GLACIER NATIONAL PARK + SURROUNDING AREA
Skiing in the park requires the purchase of a park entrance pass.
Upper Lake McDonald
From West Glacier, follow Going-to-the-Sun Road for 12.9 km along Lake McDonald, to Lake McDonald Lodge.
Length: McDonald Falls: 2.9 km; Sacred Dancing Cascade: 8.5 km round trip; Avalanche Picnic Area: 18.6 km round trip
Polebridge
These trails begin at the Polebridge Ranger Station. Access to the area is via county road 486, running north from Columbia Falls. This road is infrequently plowed and skiers should check on local road conditions. Park on the east side of the North Fork Bridge at Polebridge Ranger Station.
Length: Big Prairie: 6.4 km round trip; Bowman Lake: 19.3 km round trip; Covey Meadow: 4.8 km loop trail; Lone Pine Prairie: 9.6 km round trip
Marias Pass: Autumn Creek Trail
This is the most popular ski route in this area. The trail begins at the summit of Marias Pass and crosses into the park.
Length: 9.6 km
Two Medicine Valley
Start skiing at the end of the plowed road (6.4 km north of East Glacier) near the junction of U.S. Highway 49 and Two Medicine Road. Destinations include: the park boundary: 9.6 km round trip; Running Eagle Falls: 16 km round trip; and Two Medicine Lake, a strenuous and hilly 25.7 km round trip.
Length: varies
St. Mary
East of scenic St. Mary Lake, the main trailhead for these trails is the parking area near the 1913 Ranger Station.
Length: Beaver Pond Loop: 4.8 km and Red Eagle Lake Trail: 12.8 km round trip
Apgar-West Glacier
This trail system runs north from West Glacier, west of Lake McDonald, and the trails can be accessed from two separate parking areas.
Length: Lower McDonald Creek: 3 – 5 km round trip; Rocky Point: 9.6 km round trip; Apgar Lookout: 16.9 km round trip; Site of Old Flathead Ranger Station: 16 km round trip; McGee Meadow Loop: 18.5 km round trip
Surrounding Area:
Meadow Lake Nordic Trails
This Meadow Lake Golf Course trail system at Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls offers gently rolling terrain for all skill levels.
Length: 6 km
Many cross-country skiers wisely plan their trips to include both of our national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone. To help make the most of your time, we’ve put together several Nordic skiing-based itineraries. For inspiration, visit Glaciers to Geysers