Season 8 of The Fine Line begins with a story from one of the most recognizable features of the southern Teton range, and a ski line that makes even the bravest skiers buckle their boots a little bit tighter: Cody Peak’s Central Couloir.

On Saturday March 18, 2023, skiers Will Brown and Jacqueline Dickey dropped into Central after hiking out to the top of Cody from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram. What happened next forever changed their relationship to skiing and big, complex mountains.

We also hear from Jackson Hole Ski Patroller Jeff Burke, who helps explain how different responding agencies come together to perform rescues in the JHMR backcountry—and how a pair of skis took the long road to get back to Jacqueline.

If you are looking for mental health support, please visit Mental Health & Recovery Services of Jackson Hole, or dial the national crisis and suicide prevention hotline at 988. As we hear in this episode, mental health is a backcountry safety issue.

Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM.

The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy.

The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support by Roadhouse Brewing Company and KHOL.