Vaux Moraines

Low-angle ski touring line on the Vaux Moraines beneath the Sir Donald Range in Rogers Pass. The moraine ribs and broad benches give mostly open glades and rolling terrain, with short steeper rolls between flatter sections. This makes it a common option when you want to stay away from bigger alpine features but still move through interesting terrain.

From the Sir Donald trailhead, follow the summer trail toward the Vaux Moraine, then gain the moraine proper and trend up-glacier toward the broad shoulder used to access Overlook Bowl. Once on the moraine, the line generally follows its spine and adjacent low-angled fans, avoiding the steeper sidewalls and gullies that collect debris.

Main hazards are cross-loaded rolls on the moraine crest, small terrain traps in the gullies between ribs, and overhead avalanche paths from the higher faces if you push too far toward the bowls. Even when avalanche danger is elevated, you still need disciplined terrain selection here: stay on the mellow benches, avoid convexities, and give any obvious overhead start zones a wide berth.

Best used in mid-winter to early spring when coverage smooths out the moraine blocks and creek features. In lean conditions expect more exposed rocks and awkward sidehilling on the ribs. Check Glacier National Park avalanche bulletins and any seasonal closures or restrictions for the Illecillewaet / Sir Donald area before heading out.