Winter Excitement

Winter in Glacier Park and the surrounding areas is a beautiful site to behold...snow covers the trees and mountains and looks like a soft fluffy inviting blanket.  The trees are draped with snowand the quiet beauty of the area surrounds you. There are many activities to participate in in the Flathead Valley.  For those that enjoy the great outdoors there is snow shoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides.  Plus, many towns offer special events that are great for families, couples and groups of friends. 

Snowshoeing

In Glacier Park you can sign up to go snow shoeing.  Beginning on Sunday, January 8, 2006, the public is invited to Glacier National Park to join a park interpreter for a two-hour snowshoe exploration of the winter environment to discover the answers. These guided snowshoe walks are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Snowshoe programs will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from January 8 to March 19 (weather and snow dependent). Participants should meet at the Apgar Visitor Center, where the walks begin and conclude.For those who do not have their own snowshoes, they are available for rent for $2 per pair at the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoes can also be rented in the neighboring community of West Glacier and elsewhere in the Flathead Valley.Reservations are not accepted and there is no limit on group size. Participants should wear winter footwear, dress in layers for a variety of winter conditions, and bring water.For more information, or to confirm a day’s outings when there is severe weather or possible insufficient snow, please call the Apgar Visitor Center (open Saturdays and Sundays only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at (406) 888-7939.

Cross Country Skiing

If cross country skiing is your passion then grab your skis and head out and blaze a trail in or around Glacier National Park. It's quite easy to get to a cross-country skiing destination here in Montana. First, step out of your door. Then, strap on your skis. The fact is, Montana has millions of acres of public lands open to cross-country skiing just about anywhere you go.

Skiing

Great Northern Resort is near two exceptional ski areas.  If you who love the thrill of speed or the rush of snow beneath your feet head to Whitefish Mountain (formerly known as Big Mountain) which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year for skiing or snowboarding.  There are 93 trails for beginners to experts with one run going 3.3 miles. This mountain has it all for those who love to ski or snowboard.  The season is from December 8, 2007 - April 6, 2008 from 9am to 4pm.  Night skiing is from late December to mid March, Friday and Saturday 4-9 pm.

Blacktail Mountain is another great skiing destination in the Flathead Valle y.  Blacktail has over 1000 acres ofNational Forest and its longest run is 1.76 miles.  It is open November/December-April, snow dependent, Wednesday-Sunday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  Open February 19th for President's Day and every day of the Christmas Season, December 20-January 1.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a favorite pastime for many Montana locals.  You too can join in on the fun.  Northwest Montana's Recreation Wonderland boasts over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, with nearly 2,000 miles of U.S.D.A. Forest Service roads that take you into great hill climbing, powder play areas, wildlife viewing and spectacular ridgetop views of Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. The Montana snowmobiling season is from mid-December to April, with some variation, of course, due to yearly snow fluctuations and location.  Snow conditions are powdery early in the season, with hardpack developing as the season progresses. Temperatures vary widely, but generally average in the 20s to 30s range, although it's common for the mercury to dip below zero.  Snow depths range from one to three feet at lower elevations and from six to 15 feet in the mountains.Fifteen minutes away in the town of Columbia Falls you will find J&L RV Rentals. They offer guided and unguided snowmobile rentals - they even have clothing to rent if you need that.   

Sleigh Ride

Imagine cuddling up with that favorite someone or enjoying great conversation with family or friends while being driven through the forest in a sleigh. The sound of sleigh bells will fill the air and the beauty of nature will be all around you. Your ride also includes a hot beverage and for those who would like to extend their trip – enjoy chili or a full course dinner. If you decide to have dinner you will either eat in the Play Meadow or under a heated gazebo complete with a country singer.  You don’t want to miss seeing Montana from the view of a sleigh.  For Reservations call Bar W Guest Ranch - 406-863-9099.