Winter Activities

Road to Exit Glacier

During the winter, Herman Leirer Road is unmaintained and closed to automobile traffic from the first gate. Traveling beyond 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.

 

Yup, there really IS a glacier under there.

NPS / Travis Fulton

Once the road to Exit Glacier is snow-covered and closed to cars, it is accessible by fat bikes, cross-country skis, snowmobile, dog sled, and more. 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 wood stove and benches is available for day use when visiting the Exit Glacier Area. Pit toilets are also 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

Snowmobile use is prohibited until the park superintendent has made a determination that there is adequate snow cover. Currently the park is Open to snowmachine use. 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. Check the current conditions as you plan your trip.

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.

 

Winter Shuttle Service
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.

 

Let these furballs of energy show you a winter wonderland.

NPS Photo / J. Pfeiffenberger

Dog Sled Tours
Winter tours by traditional dog sled are a great way to access and enjoy the park during our snowy season. Search our directory for current providers authorized to sled into the park.

 

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.