Description

For a deeper dive into the route and some detailed terrain photos, check out the post on Beyond Our Peak: https://beyondourpeak.com/teddy-bear-trees-storms-avalanche-closures/ Teddy Bear Trees, located in Rogers Pass (Glacier National Park), offers an excellent continuous descent that weaves through sparse trees, mature timber and open clearings.

If you can handle being exposed to the Grizzly Slidepath (which avalanches every few storm cycles), the area is perfect for conservative storm skiing while the Winter Restricted Areas (WRA) are closed due to highway avalanche control.

From the Rogers Pass Discovery Center, it takes less than 35 minutes to reach the base of the shoulder.

Don’t be fooled by the stellar accessibility of Teddy Bear Trees.

The steeper, eastern pitch is classic avalanche terrain with a 35-degree incline and a dangerous terrain trap at its base.

On top of that, it runs out into the Grizzly Slidepath. Starting at the Discovery Center, glide up the Balu Pass Trail along Connaught Creek.

When the snowpack is deep enough, it's possible to take the winter route along the creek's north bank which considerably shortens the trip.

However, the route exposes you to the very large Grizzly Slidepath which runs every once in a while.

Climb the steep treed pitch up the westmost shoulder of Grizzly Mountain.

Beware of this slope as it harbours some big cliffs and unsupported pillows.

Make your way to treeline where the ridge narrows.

From its crest, drop into the lee slope to the SE or stick to the ridge where you'll find bigger cliffs.

Beware, the foot of the SE pitch terminates in steep, rocky gullies and overgrown alders.

It's best to head to the skier's right into the mature timber above the gullies and descend through the open clearings.

Slide back to the parking lot along Connaught Creek (the way you ascended).