A.O. Wheeler Hut

A.O. Wheeler Hut

Located in Rogers Pass, the Wheeler Hut is one of the most historic, aesthetic and accessible huts in the ACC hut network. The hiking, mountaineering and winter backcountry skiing are world-class. This log cabin has a beautiful dining room with a large central fireplace. In the winter, the Wheeler Hut serves as a base for the legendary powder skiing of the Rogers Pass area. In the summer there are numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking.

Hut Facilities

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

An overnight parking permit is required (free of charge) when accessing the Wheeler Hut from the Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground trailheads.

A.O. Wheeler Hut Features

Family Friendly
Open All Year

Features

The birthplace of North American alpinism

This is the birthplace of alpinism in North America. Many of the routes are steeped in tradition and history, an interesting fact to remember as you reach for that next impeccable quartzite handhold or take that next footstep along one of the many trails which wind through the lush cedar forests that dominate the region.

The rugged terrain in Glacier National Park creates the opportunity for many challenging trips. The mountains are steep, the valleys are narrow and many of the trails involve high elevation gain to reach stunning ridges and peaks. The Wheeler Hut is an ideal base for climbing as most peaks are within day access from the cabin. On the north side of the highway, the Hermit Range provides many popular objectives on both good rock and ice, Tupper and the peaks of the Rogers massif being foremost among them. The Asulkan Group stretches to the south from the hut, beginning as an as popular hiking and scrambling terrain, and becoming more serious as it reaches Sapphire Col. Closer to home, Sir Donald’s peaks to the east give everything from desperate north faces to classic ridge climbs. There are very good reasons that, at the beginning of the 20th century the Rogers Pass area was the first centre of alpinism in North America.

Trail Access

Access is off the Trans-Canada Highway approximately 3.5 kilometers west of the Rogers Pass information centre. On the south side of the highway there is a sign for the turnoff to the Illecillewaet Campground and parking area . In the summertime you can drive up the road to the parking area near the Illecillewaet Campground and start the short walk from here.

Please note: if you are driving up from the east it is a difficult turn to make along a dangerous curve of the highway into the parking lot. The better option is to continue driving several hundred meters further down the highway to a railway access road on the right-hand side where it is safer to turn around and approach the parking lot from the west .

Rates

Member Rates

  • Standard $50
  • Peak Season $60

    June 15 - October 15

Non Member Rates

  • Standard $60
  • Peak Season $72

    June 15 - October 15

Features

A base for Rogers Pass powder

It is difficult to convey to the first time visitor the number and quality of the summer and winter day trips possible from the hut. One thing the Rogers Pass area is well known for in the winter, is snow. With a 10m annual snow fall, huge glaciers, deep valleys and steep mountains, the area is a skiers dream. The Rogers Pass area offers some of the best powder skiing in the country, with its legendary deep snow and long ski descents. From the hut, you have the option of skiing on practice slopes or going for longer day tours up on the Asulkan Ridge or the Illecillewaet. Go check it out! You can find most these amazing ski tours described in Chic Scott’s book Summits & Icefields, Columbia Mountains or Ski Touring in Rogers Pass, by J .P . Kors and John Kelly.

Trail Access

Park at the plowed parking lot 500m west of the Illecillewaet campground turn off, at the Illecillewaet Valley Trails Parking area. Climb steeply through the trees for 50 vertical meters until you see an old road. Ski upstream on the West Bank until you reach the old rail bed at the other side of the bridge. Turn left and you will see the Wheeler Hut on your left.

Winter users must verify whether planned routes require a Winter Permit.

Rates

Member Rates

  • Standard $50
  • Peak Season $60

    December 1 - April 30

Non Member Rates

  • Standard $60
  • Peak Season $70

    December 1 - April 30

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Rab Canada sponsors the ACC hut network.
We thank them for their support.

Additional ski week availability on a per bed basis at Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) and Kokanee Glacier Cabin just released for the 24/25 season!

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