Grizzly Shoulder

Grizzly Shoulder is a classic tree-skiing tour above Connaught Creek in Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park. The line climbs south-facing forested slopes toward the broad shoulder that leads toward Little Sifton, offering sheltered turns when visibility is poor and storm snow is stacking up. Despite the trees, this is rated ATES Challenging terrain, and small avalanches are common on the steeper rolls.

From the Rogers Pass area parking, skin up the Connaught Creek drainage on an established uptrack used for multiple objectives, then branch toward Grizzly Shoulder as the track leaves the valley floor and begins climbing through mature forest. Expect a well-used but often steep skintrack that weaves between glades and denser trees, with options to stop short on lower benches or continue higher toward the open shoulder if stability and visibility allow.

Hazards include small but consequential avalanches in the trees, tree wells, and terrain rolls that can act as terrain traps. Overhead alpine terrain comes into play if you push higher toward the open shoulder, so most parties keep to the treed bands in elevated hazard. The south aspect can crust quickly after sun or warming, so this zone shines during or right after storm cycles with good tree visibility and a supportive base.

Grizzly Shoulder lies inside the Rogers Pass Winter Permit System. A valid Winter Permit, Winter Parking Permit, and national park pass are required to leave the highway corridor, and you must confirm that the relevant Winter Restricted/Unrestricted areas and parking are open on the daily Parks Canada map before touring. Full permit details and current area status are on Parks Canada’s site: Parks Canada – Ski touring in Rogers Pass.