Winter Activities

 

With the right preparation, winter provides a unique opportunity for recreation at Kenai Fjords National Park in relative solitude

NPS Photo

Exit Glacier in Winter

The state and federal agencies that oversee the road to Exit Glacier close it to cars from around November to May each year - allowing for several winter recreation opportunities when conditions allow:

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Fat tire biking
• Snowmobiling (when allowed)
• Dog sledding

Traveling beyond the first closed gate to the Exit Glacier Area is a further 7 miles (11.5 km), and an additional 1 mile to the Exit Glacier Overlook.

If continuing to the Exit Glacier Area, it is important to be prepared for minimal daylight and winter weather conditions. The winter conditions can vary greatly from season to season, so be sure to check on current conditions before starting out:

 

Check Current Conditions Beforehand

 

Moose like trails and roads

Winter is one of the best times of year to spot moose at Exit Glacier. Enjoy viewing moose from a distance since they are likely to be stressed in this season of food scarcity.

 

The Willow Public Use Cabin in the Exit Glacier Area is available for booking in winter

NPS Photo

Available Facilities at Exit Glacier

Please be aware that accessing these facilities requires reaching the Exit Glacier Area, which is approximately 7 miles (11.5km) from the first closed gate:

• A warming hut with wood stove and benches is available for day use when visiting the Exit Glacier Area. Bringing your own firewood is recommended.

• Pit toilets are available, located just off the parking area.

• No potable water is available, so all drinking water should be brought in or properly treated before drinking.

Public Use Cabin

The Willow Public Use Cabin, in the Exit Glacier Area, can be rented by the night, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime winter backcountry experience.

 

Snowmobiles, or snowmachines if you're from Alaska, can be used to access the Exit Glacier Developed Area when allowed

NPS Photo

Snowmobiles

Snowmobile use is prohibited until the park superintendent has made a determination that there is adequate snow cover. Check the current conditions page to see if snowmobile access is open. Adequate snow cover is determined by evaluating the ability of the snow pack to support snowmobile use in a manner that does not damage resource values such as vegetation and soils. A combination of factors such as snow depth, snow structure, and the characteristics of the vegetation in the area are considered in this evaluation. 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 road to Exit Glacier, in the parking areas, and on a designated route through the Exit Glacier Campground to Exit Creek, as shown on the Exit Glacier Developed Area Winter Map.

Be sure to read and understand the snowmobile regulations, as riders must follow all Alaska State Laws and NPS regulations that govern snowmobile use in the park. As always, be sure to be a safe rider, and follow these safety tips for all snowmobile users.

 

Ice Climbing

Technical ice climbing is permitted on the glacier’s terminus from November through March. The rest of the year, climbers must be at least ½ mile above the terminus. Ice climbing opportunities are very limited due to unstable ice conditions.

Booking a trip with an experienced mountaineering guide company is a great idea. It saves on the expense of costly mountaineering gear, and gives added security and safety to the trip.

 

Help us update this 1992 photo by inviting us to meet your dog team at Exit Glacier!

NPS Photo

Guided Excursions

Guides, outfitters and other private businesses with Commercial Use Authorizations have permission to lead you on a wide variety of experiences in the park, including:

• Snowshoeing
• Mountaineering / glacier travel
• Sled dog tours
• Snowmobile tours

Search our directory for an updated list of current commercial visitor service providers.

 

Winter Shuttle

Winter shuttle service, operated by Adventure Sixty North, is authorized to provide scenic tours and guided snowshoe walks. Passengers can also be dropped off to enjoy winter activities on their own. Costs and additional information regarding the service can be found at Adventure Sixty North's website.

 

Winter Boat Tours

Accessing the fjords and tidewater glaciers during the winter can be very challenging. Weather in the Gulf of Alaska during winter can be cold and unpredictable. In addtion, most commercial boat tours are only available from mid-March to late-September. You can get a list of tour boat opperators from the Seward Chamber of Commerce if you are interested in seeing who might be providing winter tours.