Sometimes all you get is a quick greybird photo to stare at for months or years. I ended up flying by these couloirs a few times last week, during a visit to Bella Coola, BC. Once again, I got inspired by the Coast Range. These couloirs drop from the ridge all the way to the main valley floor. The relief near Bella Coola is totally deceiving and I’m guessing this photo shows about 4,000 vertical ft of terrain. The fan at the bottom keeps going another 1,000 or 2,000 ft out of the picture.
At some point in years to come, I’m hoping to get the opportunity to ride at least one of them. I can imagine the line. It will be a nice cool sunny day in April. The deep winter snow coupled with a season full of avalanches will have filled them in nicely. Mountain hazards will be at a minimum. The snow ankle deep. One or two other good people along. Wow, I can feel the emotions that come with it.
Every snowboarder/skier should have a line or two or maybe three or four they’d like to go hit. They doesn’t have to be huge or gnarly, but rather something that inspires and challenges you, however that may be. The feeling of hard work, waiting, timing, fitting it into your life, fear, stress, excitement, and relaxation all contribute to an indescribable feeling that those who do it get.
Go find your line.