Extreme sports come in a variety of forms but all have a potential risk attached. Here are some of the most dangerous places in America to try free solo climbing, base jumping, and extreme skiing.
Climbing El Capitan
El Capitan is one of the best-known climbing locations in the USA, and it certainly presents a formidable (and therefore alluring) challenge to free solo climbers. This 3,000 feet of vertical granite has gotten a lot more attention from climbers since the release of Alex Honnold’s ascent, documented in 2018’s “Free Solo”. As the name implies, Honnold made the climb without assistance, which is tremendously impressive but also very risky. Anyone thinking of trying to ascend this unforgiving granite edifice is therefore strongly encouraged to address any weaknesses and work hard to develop their skills as much as possible. Because if you are climbing El Capitan, your life may very well depend on it.
Between 1905 and 2018 the number of fatalities among climbers at this rock formation was in excess of 30, and deaths recently have been relatively high (between 2013 and 2018 five fatalities were recorded). This has been attributed to a combination of increased media attention and competition over breaking timed climb records.
For those wondering, base jumping is a criminal act when performed at this location. Injuries have been sustained by those who (during a legal period) attempted such things, and there have been fatalities as well (which occurred after the practice of base humping was forbidden).
Having Fun Without Risk
The risk involved in sports generally and extreme sports, in particular, can make them highly entertaining to watch, and breath-taking to participate in, but there is such a thing as too much adrenaline. When you want to just relax and have fun, there’s no easier way than by taking advantage of no deposit bonus deals. These profitable casino offers allow players to have fun with a wide variety of casino games all with zero risk of loss. There is an upper limit on the potential profit (usually one to two hundred dollars) but the chance of winning real cash with no risk of loss whatsoever is nevertheless fantastic. So if you fancy taking a break from watching (or participating in) risky pastimes then this might be just the ticket.
Base Jumping from Perrine Bridge
It’s no shock to find a base jumping location on this list and one that has its risks is Perrine Bridge (in Twin Falls, Idaho). Tandem base jumping is accessible to anyone visiting for a thrilling experience, and one that comes with its share of risk. The bridge is almost 500 feet above the ominously named Snake River, and no permit is needed to indulge in base jumping. The question is whether you want to or not.
There have been several deaths over the years, including a bizarre stunt which saw a 73-year-old man (James E. Hickey) deliberately set fire to his own parachute. Hickey had intended to detach it and rapidly open a second parachute, but this ultra-risky stunt went wrong and led, with sad predictability, to his death.
Beyond this very unusual incident, Perrine Bridge base jumping has caused a huge number of more mundane injuries to participants. In 2019, Brandon John Chance (who was an experienced base jumper) suffered the lethal consequences of the extreme sport after deploying his parachute too late. And in 2016, Canadian base jumper Kristin Renee Czyz also met her end after base jumping at this popular, yet potentially fatal, location.
Skiing at Corbet’s Couloir
Skiing might not seem all that extreme compared to some other sports, but anyone who’s ever had a fight with an avalanche will know better. One of the top sites for extreme skiers is Corbet’s Couloir, (Jackson’s Hole, Wyoming). While it’s true no deaths have been recorded (yet) there’s a laundry list of injuries over the years, from spiral fractures to blown-out knees, so make sure you’ve got some swanky insurance arrangements in case things go ill. The couloir is a narrow gully that presents you with options, both of which are bad. There’s a 4m vertical jump followed by a quick skid (or you’ll plunge onto rocks) or you can avoid the rocks but take a 6m vertical jump.
And if that isn’t extreme enough for you then check out Goat’s Eye Mountain in California. (Don’t forget your transceiver; if you end up under an avalanche they need it to find and rescue you. Or dig out your corpse).
Nothing beats extreme sports when it comes to getting the heart pumping and making you feel alive. But that excitement does come at the cost of risk, and sometimes that price can be very high indeed.