himself. Read his beta on The Northstar Couloir. Start your free trial of onX Backcountry today to view these lines and descriptions in the App.

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Overview

An Alaskan “roadside” classic. The qualification of “roadside” necessary because in Alaska, everything is deeper, further and higher than you think. So although you can see the Northstar Couloir from nearly every spot of the Alaskan ski town of Girdwood, it’s still a big day to approach, climb and ski this beautiful couloir.

Photo: FIFTY+

Ascent

Starting from the trailhead parking lot at the end of Arberg Ave near the Alyeska Resort Hotel, it’s a 7 mile approach to reach the base of the couloir. The groomed cat track winds over Winner Creek and into the Sunspot Cat Skiing terrain. One more off trail contour through the valley below A1 peak leads into the valley of Northstar Couloir. A crucial decision on how to get to the base of the couloir is necessary as the north facing slopes opposing the Northstar Couloir are heavily cliffed, exposed and complex. The most sure way to get to the base is from below near Glacier Creek. Once you’re in the couloir, it’s a 1000 feet of straight up boot packing to the col.

Photo: FIFTY+

Descent

The Southwest Facing couloir receives a lot of solar exposure, so cold, stable and clear days are what you should be aiming for. The couloir’s V-Shape collects and accelerates any slough or avalanches, so being hyper aware of slough management is crucial to a safe descent. It’s 40-45º pitch is playful yet steep enough to pay attention. Once you’re clear of the couloir, ski down the glacial carved valley to nearly the end of the valley. Tour back to the cat track, remove skins and ski, glide and skate back down the groomed track back to car.

Photo: FIFTY+

Hazards

Due to the southwest facing aspect of the couloir and faces hanging above the couloir, warming is the number one hazard to keep tabs on when climbing and skiing the Northstar. But other hazards abound. Full confidence in avalanche stability is an absolute must as the terrain is big and multiple chances for avalanches on approach, climb and descent are present. The couloir is steep enough that a fall can become uncontrolled and could be very consequential. This is big country and big terrain, awareness of all Backcounty skiing hazards are necessary…oh and beware of snowcats on the cat track both on the ascent and descent.

Photo: FIFTY+

Exit Description

After skiing the couloir, ski down the glacial carved valley below the Northstar Couloir until you can make the skier’s left corner to tour back to the cat track. There is no set point to transition, just use your skills and don’t ski all the way to creek bottom. A little bit of bushwhacking and tight tree navigation may be necessary. Tour back to the groomed cat track, remove skins and ski the few miles down until the grade gets flat and a little bit of skating, gliding and pole pushing may be necessary for the last mile to the car. It’s surprisingly quick to get to the trailhead.

Photo: FIFTY+

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Matt Maydick

Matt is a Senior Marketing Manager at onX Backcountry who calls the Western Slope of Colorado home. His perpetual quest? Seeking out pristine snow, uncharted trails, and adventure at every twist and turn.