The Fifty – Cody Townsend’s Quest to Ski The Fifty Classic Descents Of North America. Episode 6, Aemmer Couloir, Mount Temple, Banff

March 29th, 2019

Mountainwatch | Video

In this episode of The Fifty Cody and filmmaker partner Bjarne Salen head to Alberta, Canada to tackle Aemmer Couloir on Mt Temple, near Lake Louise in the Banff National Park. After dodging speeding trucks during a 12-hour drive on Canada’s Highway 1, they arrive in Lake Louise where  they are joined by Chris Reubens and local skier Kevin Hjertaas.

 

As they say, “It’s a long way to the top if you want a sausage roll.” Photo: Bjarne Salen

Aemmer is clearly visible from Lake Louise and Hjertaas describes  it as a “Super straight, really dramatic looking couloir,” that has long been an attraction for local skiers. It’s another early start in the dark, but the incredible beauty of the Banff National Park makes the 13km hike to Mt Temple a little easier, although the 1100metres vertical climb of Aemmer looks a lot harder.

 

Early mornings are a regular part of this project. Photo: Bjarne Salen

The Fifty is a three-year project where Cody will climb and ski  all of the lines listed in the book, The 50 Great Descents Of North America.  You can stay up to date with Cody’s mission at the Fifty Instagram