Winter Activities

As the snow accumulates in Glacier, snowshoeing and skiing are the favorite recreational activity in Glacier National Park. Our Skiing and Snowshoeing Page will help you determine current conditions and information on the trails.

Vehicle access is more limited during the winter as Apgar Village, 11 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side, and a mile and a half on the east side are the only roads maintained in the winter. Check our Current Road Status to find out which roads are open for vehicle travel. For road conditions outside of the park, please visit the Montana Department of Transportation Road Conditions Report.

Auto camping is available at the Apgar Picnic Area and St. Mary Campground. There is no charge for camping in the winter. A free backcountry permit is required to camp in the backcountry and available on both sides of the park. Please call ahead to find out the most convenient location to obtain your permit, 406.888.7800. 

Visitor information can be obtained in person at Headquarters (Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays) and Apgar Visitor Center (open weekends from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm), or by phone at 406.888.7800.

 

Guided Snowshoe Walks

For winter 2012, the popular guided snowshoe walks will be offered again.

Walks will be on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm
from January 7 through March 18, 2012. The walks will depart from the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoe rental is available at the Apgar Visitor Center or in the Flathead Valley adjacent to the park. Please call the Visitor Center on the weekends after 9:00 am to find out if conditions will permit the walk, 406.888.7939.

 

Visitors at the Apgar Boat Dock at Sunset, Lake McDonald

Amy Vanderbilt, NPS