Video Peak North

Video Peak’s north side drops into the Ursus Creek drainage in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass. From the Connaught side you skin via the standard Hospital Bowl / Ursus access, then push over the north side from near the summit ridge into bigger, more remote terrain above Ursus Creek. Once you leave the Connaught side you are committed to a different exit, so have your line and return plan dialed before you roll over the edge.

The upper start zones are steep alpine rolls with cornice influence and exposure to large avalanche paths that run clean to the valley. Expect cross-loading and wind slab on the convexities, with pockets staying cold and faceted well into spring thanks to the northerly aspect and shaded walls of the Ursus Creek side. Overhead hazard from cornices and storm slabs is the main concern; manage your group well back from the lip while you assess.

Lower down, the line funnels into terrain traps above Ursus Creek—gullies, benches and small timbered ribs that can stack debris deep. Several finish options trend either skier’s left or right toward established uptracks and exits in the Ursus Creek corridor; none are trivial in poor visibility or high hazard. Strong navigation skills, a solid read on the avalanche forecast, and enough margin in the snowpack for full-path avalanches are mandatory here.

This is advanced ski-mountaineering terrain in a highway-controlled but otherwise wild avalanche corridor. Check the daily bulletin and any Glacier National Park winter access restrictions before heading out, and carry full rescue gear plus repair kit and communication. For current conditions, closures and winter permit details, see Parks Canada’s Glacier National Park page: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/glacier.