One Day in Glacier National Park’s Winter Wonderland

Did you know Glacier National Park is open all year long? From wildlife to wild landscapes, winter is a magical time to experience Glacier National Park. This time of year offers quietude and some of the most pristine Montana powder. Due to lighter visitation this time of year, it feels like the park is your own personal playground. Bringing your groups to Montana during the winter gives them an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best ways to explore Glacier National Park’s winter wonderland.

Know Before You Go

Most of the park's roads are closed during winter, but the Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is open year-round, weather permitting. Please note that park services and amenities close late-September. Drinking water and restrooms are available at the Apgar Visitor Center. For more information on visiting Glacier National Park in the winter, visit the park’s informational page here.

Option 1: Snowshoeing

Polebridge | Credit Noah Couser

STOPS:

1Lake McDonald Valley
2Going-to-the-Sun Road
3Marias Pass

For a serene winter experience, explore Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald Valley by snowshoe. Suitable for varying ages and abilities, these walks encourage participants to search for signs of wildlife and discover plants and animals that call the park home. In addition, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the shores of Lake McDonald and the trail system at Marias Pass offer prime snowshoeing.

Option 2: Cross-Country Skiing

Essex | Credit Noah Couser

STOPS:

4Going-to-the-Sun Road
5LOGE Glacier National Park

One of the best ways to explore the snow-covered Going-to-the-Sun Road is cross-country skiing. During the winter, most of the road is closed to vehicular travel, and snowfall creates a sanctuary for cross-country skiing. The road is plowed from the west entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge, and the road can be accessed just past the lodge. For a unique experience, book LOGE Glacier in Essex. This group-friendly accommodation offers on-site gear rental and 30 kilometers of Nordic trails around the property.

Option 3: Wildlife Watching

Bighorn Sheep

STOPS:

6Lake McDonald Valley
7Going-to-the-Sun Road
8Marias Pass

When the park is quieter, the likelihood of spotting wildlife increases. While out on the trails you're likely to see some white-tailed deer, and moose and elk sightings are not unheard of. Several species of birds winter in the park as well, and beavers can be spotted in Lake McDonald. While animal sightings may be on your bucket list, remember to stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife (and 100 yards from bears). Never approach, touch or feed wildlife, even when an animal does not seem to be threatened by your presence.

Option 4: Guided Tours

West Glacier

STOPS:

9West Glacier

Going with a guide is the perfect way to ensure an ideal experience, and guides are happy to cater to your group’s needs. The Glacier Institute guides three winter programs: Full Moon Snowshoe, Winter Snowshoe and Winter Tracking Adventure. Glacier Adventure Guides offers snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and rentals. Whitefish Outfitters and Tour Glacier both offer combo guided driving tours and snowshoe treks through Glacier National Park, with the option to customize time and location for your group. Whitefish Outfitters also offers winter rentals of snowshoes, sledding tubes and cross-country skis.

Bonus: One way to see Glacier National Park during the winter is to take a ride on Amtrak's Empire Builder. Depart from Whitefish and ride through the park to Browning or Cut Bank.

LODGING + DINING

Adventures in Montana are complemented by some of the best small towns in the West. You'll find plenty of unique and comfortable lodging options in the area—from luxury to rustic and everything in between. Book a stay at a guest ranch, bed-and-breakfast, timbered lodge, cabin, hotel or motel. For more on lodging, visit glaciermt.com/stay.

After a day touring, take in the Montana flavor at one of the region's culinary hot spots, breweries or distilleries. You'll find exceptional food no matter your taste, as well as plenty of places to grab a drink. For more on where to eat, visit glaciermt.com/places-to-eat. If traveling in a larger group and need group dining options in one of our main communities, find information here: https://touroperators.glaciermt.com/group-dining.