Glacier National Park Cross Country Skiing

Enjoy Glacier's winter landscape but, take into account your skiing ability, and check with rangers for local weather and snow conditions. Severe weather, lack of snow, winter rains, or melting conditions can quickly alter the difficulty of any winter trip. Ice is common on roads and on heavily skied trails. Plan to break trail on less popular routes. The Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River present major barriers to travel on the west side of the park. Skiing on frozen lakes is dangerous and not recommended. Skiers, snowshoers, and hikers are asked to maintain separate tracks. As winter snows start to melt, emerging vegetation is revealed. Please stay off these fragile areas. Spring skiing opportunities remain at Granite Park, Many Glacier, and Logan Pass, but remember, warming conditions greatly increase avalanche activity. Most ski routes are not marked. Pay attention to descriptions and local landmarks. A topographic map will help. Arduous cross park trips contain extreme avalanche and terrain hazards and should be attempted only by experienced and well equipped parties. A permit is required for backcountry camping. Practice Leave No Trace camping techniques described in the information provided with your permit. Skiers and snowshoers please register at the trailhead registration boxes. Climbers should complete the Voluntary Climbers Registration form, available at ranger stations and the Apgar Visitor Center.

Pets are not allowed on trails, unplowed roads, in the backcountry or off leash. Snowmobiles are not permitted anywhere in Glacier National Park.

Wildlife viewing remains very rewarding in winter. Remember, survival during the long winter is difficult for Glacier's wildlife. Human contact adds unnecessary stress. Avoid approaching or startling any animals or birds. All park animals are wild and should never be fed. Bears, asleep for most of the winter, sometimes awaken for short periods of time. As always in bear country, exercise extreme caution, especially with food and garbage. If approached by a mountain lion, act aggressively. Do not run! Lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit.