The 8812 Bowl can be summed up by one word: GLORIOUS. From its col at 2505m, it’s a 620m beeline down to the Connaught Creek. The sights of Rogers Pass’ world-class terrain are stunning. If the sun hasn’t gotten to it yet – it’s south-facing and sees much solar exposure – you’re bound to find deep, blower powder. From my experience, the snow conditions are usually pretty decent, even when high winds trash the rest of the alpine terrain. Nowadays, 8812 Bowl is commonly linked up with Video Peak for a lengthy, 1750-meter day with the Bruins Ridge being the connecting route between the two awesome lines. Just like Video Peak, 8812 Bowl is a popular Rogers Pass ski tour. Get it early in the morning after a storm (stability dependent) to slay the freshies.

Starting at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center, slide up Connaught Creek and head up the valley's north side once you hit the bottom of Ursus Trees. From there, climb the heavily treed shoulder to reach Hospital Bowl. You'll have a great view of the Video Peak SE face, a mega-popular tour. Head west towards the Bruins Ridge, traversing rolling terrain. Gain the ridge and follow it to 8812 Col. Contour around the rocky outcrop right before the col. You'll be rewarded with views of the mellow Bruins Glacier and the bushy Ursus Creek to the north, a seldom-visited area. Slide into the bowl and enjoy the descent leading into the flats below Balu Pass.