Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Rogers Pass is a mecca for serious backcountry skiers and adventure seekers. With some of the deepest snowfall in North America, steep alpine terrain, and complex glaciated slopes, this legendary ski touring destination draws experienced riders from around the world — and for good reason.
What & Where is Rogers Pass?
Rogers Pass sits within Glacier National Park in British Columbia, along the Trans-Canada Highway between Revelstoke and Golden. It’s a true wilderness gateway — where towering peaks, massive icefields, and glacier-carved bowls converge to create world-class ski touring terrain.
The pass is renowned for its enormous snowfall — often exceeding 10 meters (30+ feet) annually — and offers everything from mellow glade runs to highly technical alpine lines and summit descents.
Why Ski Rogers Pass?
There are few places on Earth that match Rogers Pass for snow quality, terrain diversity, and backcountry challenge.
• Epic snow and terrain: Rogers Pass’s heavy snowfall and varied aspects mean fresh lines throughout the season and terrain options for strong intermediate to expert skiers.
• Unparalleled alpine setting: Classic peaks, huge bowls, and glaciated routes make for unforgettable descents.
• Backcountry culture: It’s a place where experienced skiers and guides come to push limits and explore — from established classics to creative new lines.
Ski with the Alpine Air Adventures
The AAA guiding team lives for days in Rogers Pass. Our Lead Guide, Jeff Bullock, has been skiing the Pass since 1997, back when ski
touring in Canada was still a relatively new pursuit. That depth of experience shapes how we approach every day in the terrain — from route choice to snowpack assessment and maximizing quality turns.
Some classic AAA objectives include Bruins Pass, the Little Sifton Traverse, Sapphire Col, the Asulkan Glacier, the Great Glacier, and Youngs Peak. With frequent storm cycles delivering up to 30 cm of snowfall in 24 hours, the Pass offers consistently refreshed lines, deep coverage, and excellent skiing throughout the winter. Mid-winter brings classic powder conditions, while March and April open the door to bigger alpine objectives.
Wondering if Rogers Pass is right for you?
Strong intermediate resort skiers with a few days of touring experience are well suited for our classic 3-day Rogers Pass Long Weekends. Advanced skiers looking for mountain mentorship can book private programs, allowing for more self-directed objectives and progression with experienced AAA guides.
A Brief History — Avalanche Control & Access
One thing that makes Rogers Pass unique — and sometimes misunderstood — is its avalanche control history.
Because the Trans-Canada Highway and Canadian Pacific Railway pass through this high-snow corridor, Parks Canada (with military support) has operated one of the world’s largest mobile avalanche control programs since the mid-20th century. Explosives are used to trigger controlled avalanches to protect the transportation corridor.
To safely manage recreation alongside these operations, the Winter Permit System was created and refined beginning in the 1990s. It allows skiers and snowboarders to access backcountry slopes only when avalanche control is not planned and when it’s safe relative to scheduled closures.
Today, this system is mandatory for all backcountry access in Rogers Pass — meaning everyone needs a Winter Permit regardless of where they plan to ski in winter.
How to Ski Rogers Pass — Permits & Logistics
• Annual Winter Permit: Encouraged if you’re planning multiple trips — apply in advance online as processing can take time.
• Daily Winter Permit: Pick up at Summit Station on the day you ski — after you complete the quiz.
•Prohibited Areas: Closed all winter for safety or research reasons.
•Restricted Areas: Open only when scheduled avalanche control isn’t happening.
3. Park & Park Pass: You’ll also need a national park pass for each traveller — available at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, Summit Station, or online.
• Understanding of avalanche terrain and self-rescue techniques
5. Avalanche & Weather Checks: Always consult the latest Avalanche Canada Bulletin and weather forecast before heading out — conditions can change rapidly.
Ready to Go?
Rogers Pass offers some of the most memorable backcountry skiing in North America — but with that comes responsibility. Proper planning, safety training, and respect for access systems ensure that this terrain remains open and safe for everyone.
Learn With Us
Want guided support and local expertise on the best Rogers Pass backcountry lines? Check out our Rogers Pass Programs and take your ski touring to the next level.