8812 Southeast Face

Southeast Face of 8812 drops from the upper alpine shoulder above 8812 Bowl in Glacier National Park, on the Bruins Ridge side of the Connaught Creek drainage. Most parties reach it via the standard Hospital Bowl / Bruins Ridge uptrack used for 8812 Bowl, then continue along the ridge toward the high point until they can scope the face and pick a clean entrance through the rock bands and rolls.

The line is a steep, complex alpine face with multiple convexities, short cliff bands and a few narrow chokes. It skis best when the face is fully filled and smoothed in; thin coverage exposes rock ribs and forces you into committing micro‑terrain decisions. Expect overhead hazard from the upper face and flanking rock walls, and strong cross‑loading from prevailing winds around the 8812 col and ridge.

Most skiers trend generally fall‑line with slight traverses to link the cleanest panels, regrouping only in obvious islands of safety between features. In poor visibility or with any uncertainty about bridging over the cliff bands, it’s common to bail to lower‑angle options back toward 8812 Bowl rather than force a way through. Conservative timing is key: give the slope time to settle after storms or wind events, and avoid it under strong solar input when the surface crusts or starts to shed.

This face sits inside Glacier National Park’s Rogers Pass winter permit system. Before heading out, check the daily area openings/closures and avalanche forecast, and carry the required winter permit if you plan to travel in restricted zones. Full details and current access rules are on the Parks Canada Glacier National Park page: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier.