Chilkoot Pass is a high mountain pass through the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains in the U.S. state of Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. It is the highest point along the Chilkoot Trail that leads from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett Lake, British Columbia.

What is a Chilkoot?

Chilkoot Pass in American English

(ˈtʃɪlkuːt) noun. a mountain pass on the boundary between SE Alaska and British Columbia, Canada, in the Coast Range.

Why was the Chilkoot Pass such a challenge?

There was a high risk of avalanche along the Chilkoot Pass, as snow storms were frequent and the snow could give way and speed down the summit. The wet and heavy snow of the avalanches could kill 50 to 100 men at a time.