Aussie Couloir on Mt. Joffre

Aussie Couloir on Mt. Joffre is a classic, moderately steep descent in SW B.C. The reason why is so popular is probably that there is nothing quite like it on the Joffre side. It’s long and steep-ish, looking very attractive from afar. It took several attempts to finally ride the line solo in 2024.

I stop for a moment and listen. What is that? My breathing becomes shallow, and I close my eyes, which helps me listen.

Another one. A big avalanche shakes the mountain. But nothing is coming down the chute. It must be happening on the other side, but what I’m feeling cannot be described. My feet shake, this time from nerves. I dig my hand in the snow again and try to make sense of the snowpack in front of me. I check the snow before strapping my board to my backpack, and it felt solid. I decided to keep walking. Digging in the ice axe in the snow above me and punching in both feet one step higher, one after the other.

I left the hut at 4 AM on April 3rd, 2024. It was still dark but I’m very familiar with the route. I have skinned up the col between Joffre and Matier countless times. From Keith’s hut I turned right and climbed up the ridge. Passing Motel 66, I continued onto the glacier, just as the sun was coming up. I liked going alone, since I was moving very fast.

I followed the familiar path which felt like retracing the steps of the past. Turning around the corner, I came face to face with the couloir.

The Aussie (Australian) Couloir is an utmost classic in the Duffey area.  It has a total elevation loss of 400 m with its beautiful 45-degree slope. It looks intimidating from afar, but as you get closer, it becomes friendlier.

I didn’t want to waste time, since I was riding a south-facing line in April. I continue the boot pack. The monotonous punching of the feet and stopping every 10 meters to listen to what the mountain is saying to me. Towards the top, the final pitch is the steepest, right before I make the final few passes to the summit. I take a little break to sip some tea and soak in the view.

I went after the Aussie couloir in 2022 and 2023 and turned around both times for different reasons. It felt good to be standing on top of that line. A nice proof that even though it can be tough to turn around, it pays off. I was alone, but I felt comfortable. The sun was warming up my cheeks as I strapped into my snowboard and put my crampons away. I kept my ice axe in my right hand and took off. The couloir isn’t narrow; there was plenty of room for turns.

It was over before I knew it, and with celebratory screams, I rode onto the glacier. Patience really does pay off. I wonder why it’s so hard to turn around sometimes? Every time I do, I’m trying to fight it even though there is a feeling inside of me that knows it’s the right thing to do.

Riding a line that demands a lot from the skier would bring them recognition. I wanted to prove myself in those years. I thought that if only I’d stand on top of the podiums or ski big lines, I’d be accepted. To prove those wrong who said I couldn’t do it. To prove my family wrong, to prove teachers, coaches, or classmates who would make fun of me wrong.

But the only person who was putting weight on their words was me. This had nothing to do with other people; it was my insecurities that created meaning around childhood memories and guilt that would lead me to believe I was not good enough. But in reality, I was more than enough exactly the way I was.

Beware of confusing attention with admiration. Being noticed isn’t a substitute for being respected. At the same time, don’t mistake recognition for appreciation.

Pictures from a (February 2026) day mission into Aussie Couloir with Irie Smith :)