Ursus Uptrack

Ursus Uptrack is the standard skintrack from Connaught Creek up toward the Ursus Minor Trees shoulder in Glacier National Park (Rogers Pass). From the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre parking you follow the Connaught Creek corridor, then branch north toward the Ursus side of the valley, picking up the well-travelled uptrack that climbs through dense forest toward the SE shoulder of Ursus Minor and the treed glades above.

The route weaves through mature forest and small openings, generally staying on or near low-angle ribs to avoid gullies that act as terrain traps. Expect tight switchbacks in places and short, punchy steeper steps as you gain the shoulder; in storm cycles this track is usually in, but can be rutted and slick from traffic. Above treeline the uptrack often trends toward more exposed, wind-affected slopes on the shoulder, where wind slab and scoured sections are common.

Major hazards on the approach include overhead avalanche paths that cross the Connaught drainage and loaded start zones above the uptrack as you near treeline. This is serious avalanche terrain; daily Avalanche Canada forecasts for Glacier National Park and Parks Canada access/closure notices must be checked and respected. Ideal use is mid-winter to early spring during stable periods, when the established track offers a relatively efficient, sheltered ascent to access laps in Ursus Minor Trees or higher alpine objectives.

Glacier National Park uses a Winter Permit System to manage avalanche control and access; some slopes above the Ursus Uptrack may be closed for artillery control or other safety reasons on any given day. Full avalanche kit, strong route-finding skills, and conservative terrain choices are mandatory here, even when following an existing skintrack. For current regulations and seasonal details, see Parks Canada – Glacier National Park backcountry skiing.