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Central Couloir is one of the most formidable and recognizable lines in the Jackson Hole backcountry.

Sitting smack in the middle of Cody Peak, Central Couloir's easily recognizable hourglass entrance, middle choke, and exit air stare at anyone who dares to dream of skiing it.

Since moving to Jackson Hole, Veronica Paulsen is one of many skiers who have stared at the line year in and year out.

Paulsen, who is known as a moguls skier turned big mountain skier turned Queen of Corbet's Couloir, is no stranger to steep, technical lines in the Tetons. In 2020, she won the Kings and Queens competition after becoming the first woman ever to land a backflip into Corbet's and earned the People's Choice Award in 2023 and 2025 for attempting double backflips.

Over the past few seasons, Paulsen has shifted her focus from herself to other professional skiers through her YouTube series. Each episode follows another pro skier on their path, and often to a famous ski line. She's bid farewell to the Freeride World Tour (FWT) with Reine Barkered, skied Once is Enough with Jim Ryan, went winter camping with Griffin Post, skied Apocalypse Couloir with Madison Ostergren, and even competed in skijoring.

Her latest episode turns to the Cody Peak behemoth alongside local Jackson legend Andrew Whiteford. Whiteford is known for descents on rarely skiable lines and for hucking huge cliffs. Capturing it all via POV cam.

"I wanted to highlight Andrew because he’s been an idol of mine since I moved here to Jackson. My second year in town, I watched him ski Igneous Rocks from below and was just in absolute awe and so inspired. But you watch him ski like that, and then when you meet him, you realize he is the kindest, most encouraging, and thoughtful person ever. He was the best person to have in my corner to help me reach this goal, and I’m so glad we could show his story to the world," said Paulsen in a message to POWDER.

You can watch the full episode below and keep reading for more.

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Watch: Down The Rabbit Hole with Veronica Pauslen and Andrew Whiteford

Paulsen's other episodes have given viewers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at being a professional skier and how they approach the sport. This episode, however, stands out as one of the more personal, vulnerable, and impactful stories. Along with a look at how Paulsen and Whiteford evaluated ski conditions in the line, they also both touch on the mental aspect of such an undertaking.

Paulsen was injured earlier in the season attempting a double backflip into Corbet's and was left with a tough headspace around skiing big lines alongside her physical recovery. In the episode, viewers watch her grapple with fear and conquer it by trusting her skills, with help from Whiteford.

Whiteford also touches on his own headspace in skiing after the loss of a close friend, Bryce Newcomb, in an accident in the backcountry. Newcomb's passing reminded Whiteford that there's more meaning to be found in skiing, and that laying your own tracks on a line can be bigger than just your own accomplishments.

Whether or not you've ever looked up at Central Couloir specifically and dreamed of skiing it, the episode is filled with both awe-inspiring and relatable moments and is well worth the watch.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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