Bonney Glacier

Bonney Glacier sits above the Loop Brook / Bonney Moraines zone in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass. The line trends generally north from the Bonney Moraines toward the glacier toe, with terrain stepping from mature forest into open moraines and then broad glaciated slopes framed by Mount Bonney and Parsons Peak. This is serious alpine glacier skiing in complex avalanche terrain; parties need full glacier kit, crevasse rescue skills, and solid route-finding under winter conditions.

From the Loop Brook parking, skin up the Bonney Moraines uptrack to treeline and follow the broad moraine ridge system toward the glacier toe, or use the more direct trough east of the moraines when stability is very good. The moraine ridge has short ups and downs and some sidehill but keeps you out of the deepest overhead hazard; the trough is more efficient but more exposed to avalanche paths and debris. At the glacier toe, rope up as needed and weave through rolling glacial benches, skirting obvious crevasse fields and sagging bridges.

The main ski line descends the west side of the glacier in a broad fall-line path that feeds into the primary avalanche track back toward the moraines. Upper sections can be deflected by crevasse bands, forcing small traverses to connect clean panels of snow. Lower down, staying in the main avalanche path gives the most straightforward exit; drifting too far skier’s right (west) drops you into steeper gullies with cliffs, pillows and water ice that demand precise terrain reading and strong skiing.

Hazards are significant: large overhead cornices on Bonney and Parsons, cross-loaded rolls, crevasse fields, and a long terrain-trap runout in the main path. This zone lies inside Rogers Pass winter permit terrain, so you must hold a valid winter permit and respect daily area openings and closures. Ideal days are cold, stable periods with low avalanche danger, good visibility, and light winds, when you’re comfortable spending time under big cornices and moving efficiently through glaciated terrain. Full trip planning should start from Parks Canada’s Rogers Pass winter permit and avalanche terrain rating resources. For current access and permit details see Parks Canada – Glacier National Park winter ski touring.