Glacier National Park in Winter
Experience the Beauty of Glacier in the Off-Season
Winter transforms Glacier National Park into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland, far from the crowds of summer. While many roads and facilities close for the season, the park remains open year-round, offering incredible opportunities for winter adventure. Whether you want to explore on skis, snowshoes, or just take in the serene beauty, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Glacier National Park in winter.
What’s Open in Glacier National Park in Winter?
While much of the park becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, these key areas remain open for winter visitors:
Apgar Village & Lake McDonald – The gateway to the park remains accessible, with stunning winter views along Lake McDonald.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge) – While the full road closes, the first 11 miles from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge are plowed and open to vehicles.
Polebridge Area – Accessible depending on snow conditions, offering a remote winter escape near the North Fork.
Chief Mountain Road & Marias Pass – These areas provide additional access points for winter recreation.
Park Trails – Many trails remain open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though they are not maintained in winter.
Top Things to Do in Glacier National Park in Winter
1. Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Winter is the perfect time to explore Glacier’s trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Popular routes include:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (beyond the plowed section) – A stunning, peaceful winter trek.
Avalanche Lake Trail – A moderate snowshoe hike through the forest to a frozen lake.
McDonald Falls – A shorter snowshoe trek with scenic winter views.
Apgar Lookout – A more challenging route with breathtaking snowy vistas.
2. Wildlife Watching
Winter is a fantastic time to spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even wolves in the park. With fewer visitors, wildlife tends to be more active and visible.
3. Photography
Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and frost-covered trees make for some of the most stunning winter photography opportunities. Lake McDonald is especially picturesque, with its famous colored rocks visible beneath the icy water.
4. Winter Camping & Lodging Nearby
While Glacier National Park campgrounds close for winter, backcountry winter camping is allowed with a permit. Alternatively, Whitefish, MT offers cozy lodging options with easy access to the park.
5. Scenic Drives (Where Possible)
While most roads close, you can still take a winter drive along the plowed section of Going-to-the-Sun Road or explore the North Fork area for a remote, snowy adventure.
Have Questions? We're Happy to Help!
While we don’t currently offer winter tours, we’re happy to help answer any questions about visiting Glacier in the off-season. Feel free to contact us for tips, recommendations, and advice on planning your winter adventure!
