© Ron Niebrugge—www.wildnatureimages.com
Snow covered trail at Exit Glacier
Once the Exit Glacier Road is snow-covered and closed to cars, it is accessible by cross-country skis, snowmobile or dog sled. Winter recreation generally starts in early November and the snow can last into May. This can vary greatly from season to season, so be sure to check on current conditions before starting out.
Winter is one of the best times of year to spot moose at Exit Glacier. Enjoy viewing them from a distance, since they are likely to be stressed in this season of food scarcity.
Facilities: A warming hut with firewood and benches is available for day use. The Willow Public Use Cabin can be rented by the night, providing visitors with a once in a lifetime winter backcountry experience.
Snowmobiles: Snowmobiles are allowed in the park once there is at least 18 inches of snow with a solid base. The Harding Icefield has adequate snow cover year round, but the rest of the park is generally open to snowmobile use from November through April. The use of snowmobiles is prohibited within the Exit Glacier Developed Area, except on the Exit Glacier Road, in the parking areas, and on a designated route through the Exit Glacier Campground to Exit Creek. The Exit Glacier Developed Area is further described under the Snowmobile Regulations webpage. Riders must follow the Alaska State Laws and NPS regulations that govern snowmobile use in the park.
