Ursus Ridge

Ursus Ridge sits above the Ursus Creek side of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, in the Hermit Range of the Selkirk Mountains. The line follows the broad south to southeast-facing ridge trending down toward the Ursus Creek drainage, eventually dropping into the well-known Ursus trees below. Expect classic Rogers Pass subalpine terrain transitioning into forest lower down.

From the Rogers Pass corridor, skin up through the Ursus trees toward the open ridge, picking a line that avoids obvious gullies and overhead avalanche paths coming off the Hermit Range peaks. Once on the ridge, follow its mellow undulations toward the southeast face, staying on or just off the crest to manage exposure to cross-loading and cornice hazard that can build along the leeward side.

This tour is usually skied mid-winter through early spring when the Rogers Pass snowpack is well-settled and stability allows travel near ridge features. Watch for wind slab on the lee side of the ridge, cornices along the crest, and terrain traps in the lower forest where small features can collect debris. Standard Glacier National Park avalanche control closures apply around the highway corridor, so always confirm daily area openings before heading out.

You are travelling inside Glacier National Park, so Parks Canada regulations apply: no dogs in winter restricted areas, no camping outside designated zones, and a valid national park pass is required. Daily avalanche bulletins and highway avalanche control information are published by Parks Canada; check these along with the latest map of winter restricted and prohibited areas before committing to the line. More info: Parks Canada – Glacier National Park.