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Glacier Park Winter Tours

The majesty of Glacier National Park is most evident in winter. Traffic is almost nonexistent and popular trails are often empty of people. Glacier Outdoor Center is the only winter guide service in West Glacier authorized by Glacier National Park. We offer full-day and half-day trips that are part exhilarating trek, part interpretive tour. You’ll see frozen waterfalls, snow-filled forests, and wildlife that appreciate the serenity as much as you. Get out of your den this winter and join us in Glacier!

9am & 1:30pm

9am

$200

$255

Tour Locations

Lower McDonald Creek 2-3 miles round trip

Begin at the road closure gate just beyond the McDonald Creek Bridge on the Camas Road. The trail begins just south of the bridge. The best access is the summer bike/foot path. This entire area is a good place to explore on your own. The gentle terrain along lower McDonald Creek provides easy skiing through the forest with side trips along the creek.

Rocky Point 6 miles round trip

Begin at the road closure gate just beyond the McDonald Creek Bridge on the Camas Road. Take the right fork of the road at the closure and ski past the houses until the road turns to a trail. The trail soon joins the road to Fish Creek Campground and the Inside North Fork Road. Follow until .2 miles north of the campground. Take the McDonald Lake Trail on the right, just before the gate on the road. The trail winds down a short hill but the route is fairly level for the most part. Ski left at the first trail junction then right at the next one shortly thereafter. The forest opens as you approach Rocky Point, where there are beautiful views up and down Lake McDonald.

Apgar Lookout 10.5 miles round trip

Begin at the concession horse barn, reached by taking the first left off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, past the West Entrance Station. Park at the plowed area in front of the barn and follow the left fork of the unplowed road across the Quarter Circle Bridge. Take the right fork and follow the road .5 mile until the actual Apgar Lookout trailhead is reached. After an easy start the trail steepens and climbing skins may be necessary for the trip if conditions are icy. The views are great from the lookout but this trail may be very difficult for beginning skiers.

Old Flathead Ranger Station 10 miles round trip

Begin at the concession horse barn, reached by taking the first left off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, past the West Entrance Station. Park at the plowed area in front of the barn and follow the left fork of the unplowed road across the Quarter Circle Bridge (.5 mile). The trail provides good views of the McDonald Valley and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River before entering the forest. Take the left fork at the road junction 1 mile from the bridge. An exceptional view of the river is located 2.5 miles from the junction, 100 feet south of the road, across from an open hillside. One building of the old station still stands on the bluff above the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River.

Gentle terrain, generally ample snow, and easy access to wonderful winter scenery make this the most popular skiing area in the park. From West Glacier, follow the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 8 miles along Lake McDonald to Lake McDonald Lodge where the winter road closure and parking area are located. (Applies to the following trails below).

Going-to-the-Sun Road

From the head of Lake McDonald, skiers trek up McDonald Creek. This is one of the most popular trails in the park, for its commanding views of McDonald Creek and the surrounding mountains. It's a good trail for beginners.  

McDonald Falls 4 miles round trip

Ski up the unplowed road 1.8 miles. Turn left and ski a short distance to the bridge over McDonald Creek for a view of McDonald Falls.

Sacred Dancing Cascade 5.3 miles round trip

Follow the route to McDonald Falls. Just across the bridge, turn right. Ski upstream one mile along the west bank of McDonald Creek. Cross the footbridge over the creek. Turn right and follow the unplowed road back to Lake McDonald Lodge.

Avalanche Picnic Area 11.6 miles round trip

The route up the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers easy skiing and good views of McDonald Creek and the mountains surrounding the McDonald Valley. Avalanche Picnic Area is a good destination. Longer trips up the road are possible. The forested valley trails, especially along Sacred Dancing Cascade, are also popular. Snow conditions may be variable under the trees. Avalanche Lake is a popular destination with some steep narrow sections that can be difficult to ski up or down, especially when icy. The Trail of the Cedars is generally not good skiing.