The FIFTY has always been about learning, so who better to learn from than the couple, Mark & Janelle Smiley, who attempted to climb all fifty of the Fifty Classic Climbs of North America based upon the book of the same name that inspired the ski-centric book Townsend is now following. While ascending and descending the classic East Face of the Middle Teton in Wyoming, Townsend takes to learning from the lessons of the wise couple about their ups and downs, struggles and triumphs and their mentality around leaving such an audacious “un-finished” project.  

This is Episode 14 and line 14 complete of The FIFTY, a project following Cody Townsend as he attempts to climb and ski all fifty of the lines and mountains chronicled in the book, “The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.” The series documents Townsend’s journey’s, travels, challenges and each line and mountain listed in the book. 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. 

This is a non-profit, personal project with any proceeds from events and public showings donated to Protect Our Winters and Winter Wildlands Alliance