McGill Shoulder Uptrack

From the parking, follow the signed summer trail briefly, then pick up the well-established uptrack that branches right after the last major left-hand switchback to climb the forested south-facing shoulder toward treeline. The skintrack is usually direct and sustained, with tight kick turns through mature trees and a noticeable grind at lower elevations where coverage can be thin and crusty early season.

Above about treeline the route transitions from dense forest to more open glades and then a narrowing ridge. Parties commonly continue toward the main McGill chutes, west-facing glades, or Camp West slide path, but all of these options involve committing avalanche terrain. Expect overhead hazard from large alpine bowls feeding into gullies and fans, with frequent wind loading and pockets of stiff slab near the ridge.