The McGill Main Chutes, located on the aptly named McGill Shoulder, is an absolute gem of the Bostock Area within Rogers Pass. If you can spare the energy for a 1200m climb, the descent down the two nearly identical avalanche paths to the Bostock trail makes for a 900m run through open terrain, old-growth patches, and huge pillows to finish it off. During times of heightened avalanche hazard, you’ve also got conservative options peppered along the McGill Shoulder: the McGill Glades and the Gunbarrels, all linking up with the bottom of the Main Chutes.

Starting at the Bostock Trailhead, follow the trail until you reach the bottom of the McGill Shoulder. Climb the shoulders through a beautiful hemlock forest until you reach the crest at approx. 2100m. Beware, the treeline portion of the ridge is particularly exposed to large avalanches starting on either side of it. You'll get awesome views of Flat Creek and Mt Smart to the south of the highway. Complete the exposed traverse into the SW slope where you'll easily find the two identical avalanche paths. Again, they are capable of producing large destructive avalanches. Keep that in mind on the descent. After skiing the open paths, weave your way down the old-growth forest right down to the Bostock Trail. Follow its ideal incline back to the parking lot and enjoy the tail gate beers!