How much time do you have here in Montana's Winter Wonderland?
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
Visit Glacier National Park
While July and August are the most popular times to visit Glacier National Park, the park is open—and lovely—year-round, and each season provides its own distinct experience within the Crown of the Continent. Plus, winter is one of the most peaceful times to visit the park. Our suggestion: Strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out along the east shore of Lake McDonald, or cross-country ski on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For a complete map, visit . The trail system at Marias Pass is also a prime area for snowshoeing. Local outfitters, including Glacier Adventure Guides and Whitefish Outfitters and Tours, offer guided snowshoeing and cross-country excursions into the park.
If you go...
- Plan to pack a snack, water or lunch, as services are limited during the winter.
- Check weather and trail conditions before you go.
- Keep in mind that many of the park's roads are closed to vehicles during winter.
- When recreating in the backcountry, always check current snow and avalanche conditions.
- Skiing on frozen lakes is not recommended.
- Warm up after a day outside at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.
- Glacier Outdoor Center offers winter rentals on snowshoes, crampons, trekking poles, and ice axes, as well as one-bedroom cabins.
Many travelers to Montana 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 road-trip itineraries that offer authentic park-to-park experiences. For inspiration, visit Glaciers to Geysers.
Day One: Downhill Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Spend your first day hitting the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort. With 3,000 acres of terrain, 111 marked trails, four terrain parks and a skier/boardercross course, vast amounts of bowl and tree skiing and a 3.3-mile-long run (Hellfire), Whitefish Mountain Resort is an ideal mountain for skiers and boarders of all experience levels. Take a break for lunch and warm up at their mountaintop restaurant. Plus, you'll be able to see views of both the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.
Ever been night skiing? Ski under the lights at Whitefish Mountain Resort on chairs 2, 3 and 6, including the terrain parks.
Overnight options include Whitefish Mountain Resort, Hidden Moose Lodge, Garden Wall Inn and Pine Lodge, all in Whitefish.
If you go...
- For ski-in access on Whitefish Mountain Resort, consider booking on-mountain lodging at Kandahar Lodge or Snow Bear Chalets.
- Take a few laps while the little ones are at the on-site Kids Center (for 6-months-old to 6-year-olds).
- Rub elbows with the locals by enjoying a cocktail at Spotted Bear Spirits in Whitefish.
- End your day with dinner downtown at Casey's Whitefish or Abruzzo Italian Kitchen.
Day Two: Cross-Country Ski at Izaak Walton Inn
The historic Izaak Walton Inn boasts more than 30 km of maintained Nordic ski trails, making it a world-class cross-country skiing destination. Whether you're a classic cross-country skier or an avid skate skier, you'll find incredible trails with just the right amount of terrain variability to satisfy all skill levels.
If you go...
- The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- All equipment is available for rental.
- Take lessons from professionally trained + licensed guides.
Day One: Cross-Country Ski at Izaak Walton Inn
Start your journey at the historic Izaak Walton Inn in Essex. Located between Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the Izaak Walton Inn is a quiet winter oasis that offers 30+ km of on-site groomed cross-country and skate-skiing trails. After a day in the mountains, unwind with dinner and local beer at the Dining Car in the Izaak Walton Inn.
Overnight in a lodge room, classic caboose or luxury rail car at the Izaak Walton Inn.
Day Two: Snowshoe or Nordic Ski the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Make your way to the snow-covered Going-to-the-Sun Road. During the winter, most of the road is closed to vehicular travel as snowfall creates a sanctuary for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The road is plowed from the west entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge, and snow lovers can access the road just past the lodge.
Overnight in Columbia Falls at the North Forty Resort or Cedar Creek Lodge.
Day Three: Snowmobile Canyon Creek
For adrenaline-pumping fun, set out on a guided tour with Swan Mountain Outfitters for a guided two-hour, half-day, full-day or twilight snowmobile tour of the Canyon Creek trail system just north of Columbia Falls. Take in spectacular ridge views and play in deep powder bowls before summiting Whitefish Mountain Resort. See jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.
Overnight at ROAM Beyond in Columbia Falls.
If you go...
- Be sure to take time out for photos on your snowmobile. You'll see plenty of gorgeous views, and you may even see wildlife.
- Explore some of the small towns in the northern end of the Flathead Valley. Shop local artwork and jewelry in Bigfork's galleries and studios and stroll through locally owned boutiques on Central Avenue in Whitefish.
