As the snow begins to fall and the temperatures dip down into the negative numbers, that’s when you should think about visiting Glacier National Park in the winter.
A bright winter afternoon along the shores of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park / Rebecca Latson
Sure, the cold is biting, and Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicles starting at Lake McDonald Lodge, but there’s a solitude you won’t find during the summer. The crowds are gone, there’s the opportunity for some snow sporting fun, the landscape is breathtaking, and you’ll probably see birds and white-tailed deer. While you still need a park entrance pass, winter rates are usually less than in the summer, and there is no need for a vehicle timed-entry reservation.
Apgar Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday during the winter months; all other visitor centers are closed for the season. Apgar Visitor Center restrooms are open throughout the winter.
Apgar Campground’s Loop B offers free, first-come, first-served primitive camping, with vault toilets and no running water. For complete solitude (and maybe a little adventure), there’s winter wilderness camping for which permits are required 3 – 7 days prior to the intended trip start date and must be reserved by phone or email.
Lodging within the park is closed for the season, but you’ll find plenty of available rooms in area communities like Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls at lower rates now that the peak summer season is past.
Pack your snowshoes, cross-country skis, and boot traction devices for roaming the shores of Lake McDonald and venturing along a now-quiet, snow-blanketed Going-to-the-Sun Road. Maybe even bring along a sled to pull your littles. Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered on weekends, and winter recreation maps and brochures are available at the visitor center and park headquarters lobby.
You might see a white-tail deer while snowshoeing along Going-to-the-Sun Road in winter, Glacier National Park / Rebecca Latson
If you are a photographer, winter is a dream time for stunning imagery, particularly along the shores of Lake McDonald as sunset's alpenglow on the snowcaped mountains is replaced with the blues, pinks, and purples of blue hour. Remember to pack extra batteries and camera charger as cold weather uses up battery juice more quickly. Keep those batteries (and your smartphone when not in use) in your pocket and out of the sub-zero elements. You can read more about photography at Glacier in the winter by clicking here.
Evening blues and pinks over the mountains, Glacier National Park / Rebecca Latson
In addition to packing an insulated jacket, fleece top, fleece pants or snow pants, winter gloves and plenty of socks, don’t forget a wool or fleece hat for your head, and maybe a few air-activated hand warmers, allowable in both your carry-on and checked luggage if you are flying.
Bring snacks and plenty of water. You may not feel tired, hungry, or thirsty, but that dry, freezing Montana air will really take it out of you before you know it.
For more information about visiting Glacier during the winter, click here.
