Stay tuned here for a digest of all things Cody Townsend and his “The Fifty” project.
This project spawned from the book “The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America” written by Penn Newhard, Art Burrows, and Chris Davenport. With a mix of lines ranging greatly in technicality, Cody is trying to do something that’s never been done before—ski all of them. The lines represent the steepest, most aesthetic terrain available to the skier’s eye, most above 45 degrees. This multi-year project has taken on a life of its own as a Youtube series, consisting of 50 ski-oriented episodes with a few bonus episodes littered throughout with showing the viewer behind the scenes, updates, and fun interviews.
The ski industry is saturated with colorful characters who huck huge cliffs, carve spines, and throw out their fair share of shakas. Yet none really compare to the hilarity, relatability, and charisma that Tahoe, California, resident Cody Townsend brings. Born on the shores of Santa Cruz, California, he grew up as a beach bum with a mix of weekends up in the mountains. Now, he’s one of the most notable skiers you’ll find in films, deep in the backcountry, or patronizing your favorite local après-dive bar. Stripped of the ego many skiers carry, he provides a tactical and philosophical approach to the mountains that has drawn thousands of followers to his adventures. And that audience has been helpful in launching his latest endeavor, “The Fifty.”
Cody is highly tactical, sourcing beta from myriad sources, including avy forecasts, friends, and other skiers. This approach to the mountains made for a symbiotic partnership. We’re happy to be Cody’s mapping partner providing him with those avalanche forecasts, a place to take photos, and a navigation tool that allows him to confidently head into these zones. With Offline Maps he’s able to take all his annotations with him, track his progress, and make it back to the car safely. As Cody charges forward with his project, we’ll be adding his lines to the app so you can get a taste of the difficulty that went into shooting the project.
onX Backcountry has partnered with Cody Townsend to include guidebook descriptions of the Fifty Project routes in the App. View GPX tracks, distance, elevation, and other data provided by Townsend himself. Dive deeper into the Fifty Project with onX Backcountry.
Backcountry
Cody Townsend returns with The FIFTY+, continuing his ambitious journey to conquer some of the most legendary ski descents. In this second episode, Cody and his team venture to Alaska, taking on the awe-inspiring challenge of Pioneer Peak.
Backcountry
Cody Townsend returns with The Fifty+ reigniting his quest to tackle some of the most iconic ski descents in North America. 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.
Backcountry
Having skied this line over 20 years ago, the Bloody Couloir in the Eastern Sierra Mountains of California, is a full circle journey for The FIFTY. Joined by an all-star crew of friends and pros, this is the final line of The FIFTY –so far.
Backcountry
Go behind the scenes of The Polar Star Couloir Episode of Cody Townsend’s The Fifty Project. Read a description of the route and view it in onX Backcountry.
Backcountry
Watch Cody and his friends attempt to summit and ski Comstock Couloir on Rogers Pass in British Columbia. View a 3D map of the line and Cody’s line description.
Backcountry
Split Mountain is a 14,000 foot peak with a perfect couloir dividing two prominent summits. Visually, it’s a line that begs to be skied yet is guarded by a series of icefalls, rock steps and blue ice patches that make it extremely challenging.
Backcountry
Skiing the epicenter of water in North America, the highest peak in Alberta…in a full blown white out. A marathon of a day for the last line of Year 4 of The FIFTY.
Backcountry
Hanging above the Athabasca Glacier lies a classic line that is equal parts aesthetic and intimidating. View Cody’s line in onX Backcountry.
Backcountry
Nestled at the base of the highest mountain entirely in BC, Canada– Mt. Waddington– lies a perfect couloir. A white ribbon knifed through colossal granite towers set among an ocean of ice and snow.
Backcountry
The Bugaboos to Rogers Pass Traverse is an 8 to 10 day adventure that takes the skier through three mountain ranges in which dodging weather, animals, avalanches, and exhaustion will inevitably be part of the experience.
Backcountry
A mysterious line that was attempted in one massive single-day push with two uber steep runs is the name of the game in this episode of The Fifty.
Backcountry
Watch Cody Townsend, Nick Russell, and Ed Shanley return to the Sphinx to check off line 38 of The Fifty Project. View the route in 3D and descriptions here.
Backcountry
This episode of The Fifty, guest starring Elyse Saugstad and Greg Hill, details the adventures, challenges and decisions of a family where both parents are professional athletes.
Backcountry
In the last episode of this season of the Fifty Project, Cody Townsend sets his sights on an elusive peak—Mt. St. Elias.
Backcountry
In this episode of The Fifty, Cody Townsend becomes the filmmaker for his principal videographer, Bjarne Salén on Colorado’s Silver Couloir.
The Fifty returns for 2022 for the fourth year of The Fifty Project. Follow along with Cody Townsend and friends for laughs, steeps, suffering, and adventure.
