The FIFTY – Line 19/50 – Mt. Baker – Crevasse Dodging and Storm Evading

Mt. Baker is the third highest mountain in Washington state. The Watson Traverse is a tribute to the history of skiing in the Pacific Northwest and the 14 mile, 10k+ foot traverse was first accomplished by Dwight Watson in 1939. Watson completed the traverse in a single day and filmed the feat on a 16mm camera which film still exists today. In May of 2019, Cody Townsend and Bjarne Salen recreate this feat but face a rapidly melting glacier pocked marked with deadly crevasses, an impending storm and the modern day softness that makes them question the entire point of ski traverses.

This is Episode 19 and line 19 completed for The FIFTY, a project following Cody Townsend as he attempts to climb and ski all fifty of the lines and mountains chronicled in the book, “The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.” The series documents Townsend’s journey’s, travels, challenges and each line and mountain listed in the book. It’s a journey through the most majestic mountains and ski lines in North America along with a unique insight into how skiers make decisions in the backcountry, how they plan, navigate and safely move through the mountains and the people that dedicate their lives to the mountains.

Mt. Baker is also known by Native Americans as: Lummi: Qwú’mə Kwəlshéːn; Nooksack: Kw’eq Smaenit or Kwelshán

GEAR Used Throughout The FIFTY:

Salomon QST 106: https://alnk.to/6bRkaUX
Salomon MTN Binding: https://alnk.to/dLdUm1C
Salomon Carbon S3 Poles: https://alnk.to/87VEXX0
Yeti Rambler 20oz: https://alnk.to/gzS237q
Swatch BioCeramic: https://bit.ly/3gQhCzo
Hyperlite Porter 5400: http://bit.ly/3XJVCHC
Smith Summit Helmet: https://alnk.to/ehYjxBD
Smith Wildcat: https://alnk.to/d3ySqO7
Smith Pursuit Glacier Glasses: https://alnk.to/7M6hfmL
Smith Squad Mag: https://alnk.to/hDmzW2F
LeBent Cody Pro Sock: https://alnk.to/cHJmtdU
LeBent Base Layer: https://alnk.to/58mMi9D
Arcade Capture Belt: https://alnk.to/4MxozAr
Mammut Carbon Probe 280: https://alnk.to/cHJmtfT
Mammut Alugator Pro Light: https://alnk.to/8iQpWSn
Mammut Barryvox S: https://alnk.to/2uDpzVA
Pomoca Free Pro 2.0: https://alnk.to/aeUKJS9
Thule Duffle: https://alnk.to/9IatNqU
Thule Ski Bag: https://alnk.to/gKMN24C
Hestra Falt Guide Glove: https://alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Hestra Overmitt:https://alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Hestra Merino Touchpoint Liners: https://alnk.to/gKMVh4f
Honey Stinger Energy: https://bit.ly/3sPpX9g
Strainge Beast Kombucha: https://bit.ly/3sK6vLj
TinCup Whiskey: https://bit.ly/3FvbSpb