Skier Demonstrates Difficulty Of Iconic Downclimb

Zahm is actually a snowboarder, but he filmed a skier downclimbing into Pipeline to show just how tricky this descent can be.

He asked his followers on X (twitter) today, "would you do this for fun?"

After all, skiing is a hobby, and not a life-threatening, mandatory activity, right?

The line after the hike shown here, Pipeline at Snowbird in Utah, is an aesthetic and steep chute. It rarely opens, requires a long hike, and must be cleared by Ski Patrol before skiing.

For all these reasons, Pipeline is a highly coveted line to check off each season for Utah skiers and riders.

Fatmap describes Pipeline as "as aesthetic as it is fun to ski."

The consistently steep couloir that "isn't too skinny" is a must do if the stars align, you are an expert skier, and Snowbird Ski Patrol gives it the green light.

You have to check in with Snowbird Ski Patrol at the top of Hidden Peak before heading out the gate for the boot pack.

For all of the hassles to drop into this chute, it is well worth the extra work. Watch below.

The downclimb involves removing your skis, handing them down to a friend (what do you do if you're alone with no backpack to attach them to?) and ensuring your feet are in the proper footholds to make your way down the steep, rocky path.

All of this happens in ski boots, of course.

So, to return to Zahm's original question: would you do this for fun?

Related: Whistler Skier Uncovers The Hidden Dangers Of Tree Wells

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