Young's Peak Uptrack

Young's Peak Uptrack is a popular ski touring ascent line in the Asulkan drainage of Glacier National Park, used to access Youngs Peak and classic descents like Seven Steps of Paradise and the Forever Young Couloir. The line starts from the Asulkan side of Rogers Pass and climbs through forest and glades into alpine terrain above treeline, eventually tying into the upper glacier routes toward the summit.

Once parked at Rogers Pass, follow the signed Asulkan Valley approach toward the Asulkan Hut, then branch onto the established uptrack that trends generally south and southwest, weaving through mature forest before breaking into more open terrain. The track roughly follows low-angle ribs and benches to minimize exposure to adjacent avalanche paths, but you are still travelling beneath large alpine start zones for much of the approach.

Common hazards include overhead avalanche hazard from the Illecillewaet and Asulkan sidewalls, wind slab and storm slab development in the alpine, and crevasse and cornice issues higher on the Youngs Peak glaciated terrain. This zone sits in a continental–interior snowpack that can harbor persistent weak layers; daily consultation of the Glacier National Park avalanche bulletin and strict terrain management are mandatory. Parks Canada manages winter permit systems and occasional closures for highway avalanche control, so confirm current access, winter permits, and restricted areas with Parks Canada before touring.

Ideal timing is mid-winter through spring when coverage is sufficient in the lower forest and the glacier is better bridged, with many parties targeting more settled spring snow for the upper Youngs Peak routes. Expect other groups on weekends and during high-pressure periods; standard uptracks are often well established but can change after storms or control work, so carry full navigation tools and be prepared to break your own trail. For current regulations, permits, and avalanche information, see Parks Canada’s Glacier National Park backcountry page: Parks Canada – Glacier National Park backcountry.