Cody Townsend’s The Fifty – Line 46/50. Bloody Couloir, Eastern Sierras, California. Final Episode

March 21st, 2024

Mountainwatch |Video

Well, this is it, the final episode of Cody Townsend’s The Fifty, an ambitious project to climb and ski all of the lines named in the book The Fifty Great Ski Descents of North America that started five years ago. In this episode, Cody and filmer Bjarne Salen head to Bloody Couloir, a 2600ft descent on Bloody Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California and the 46th line they complete.

While this may be the final episode of this excellent series, there are still four lines left to ski which Cody and Bjarne intend to complete and document, there is no time table and it is now a matter when.

For Cody, Bloody Couloir is a full circle moment as 20 years ago it was the location of his first big mountain backcountry experience, “absolute junk show” that left him with zero desire for ski touring. Now, ski touring and “walking up mountains” is something he loves and, accordingly, Cody is joined by his wife Elyse Saugstad and a bunch of close friends for this final episode of The Fifty.

“When I started this project, I said I want to learn the mountains in a whole new way. After 46 lines I can easily say I’ve learned a lot thanks to the people, the mountains, the places, and the communities involved with this. I will say though; the learning doesn’t stop here. I’ll continue to pursue the last four lines of this project. Whether Bjarne and I complete all 5o or not, that is a question I continue to seek the answer to…”

From the Fifty:

“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. While there are still four lines to attempt, the end of the FIFTY YouTube series is marked by the return to a classic couloir in classic FIFTY style, with a load of friends and a little extra bit of walking.”

Co-Starring: Elyse Saugstad, Josh Daiek, JT Holmes, Greg Lindsey, Michelle Parker, Ming Poon, Forrest Shearer, Brian Walker, Grayson Schaffer and Drew Pedersen.

Cody ripping down Bloody Couloir and while there are still 4 lines to ski, the Fifty as a regular video series, is done.

The Fifty documents Cody Townsend’s journeys, travels, challenges and each line and mountain listed in the book, The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America. It’s a journey through the most majestic mountains and ski lines in North America along with a unique insight into how skiers make decisions in the backcountry, how they plan, navigate and safely move through the mountains and the people that dedicate their lives to the mountains. Stay up to date on Cody and filmmaker Bjarne Salen’s progress on The Fifty website  Instagram page.