Ursus Minor West Face

West-facing alpine face on Ursus Minor above Connaught Creek in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass. Terrain is complex: cliff bands, multiple gullies, and large cornices along the upper ridge. Line choice and micro-route-finding matter, especially in flat light or during storm cycles.

From the Connaught Creek uptrack toward Ursus Minor Basin, branch toward the west face once you’re above the main valley floor and have a clean view of your intended gully. Many options cliff out or tuck you under overhead hazard; most parties scope from below and on the skintrack, then commit only if they can trace a continuous fall-line with clean runout.

Snowpack is heavily influenced by sun and wind: afternoon solar on the west aspect, cross-loading from prevailing SW–W winds, and regular cornice growth along the ridge. Watch for wind slabs over buried crusts, pockets above cliff bands, and terrain traps in the lower gullies. This is advanced ski-mountaineering terrain for solid partners who are comfortable turning around when stability or visibility aren’t close to perfect.

The face sits inside Glacier National Park’s Rogers Pass winter permit system. Check daily Winter Permit Area status, seasonal closures, and avalanche forecast before committing, and carry the required permit and map. Full details: Parks Canada – Glacier National Park backcountry.