Glacier National Park is nature at its most spectacular at any time of year, from its glacier-clad mountain peaks to its pristine lakes, wild nature from grizzly bears and bighorn sheep to majestic elks, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road traversing the park.
But for those truly seeking a respite from the park’s crowds, Glacier National Park in winter is an appealing alternative.
Nestled in Montana’s snowy mountains, Glacier National Park offers a million acres of jaw-dropping beauty!
With rugged mountains, picturesque meadows, and more than 700 lakes, Glacier Park has been a go-to spot for those possessed by the spirit of adventure ever since its establishment in 1910.
I visited Glacier for a marvelous week of hiking and exploration during the summer but was intrigued to learn what it would be like to visit during the quiet winter months, what activities could be enjoyed, and what would be open for more intrepid travelers venturing to the park at that time of year.
For winter sports lovers, Glacier offers a gorgeous setting for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. The snow lays a blanket of white over the landscape and provides a tranquil environment to get out in nature and get away from it all.
A trip to Glacier National Park in winter is truly a unique experience and well worth making an effort for.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before you pack your bags and book a flight or rent a car for a trip to Colorado, there are a few key things you need to know about Glacier National Park in winter.
Everything in this section is about preparing you for your trip so you don’t find yourself caught out unprepared for a destination that can be as formidable as it is breathtaking!
Despite the snowy beauty, a winter visit to Glacier will require special planning as the cold and snowy conditions can be unforgiving for the unprepared, there are closures of park facilities throughout the winter months to take into consideration.
Best Time to visit Glacier National Park in Winter
Most people head to Glacier National Park in summer for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities that are best done in the warm light of the sun.
In winter, however, there is a whole different range of activities to enjoy: skiing, snowshoeing, and guided winter tours.
There are, broadly speaking, three different periods at Glacier National Park in Winter. December to January is when the snow comes down.
This is the time for winter sports like cross-country skiing, and the best time to experience that winter wonderland feeling.
February brings with it a more stable snowpack and some better visibility for park wildlife, so you’re more likely to see critters out and about in the snow.
Finally, Early March is when most of the snow is over and the temperatures become milder. There’s still a chance of snow, but it’s more comfortable if you want to avoid the bitter cold.
Getting to Glacier National Park in Winter
You can get to Glacier National Park a few ways in winter. Most visitors travel by car, but you have to prepare for road closures and be ready to drive icy roads.
This can be dangerous, so be sure to check weather forecasts and road closures ahead of your voyage and look into fitting your car with winter tires for better traction. Some stretches may require snow chains!
You can also fly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana. You can rent a car at the airport and drive the rest of the way to the park.
Finally, Amtrak’s Empire Builder line can take you as far as Whitefish, a town near Glacier National Park’s west entrance. You can arrange buses or suttles from there to and from the park during winter.
What to Expect in Terms of Weather and Conditions
There’s a joke that the seasons in Glacier are June, July, August, and Winter. While that may be stretching it a bit, summer can indeed be brief, snows can arrive early, and winters can be long. Average temperatures during the traditional winter months range from highs of 27-32 degrees and lows of 14-17 degrees. Snows can arrive in September and last until May or June.
Climate conditions vary from one side of the park to the other since it straddles the Continental Divide, and the level of snowfall can be dramatically different. Weather conditions can change quickly with wind and snowstorms causing the temperature to drop dramatically in a few hours.
December to February is the real heart of winter. Expect freezing temperatures and a lot of snow.
Daytime temperatures can range from 20-30F, while nighttime temperatures plummet well below freezing. Snowstorms are common. Road closures may apply, so be aware of weather forecasts and any other official announcements.
March is when things tend to ease up. Daytime temperatures range from 30-40F, so it’s a more moderate climate to get out and about in.
Snowfall is still possible, however, so keep abreast of the weather forecasts and any other announcements.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Snowfall (inches) | Sunshine (hours/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 30 | 16 | 11 | 4.5 |
| January | 28 | 14 | 12 | 4.7 |
| February | 32 | 16 | 10 | 5.1 |
| March | 39 | 23 | 8 | 6.2 |
| April | 47 | 31 | 7 | 7.6 |
What to Pack
Be prepared for the cold weather and have the right gear for any outdoor activity you may be planning. Here’s a checklist of what to bring to ensure you’re set for whatever winter weather you face on the ground in Glacier.
Clothing
- Waterproof winter parka: to keep melted snow and any sleet off your clothes
- Insulated thermal underwear and shirts: because it will be very cold
- Insulated socks
- Warm hat
- Insulated, waterproof gloves: you may also want to wear a pair of touchscreen-friendly gloves underneath
Winter Gear
- Snow pants: essential for any trip out in the snow.
- Face shield: to protect against the icy w