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An iconic, full-value Jackson Hole test-piece.


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Map Key

0.2

Miles

0.4

KM

Ski Line

10,386' 3,166 m

High

9,923' 3,025 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

463' 141 m

Down

38%

Avg Slope (21°)

68%

Max Slope (34°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

Central is the obvious north-facing trophy line that starts just lookers' right of Cody Peak summit. You'd have be pretty jaded to not be feeling the pump as you hike upward to take on this test-piece.

Description

Finding it is easy. Just a few vertical feet beneath the summit of Cody Peak, look left for an entrance gap just right of a (probably) hulking cornice. Down climb a couple of steps to a sheltered ledge. This is your drop zone should you decide to go for it.

Make a few (hopefully) soft turns through the top snowfield. All too soon, you'll find yourself getting sucked into the line's first crux - a 50-degree+ pinch that may well be firm, icy and nearly tip to tail rock. Jump turns through here would be impressive!

Make a fairly clutch right turn out of the choke and into the lower snowfield. Find a spot to tuck in next to the right wall and wait for your partner.

The exit crux now awaits. At the end of huge seasons, Central can be nearly a ski through. But you shouldn't expect this - in lower years or earlier in the season, the exit may well be guarded by a 30'+ cliff. This obstacle may be devious as it is benchy, possibly containing a small under-vertical ice bulge that threatens to buck you straight over the handle bars.

Stomp or splat, all that remains is to make the move. In the blink of an eye, you'll end up on Central's exit apron, hopefully on your feet, at high speed, with both fists pumping maniacally heavenwards.

Shared By:

Jason Smith

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#35

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Ski Line Rankings

#2

in Wyoming

#35

Overall
29 Views Last Month
2,929 Since Feb 11, 2015
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Photos

JS enroute to a marshmallow landing - Once is Enough. Late March 2009. P. Tristan Greszko
Feb 11, 2015 near Moose W…, WY
View of Cody Peak with numerous Jackson Hole sidecountry lines.
Apr 13, 2016 near Moose W…, WY
David Mayers pondering before the plunge. Once is Enough, March 2009
Feb 11, 2015 near Moose W…, WY
Jay Hause dropping into Twice is Nice - March 2011
Feb 17, 2015 near Moose W…, WY
Jake Taylor & Jason Smith ride Central Couloir during a 700" snow year, finding the line in the easiest conceivable condition. March 2011
Feb 11, 2015 near Moose W…, WY
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