Winter in Glacier

Avoid the rush of peak season crowds and head to Glacier National Park during the quiet winter months for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and sight-seeing adventures in serene, snow-covered mountain landscapes.

  • Travel to Glacier Park during winter and enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing without peak season crowds.
  • A 10-mile stretch of Going To The Sun Road is maintained between West Glacier and Lake McDonald Lodge.
  • With no facilities and services available during this season, enjoy accommodations and amenities in surrounding towns.

Overview 

Due to its high elevations and northern location, a winter trip to Glacier Park requires a hearty, self-reliant sort of visitor. Although featuring areas for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing, park facilities and services are unavailable in winter. Additionally, all internal park road access, excluding a 10 mile stretch of Going To The Sun Road (West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge) is unavailable. Still, for diehard fans of outdoor winter recreation, Glacier is an idyllic location for your adventures.

Lodging/Amenities

With no Glacier Park facilities or amenities available in winter, numerous accommodations, restaurants, and other services are open and ready to serve you in nearby surrounding towns during the winter months.

Activities

Cross-Country Skiing/Snow-shoeing: The two most popular Glacier Park winter activities are cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Six main park areas have established trails, however most trails are unmarked and more often than not it will be up to you to break new routes. Why not explore:

West Glacier/Apgar

  • 5 established routes
  • Going To The Sun Road maintained from here to Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Try: Lower McDonald Creek Trail
    Trailhead: South of McDonald Creek Bridge
    Distance: 2-3 miles (roundtrip)
    Highlights: Follows lower McDonald Creek.

St. Mary

  • 3 established routes
  • Try: Red Eagle Loops
    Trailhead: Northeast Corner of St. Mary Lake (Glacier Park East Entrance)
    Distance: 3 variations (Lion Loop/1 mile; Eagle Loop/2.5 miles; Elk Loop/3.5 miles)
    Highlights: Pass aspens as you travel up and down the rolling hills surrounding St. Mary Lake.

Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping opportunities are available. Be advised to know the challenges of camping in winter. Permits required. Call: 406-888-5819

Winter Safety

  • Skiing on frozen lakes NOT RECOMMENDED.
  • No snowmobiles allowed in the park.
  • Know the signs and protect yourself from hypothermia and frost bite.
  • When available, please sign in at trailhead registration boxes.
  • Pets not allowed on backcountry trails, skiing trails, or unplowed roads.
  • For convenience, skiers and shoe-shoers are advised to keep separate trails.
  • As winter turns to spring, the risk of avalanches increases greatly.

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