Cody Townsend is one of the most recognizable names in skiing at the moment. He’s been a regular in Matchstick Productions’ annual flicks since 2005’s The Hit List, has wowed mass audiences with his fast, fluid approach to big-mountain skiing and won over the hearts of ski enthusiasts the world over with his low-key demeanor and charisma. This season, he announced his most ambitious project to date, the goal to ski all fifty lines in the beloved book, 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America, by Chris Davenport, Art Burrows and Penn Newhard.
In the 10th episode of Cody Townsend’s The FIFTY project, the insanely gifted skier dives head first into his first ski-mountaineering line on British Columbia’s Spearhead Traverse. Connecting Whistler and Blackcomb, the traverse spans 20+ miles and what was a days-long attempt back in the 1970s has become a popular route for speed- and record-hungry ski-mo racers. He’s in the best touring shape of his life, he’s got the gear–speed suit, nordic poles and skinny skis–and pro tips from former FKT-holder, Greg Hill. Will Townsend smoke the FKT on the Spearhead Traverse? There’s only one way to find out.
