Cougar Creek East 1

Cougar Creek East is a serious avalanche path on the northeast ridge of Ross Peak in Glacier National Park, accessed via the Ross Peak Designated Access Route from Loop Brook parking. From the winter lot, follow the signed designated route across Loop Brook and along the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway until you are allowed to leave the corridor, then trend up toward the summer road on the west side of the highway bridge at Loop Brook. From there, pick up the summer road and begin ascending the ridge above the valley.

Once on the ridge, many parties stick to the ridge crest for the ascent. Travel is generally straightforward until around 1,600 m, where you need to contour on the north side to bypass a short steep step before regaining the ridge. Above this, stay alert to the large drop and cornices on skier’s left toward the main Cougar Creek path; keep your skin track well back from the edge and manage regroup spots carefully, especially in poor visibility or during wind-loading events.

Most skiers transition and drop from near treeline where the path opens, but you can push higher for a longer, more committing line. The higher you climb, the more exposure you take on and the more consequential any mistake or avalanche becomes. At the mid-path bench, the skier’s-left side of the eastern branch usually skis cleaner and is the standard choice; with a deep, well-settled snowpack, either side of either branch can be used, but in a lean year this line is bony, more technical, and best avoided until coverage is solid.

This is full-on avalanche terrain with a history of skier-triggered slides in the treeline section, including injuries. Expect overhead hazard, wind slab, and terrain traps in the mid-path gully features. Use current Glacier National Park winter permit info, the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale mapping, and the daily avalanche bulletin to decide if this path is in condition. Exit by continuing down the path to the valley floor and following the Ross Peak Designated Access Route back along the Illecillewaet and the south side of the highway to Loop Brook parking. For current access rules and maps, see Parks Canada.