Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Debuts New Via Ferrata Routes Across the Legendary Corbet’s Couloir

On July 18, 2026, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) officially expanded its summer adventure portfolio by opening three new via ferrata routes in the immediate vicinity of Corbet’s Couloir, arguably the most iconic and intimidating ski feature in North America. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the resort, solidifying its position as the home of the largest via ferrata network in the United States, now totaling 20 distinct routes. While Corbet’s is globally renowned as a "double black diamond" test of mettle for winter athletes—boasting a 50-degree pitch and a mandatory drop of up to 20 feet over a massive snow cornice—these new summer routes offer a different kind of vertical adrenaline, allowing hikers and adventure seekers to experience the couloir’s limestone cathedrals without the need for skis or professional-grade rock climbing skills.

The development of these routes was a delicate balancing act between engineering and environmental preservation. To avoid interfering with the established technical rock climbing routes that already exist within the couloir, JHMR’s designers opted to have the via ferrata traverse beneath the main chute of Corbet’s before ascending the massive cliff band directly to the east. This strategic placement provides participants with a literal "front-row seat" to the geography of the couloir, offering a perspective previously reserved only for the elite skiers who compete in the annual "Kings and Queens of Corbet’s" competition or those willing to risk the high-stakes winter drop-in.

The Lore of Corbet’s Couloir

To understand the significance of these new routes, one must understand the history of the terrain they occupy. The couloir is named after Barry Corbet, an intrepid alpinist and ski instructor who, in 1960, looked at the narrow, rock-walled abyss and famously predicted, "Someday someone will ski that." It took seven years for that prophecy to be realized when local ski patroller Lonnie Ball made the first descent in 1967. Since then, Corbet’s has become a rite of passage for expert skiers. In recent years, the feature has entered the digital age, with the installation of a live-stream camera and the viral success of the "Kings and Queens" event, where athletes perform backflips and massive airs into the narrow chute.

By introducing via ferrata routes here, Jackson Hole is effectively "democratizing" the experience of high-alpine exposure. While the couloir remains a terrifying prospect in the winter, the via ferrata allows those with an adventurous spirit—but perhaps less-than-pro skiing abilities—to stand on the same precipices and feel the same dizzying vertigo in a controlled, guided environment.

Breaking Down the New Routes: From Blue to Black

Following the grading system familiar to skiers, the Jackson Hole via ferrata network uses green, blue, and black ratings to denote difficulty and exposure. The new additions at Corbet’s are not intended for the faint of heart, consisting of one blue-rated approach and two formidable black-rated climbs.

The journey begins with the Tetonic Traverse, a blue-rated route that serves as the gateway to the more difficult terrain. To access it, participants take the resort’s famous aerial tram to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet, then hike down to the right side of the couloir. The traverse involves navigating a narrow, loose path that hugs the cliff band. While the hiking itself is manageable, the "high-consequence" nature of the terrain—featuring steep drops and the potential for rockfall—requires constant clipping into the safety cables.

From the traverse, climbers reach the first of the two vertical challenges: Exposure Therapy. Aptly named, this black-rated route ascends a narrow arete, or vertical ridge. Climbers must negotiate the rock with significant "air" on either side, often having to hug the stone closely to maintain balance. The highlight of this route is "The Epiphany Bridge," a high-tension cable crossing over a chasm with 400 feet of empty space below. For many, this is the psychological crux of the experience, requiring a leap of faith in the equipment and one’s own footing.

The second black-rated option is Commitment Issues, which climbs directly up a 400-foot limestone face. While the rock at the base is described as "chossy"—a climbing term for loose, crumbly shale—the upper sections transition into solid, high-quality limestone. This route features several "roof" sections where the rock overhangs slightly, requiring more upper-body strength than the average via ferrata. The crowning feature of Commitment Issues is the "Iron Journey Bridge." At 52 feet long and suspended 100 feet above the ground, it is the longest bridge in the Jackson Hole system. The length of the span causes the foot cable to wobble and bounce, providing a visceral sense of instability that tests even the most seasoned hikers.

The Vision of Connie Kemmerer

The expansion of the via ferrata network is the culmination of a decades-long vision held by Connie Kemmerer, the former co-owner of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After experiencing via ferratas in the European Alps over 20 years ago, Kemmerer became a staunch advocate for bringing the "iron paths" to the United States. Her goal was to provide a mountain experience that bridged the gap between a standard hike and a technical rock climb—something that offered the thrill of scaling a mountain without the years of training required for traditional alpinism.

Kemmerer’s personal connection to the mountains remains strong; at age 81, she became one of the oldest women to summit the Grand Teton. Her insistence on high standards for the Jackson Hole network has resulted in a system that is often cited as the gold standard for American resorts. The addition of the Corbet’s routes represents the "final piece" of her dream, placing world-class summer infrastructure on the resort’s most world-class winter terrain.

The Evolution of the "Iron Path"

The concept of the via ferrata (Italian for "iron path") has its roots in necessity rather than recreation. During World War I, the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies constructed these systems of steel cables, rungs, and ladders to move troops and supplies through the treacherous Dolomite Mountains. After the war, these paths were repurposed by mountaineers and eventually evolved into a popular form of alpine tourism across Europe, which now boasts over 1,000 routes.

In the United States, the trend has been slower to catch on, with the first route appearing in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge in 2001. However, as ski resorts face the economic realities of climate change and the need to become year-round destinations, via ferratas have become a primary focus for summer development. Resorts like Telluride, Mammoth, and Arapahoe Basin have all installed routes, but Jackson Hole’s 20-route system stands as the most extensive.

Safety, Logistics, and Professional Guiding

Unlike European systems, which are often open to the public for self-guided use, all via ferrata routes at Jackson Hole—including the new Corbet’s lines—are strictly guided. This policy ensures safety in the high-alpine environment, where weather can change in minutes and the consequences of a fall are severe.

The technical gear provided for the excursion is specialized for via ferrata use. Participants wear a standard climbing harness equipped with a "Y-lanyard" system. This system features two carabiners connected to an energy-absorbing pack. The climber remains clipped into the steel cable at all times; when reaching a "bolt" or anchor point, they move their carabiners one at a time, ensuring they are never disconnected from the safety line.

The cost reflects the premium nature of the experience and the expertise of the guides. A full-day excursion for the Corbet’s routes is priced at approximately $1,010 for a group of up to four people. This includes the tram ride, all necessary equipment (helmets, harnesses, and specialized approach shoes), and the undivided attention of a professional mountain guide. For those not yet ready for the intensity of Corbet’s, the resort offers half-day options on its "legacy routes" starting at $620.

Environmental and Engineering Considerations

Building a via ferrata at 10,000 feet presents unique engineering challenges. The rock at Jackson Hole is primarily limestone and dolomite, which can be prone to weathering. Engineers had to carefully scout the cliff faces to find the most stable rock for the anchors, which are drilled deep into the mountain and secured with high-strength epoxy.

The "Iron Journey Bridge" and "Epiphany Bridge" required advanced tensioning systems to account for the extreme wind loads and temperature fluctuations common in the Tetons. Furthermore, the resort worked closely with environmental consultants to ensure that the installation of the steel rungs and cables did not disrupt local bird nesting sites or sensitive alpine flora. By concentrating the traffic on a fixed cable system, the resort actually prevents the "social trailing" and erosion that often occur when hikers scramble off-trail in search of views.

A Gateway to Alpine Adventure

For many participants, the via ferrata serves as a "gateway" to the broader world of mountaineering. While traditional rock climbing can be exclusionary due to the steep learning curve of knots, belaying, and gear placement, the via ferrata allows for immediate "flow." Climbers can focus on the rhythm of their movement and the majesty of the surrounding peaks—the Grand Teton, the Sleeping Indian, and the vast expanse of the Snake River Valley—rather than the technicalities of rope management.

For the expert climbers and skiers who frequent Jackson Hole, the new routes offer a way to share their love of the mountains with friends and family who may not share their technical skills. It is a rare piece of terrain where a world-class climber and a curious novice can move in sync, experiencing the same breathtaking exposure and the same sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.

As the summer season progresses, these routes are expected to become some of the most sought-after experiences in the Teton Range. Whether viewed as a "joy ride" on a vertical ladder or a psychological battle against a fear of heights, the Corbet’s Couloir via ferrata has successfully transformed North America’s scariest ski run into its most exhilarating summer classroom. For those who have always stared down into the couloir from the tram and wondered what it would be like to hang from those cliffs, the "iron path" now provides the answer.