Winter in Glacier National Park offers quiet, snow-filled adventures—wildlife watching, peaceful trails and wintry landscapes. Preparation is key this time of year, and a little planning goes a long way toward a safe, memorable visit. Know before you go, and set yourself up for a great day in the park.
PARK ACCESS AND RECREATION
Snow falls early and often in Glacier National Park, closing most roads to motorized vehicles. Those same routes become ideal terrain for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. A guided outing can help you navigate conditions and make the most of your time.
The Glacier Institute offers guided snowshoe programs in the park and in Columbia Falls, including an educational “Lichen in the Winter World” trek. Glacier Adventure Guides provides cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and guided driving tours in and around the park. National Park Tours leads guided driving tours as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experiences within the park. And Whitefish Outfitters offers guided driving and snowshoe tours with customizable options for your group. Here’s a National Park Service map of popular trails.
The Apgar Visitor Center is closed in winter, though drinking water and restrooms remain available at the site. Cell service is limited or nonexistent across much of the park, so check the weather in advance, dress for rapidly changing conditions and bring the gear, food and essentials you’ll need for a self-supported outing.
Avalanche awareness is crucial in deep-snow terrain. Carry avalanche safety gear, know the red flags of an unstable snowpack, check the avalanche forecast, and get educated in avalanche safety.
LODGING + CAMPING
Glacier National Park lodges are closed during the winter months, but not all lodging in the park is closed during this time. Plan ahead, and you should be able to find availability at Apgar Lookout Retreat. Many visitors choose to stay in nearby Glacier Country communities. Options include Cedar Creek Lodge, ROAM Beyond and Wonderstone at Glacier in Columbia Falls, as well as LOGE Glacier in Essex, which features more than 30 kilometers of Nordic trails on the property.
For seasoned winter campers, Loop B of the Apgar Campground offers primitive camping and exceptional night skies. Facilities include a vault toilet without running water, and sites are first-come, first-served. Backcountry camping is another possibility, with reservations and required permits available here.
BE WILDLIFE WISE
Winter often brings more wildlife activity—and more chances to see animals in their natural habitat. Maintain at least 25 yards between yourself and all wildlife, and 100 yards from bears. Never approach, touch or feed animals, even if they appear calm or uninterested in your presence. Give wildlife the space it needs, and enjoy sightings safely and respectfully.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
December 8, 2025
Related: Columbia Falls, Essex, Glacier National Park, Montana, Nordic Skiing, Outdoor Fun, Recreate Responsibly, Snowshoeing, Stay, Vacation, Wildlife, Winter Fun
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