The FIFTY – Line 26/50 – Marriage Test in the Mountains – The Sickle, Idaho

The classic line call “The Sickle” in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho is a ski line that at first sight, just begs to be skied. It’s a visual beacon that draws all eyes in with its dramatic, arcing, cleave in the side of Hortsmann Peak. This steep and narrow line combined with an adventurous and arduous approach served to be the perfect line for Cody Townsend to introduce the world of ice axes, crampons and laboriously long ski tours to his award winning, world champion, professional freeride skier wife, Elyse Saugstad. Though decorated as one of the most accomplished freeskiers of all time, the world of ski mountaineering is completely new to Saugstad and served up a day in the mountains that was the ultimate test of a marriage.

This is Episode 26 for The FIFTY, and line 26 of 50 completed by Cody Townsend. The FIFTY is 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.

Title Screen Photo by: Bjarne Salen
Music Licensed from Artlist.io

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