12 Year-Old Blind Skier Shreds The 'Big Couloir' Completely By Feel

Like his life's journey, Jacob Smith's road to the bottom of Big Sky Resort's Big Couloir has been far from simple. At the age of eight, Jacob's parents began to notice that their son's eyesight was deteriorating.

Upon further inspection, an eye doctor noticed his optic nerve was bleeding, and later, a team of medical experts confirmed that he had a meningioma or a brain tumor that required immediate removal. After surgery, Jacob kept his head up and despite being legally blind, continues to ski with his family. With them as loyal guides, Jacob made his dream of skiing the Big Couloir a reality.

*Video courtesy of Big Sky Resort

Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan and book everything for the perfect Big Sky Resort ski vacation. Call 800-610-8911 or fill out a brief from to receive a quote in your inbox >>.

TAGGED: big couloir, big sky, Big Sky Resort, blind skier, inspiration, jacob smith, aspen ski area

Barclay Idsal

Author

How Our Free White (Ski) Glove Service Works:

Step 1

Connect With a Mountain Travel Expert

Reach out to a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert by phone, chat, or our online form. Share details about your group size, interests, and budget and your Expert will begin to craft your dream ski vacation.

Step 2

Receive a Trip Proposal

Get a curated proposal with personalized suggestions from your Expert via email. Book directly online or request additions or revisions from your Expert until it’s perfect

Step 3

Travel with Support

If you have questions, want to add or modify your reservations or need anything assistance, your Expert is always by your side to help before, during and after your trip.

Learn more

Discounts
Latest News

12 Year-Old Blind Skier Shreds The 'Big Couloir' Completely By Feel

Barclay Idsal

Table of contents

How Our Free White (Ski) Glove Service Works:

Sign up for our newsletter