Swiss Couloir

Swiss Couloir is a steep, narrow ski-mountaineering line on the south face of Swiss Peak above the Swiss Glacier in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass. The chute drops from the Swiss–Truda col area as a tight rock-walled couloir, a classic high-commitment descent in the Rogers / Swiss / Truda massif.

Access is via Hermit Basin from the Rogers Pass corridor, then onto the Swiss Glacier before traversing to the base of the couloir. Expect a sustained bootpack in confined terrain; parties commonly climb the line they intend to ski, which gives a good read on snow structure but commits you to overhead hazard from your own group and anyone above.

The line is south-facing and very steep, with a pronounced choke. Solar input rapidly affects both rock and snow, so timing is critical to avoid loose wet activity and rockfall. Wind slabs over weak facets have been observed in the choke; be ready to turn around if you find stiff, hollow snow over sugary layers. Overhead exposure, terrain-trap runout and complex glaciated access make this an objective for experienced ski-mountaineers only.

Swiss Couloir sits inside Glacier National Park’s Rogers Pass winter permit system. A valid winter permit and compliance with daily area openings/closures are mandatory, even for so‑called unrestricted zones. Check the Rogers Pass backcountry access map, avalanche bulletin and current closures with Parks Canada before leaving the parking lot, and build a conservative plan B in case the Hermit/Swiss sector is closed.

More info and current regulations: Parks Canada – Glacier National Park.