Glacier Park is open for winter
Reduced winter season entrance fees are in effect through April 30 at Glacier National Park — $15 for vehicles and $10 for hikers, bicyclists and motorcyclists for a seven-day pass.
Winter hours at the Apgar Visitor Center are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Visitors can get information and assistance during weekdays at Park Headquarters in West Glacier. Montana House and Eddie’s are open throughout the winter in Apgar Village, but the Polebridge Mercantile is not open during the winter.
Plow crews maintain the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side from West Glacier to the Lake McDonald Lodge and on the east side from the St. Mary entrance to the gate near the St. Mary campground, weather permitting. For updated information on road conditions, visit online at http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm.
Free ranger-led snowshoe walks in the Apgar area will begin in January. The walks will begin at the Apgar Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 through March 18.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and be prepared for winter conditions. Weather can change quickly and create hazardous conditions. Avalanches present a danger in the backcountry. For information on avalanche hazards and weather advisories, visit online at www.glacieravalanche.org or call 257-8402.
Winter camping is available at Apgar Picnic Area and St. Mary Campground. There is no cost for winter camping, but no services, including water, are available. Permits are required for backcountry travelers for all overnight trips in winter. They are available at Park Headquarters during the week, at the Apgar Visitor Center on weekends or by calling in advance at 888-7800.
Dogs are not allowed on Park trails, including Park roads that are used as winter trails. Visitors planning to launch a boat are encouraged to call 888-7801 to arrange an inspection. Launching a boat without an inspection threatens Park resources and is illegal, with a fine up to $500.
For additional, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac or call 888-7800.