{"id":15849,"date":"2026-07-23T16:13:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15849"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:13:13","slug":"jackson-holes-corbets-couloir-via-ferrata-a-climbers-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15849","title":{"rendered":"Jackson Hole\u2019s Corbet\u2019s Couloir Via Ferrata: A Climber\u2019s Review"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Published July 23, 2026 10:12AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

On July 18, Jackson Hole opened three new via ferrata routes over what might be the most famous ski feature in the West, if not in the entire United States: Corbet\u2019s Couloir. This double black diamond at a 50-degree slope with a 20-foot drop over a cornice is one of the steepest runs in North America.<\/p>\n

This new addition to Jackson\u2019s via ferrata network doesn\u2019t ascend the couloir itself, because there are actually already a few rock climbs<\/a> here. To avoid disturbing the existing climbs, the via ferrata routes traverse under Corbet\u2019s, then ascend the cliff directly to the east. These new routes bring Jackson\u2019s via ferrata network total to 20\u2014by all accounts, the largest in the country.<\/p>\n

As anyone familiar with Corbet\u2019s Couloir\u2014oft dubbed \u201cNorth America\u2019s scariest ski run\u201d\u2014might expect, these routes are not exactly a cruise. One blue-rated route traverses under the couloir, then two black routes climb the cliff. While various grading systems exist for via ferratas, the Jackson Hole network uses green, blue, or black (like ski runs). All of Jackson Hole\u2019s via ferrata routes, including Corbet\u2019s, are only accessible via a guide (more info on pricing and trip options below).<\/p>\n

First skied in 1967, Corbet\u2019s Couloir has now become Jackson Hole Mountain Resort\u2019s most infamous run. (Photo: Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While these new routes come with a stout grade, they\u2019re still pretty accessible, allowing anyone with an adventurous spirit\u2014but without double-black skiing or rock climbing skills\u2014to check out the couloir and the magnificent surrounding cliffs. Even skiers who have backflipped into the couloir may want to take the opportunity to experience this exhilarating setting minus the snow.<\/p>\n

My interest in the new Corbet\u2019s Couloir via ferrata came from a long-time curiosity about whether, as a skier who can get down almost anything (though not necessarily in good style), I could ski this iconic feature. Accessed via Jackson\u2019s tram, which tops out at 10,450 feet, the couloir is named for Barry Corbet, an alpinist who taught skiing<\/a> here. In 1960, Corbet remarked<\/a>, \u201cSomeday someone will ski that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 1967, someone did\u2014Lonnie Ball, a 19-year-old Jackson Hole ski patroller. Nowadays, a lot of people ski Corbet\u2019s Couloir. Every year since 2018, the mountain has hosted<\/a> the Kings and Queens of Corbet\u2019s competition, which decides who can ski the steep gully in the best style. Even a six-year-old has linked turns<\/a> down it. And as of this past winter, what\u2019s often billed as North America\u2019s scariest ski run got its own livecam.<\/p>\n

Since I\u2019d never skied Jackson before\u2014nor had I ever tried a via ferrata\u2014I was excited about the prospect of staring down Corbet\u2019s up close. As a long-time climber<\/a>, I\u2019ll also admit that I was equal parts via ferrata-curious and via ferrata-skeptical (i.e., Would a climber really ever want to ascend a literal ladder rather than the rock?). Last week, I got to follow my curiosity and check my cynicism. A day before the new Corbet\u2019s via ferrata opened to the public, I sampled the routes. Here\u2019s everything you need to know to clip cables across the couloir yourself.<\/p>\n

Via Ferratas: A Short Primer<\/h2>\n
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Via ferratas were popularized in the mid-20th century in Europe. <\/span> (Photo: Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Italian for \u201ciron path,\u201d a via ferrata involves navigating a wall through medal features\u2014rungs, bridges, even literal ladders. One of the first documented uses<\/a> lies in the Dolomites, where soldiers needed to efficiently move through the mountains during World War I. Today, well over 1,000 via ferrata routes<\/a> line walls across Europe.<\/p>\n

While the history of via ferratas runs deep in the Old World, this mode of adventure is much newer in the U.S., which didn\u2019t see its first route<\/a> until 2001 in Kentucky\u2019s Red River Gorge. But the trend is quickly building speed<\/a>. After former Jackson Hole Resort owner Connie Kemmerer took a trip to Europe and tried via ferratas for herself, she returned home with a dogged motivation to bring them to the U.S.<\/p>\n

While in Jackson, I got to enjoy an Arnold Palmer with 82-year-old Kemmerer, who intends to try the Corbet\u2019s via ferrata routes herself in the coming weeks. Lightheartedly nicknamed the patron saint of via ferratas, Kemmerer, at age 81, also recently became one of the oldest known climbers<\/a> to summit the Grand Teton.<\/p>\n

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The Grand Teton (the highest visible peak in the distance) as seen from the top of the aerial tram, which accesses the new Corbet\u2019s via ferrata routes.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I asked Kemmerer how it felt to see her vision come fully to fruition with the Corbet\u2019s Couloir via ferrata routes. \u201cIt is the culmination of a dream that started over 20 years ago after climbing via ferratas in Europe,\u201d she reflected. \u201cMy dream was to provide a climbing experience that you didn\u2019t have to be an expert to do that gave a sense of scaling rocks in the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside the New Corbet\u2019s Couloir Via Ferrata Routes<\/h2>\n
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A map of the new Corbet\u2019s Couloir via ferrata routes and bridges. <\/span> (Photo: Courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain Resort)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To reach the new routes around Corbet\u2019s, you start by taking the tram up to the high point at Jackson Hole Mountain. From there, you hike down to the cusp of Corbet\u2019s before starting the first traverse route.<\/p>\n

Tetonic Traverse<\/h3>\n
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Tetonic Traverse begins just a short trek down to the right of the couloir, pictured here from above.<\/span> (Photo: Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To access the two new black via ferrata routes, you first hike down to the right of Corbet\u2019s and clip into the cable of Tetonic Traverse, rated blue. This route mostly involves hiking over a loose narrow path hugging the cliffband, with a high-consequence drop below and the risk of rockfall from the couloir above. There are also a few sections of mellow downclimbing.<\/p>\n

Exposure Therapy<\/h3>\n
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The author ascending the arete on the aptly named Exposure Therapy.<\/span> (Photo: Courtesy Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first route you\u2019ll reach is Exposure Therapy, which climbs up an arete (basically, a vertical ridge of rock). It\u2019s narrow, with big open air to your right. During the most exposed part of the arete, you must hug the rock with your left hand and engage your core to prevent gravity from pulling you off. Then you cross a short chasm called The Epiphany Bridge with one cable beneath your feet, another above to hold onto, and 400 feet of air below. From here, you can continue upward, or access the top section of Commitment Issues. All in all, Exposure Therapy involves approximately 400 feet of climbing.<\/p>\n

Commitment Issues<\/h3>\n
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Commitment Issues seen on the lighter band of the cliff to the right. Exposure Therapy is visible on the left.<\/span> (Photo: Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ascending a limestone face, Commitment Issues\u2014also a black-rated, 400-foot route\u2014involves steeper moves with a couple roof sections. You feel less exposed than on Exposure Therapy since you\u2019re moving up a wall, rather than climbing up a narrow pinnacle-like edge of rock. The rock down low is very chossy\u2014a climbing term for crumbly, low-quality rock. But up high, the limestone gets more solid, and you can more easily use it for holds instead of the medal rungs if you so choose.<\/p>\n

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Iron Journey Bridge: 52-feet long, 100-feet above the ground, and quite wobbly.<\/span> (Photo: Courtesy Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Commitment Issues involved the most adrenaline-inducing part of this whole experience for me: Iron Journey Bridge. With a single cable below and two above to death-grip as you cross, this bridge will be a crucible for anyone with a fear of heights. At 52 feet, Iron Journey is the longest bridge in Jackson\u2019s via ferrata system. The extensive length causes the cable beneath your feet to bounce and wobble slightly with each step. Did I mention I rarely slackline? And that it\u2019s a 100-foot drop to the ground below?<\/p>\n

Jackson\u2019s other via ferrata routes<\/h3>\n
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The author topping out on Iron Way, one of the legacy routes on the other side of the mountain. <\/span> (Photo: Courtesy Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not ready to jump on these exposure-intensive routes? Jackson Hole also has 17 existing via ferrata routes that have been around since 2017. These \u201clegacy routes\u201d include a mix of greens, blues, and blacks, decorated with cable bridges, swinging bridges, and swirling ladders.<\/p>\n

A Climber\u2019s Impressions of the Country\u2019s Biggest Via Ferrata Network<\/h2>\n
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The author crossing Epiphany Bridge<\/span> (Photo: Courtesy Maya Silver)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a climber who had never tried a via ferrata before, I went into the Corbet\u2019s via ferrata routes with mild expectations. But I was blown away at how much fun and flow I experienced on this vertical hike. Instead of stressing about my next bolt or gear placement to protect my climb, I was taking in the stunning alpine setting. Rather than focusing on a difficult move, I entered a zen rhythm that tuned me into the surroundings more than when I\u2019m climbing. Step, step, pull, pull, clip, clip\u2014<\/i>repeat.<\/p>\n

The other cool aspect of via ferratas compared to most modes of climbing is that you get to move in sync with the rest of your group. Generally, rock climbing feels solitary, as you leave the ground\u2014and your belayer\u2014behind, moving alone up the wall. With the cable system, you get to safely climb at the same time.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, I didn\u2019t feel the same sense of accomplishment that I do after rock climbing. Rather than a physical and mental battle up the wall, it felt more like a joy ride.<\/p>\n

Corbet\u2019s Couloir Via Ferrata: Planning, Season, and Cost<\/h2>\n

Wondering whether you should give the Corbet\u2019s via ferrata a go? If you haven\u2019t rock climbed or done a via ferrata before, I recommend hopping on some easier routes before you commit to the black lines around Corbet\u2019s. Especially if you\u2019re scared of heights or not surefooted, you\u2019ll want to test your mettle and mindset on some greens or blues first. Kids are welcome, but they must be over the age of 12 and weigh more than 88 pounds to try Corbet\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The via ferrata season at Jackson Hole runs mid-June through early October, depending on conditions. At a higher elevation, the Corbet\u2019s season starts later, in mid-July. To access the Corbet\u2019s routes, the only option is a full day with a guide ($1,010 for up to four people). For the rest of the routes, both half day (from $620 for up to five people) and full day (from $910 for up to five people) options are available<\/a>.<\/p>\n