Experience cross-country skiing Glacier National Park in the peaceful quiet of winter.

Let us take you for a glide over the snow-covered landscape and see a place most people only imagine. Our touring areas abound with frozen waterfalls, huge snowy peaks and ice-capped streams. See occasional wildlife and get some fresh air on a private cross-country ski tour.

I would recommend their services whether it is just for a day of snowshoeing or for a backcountry excursion. They also do trips in the other seasons as well. They were pleasant and easy to deal with from the first phone call to when they dropped us off. –Shannon, via tripadvisor.com

Skiing home on the Sun Road on
a late afternoon tour.

We offer full cross-country ski rentals out of our office. Tours will generally lead to a scenic lunch spot, followed by hot drinks and group photos. Our guides are fully trained in preventing and treating cold-related injuries, and will keep you and your group out of harm’s way.

For newer backcountry travelers, we can demonstrate the following skills:

• XC Ski Techniques (Kick turns, pole use, etc.)

• Backcountry XC Ski Equipment

• Avalanche Awareness

• Tour planning & Route-finding

ITINERARY:

• Day trips: Meet at the Glacier Adventure Guides office at 9 a.m., where we will drive to the trailhead in Glacier National Park to begin the day. We also offer a shuttle service to pick guests up from their lodging at 9 a.m. Full day ski tour, return to Columbia Falls before 5 p.m.

  *Trip duration can be as short as four hours, depending on guest preferences. Due to potentially long drive times to the trailhead, we do not offer half-day rates for trips into Glacier National Park.

• *Izaak Walton Inn Guests: Meet downstairs at the guide kiosk at 9 a.m. Load up and head to the trail, full day ski tour in Glacier National Park, return to the Inn around 4 p.m.

EQUIPMENT LIST

-DOWNLOAD THIS LIST IN A .PDF-

SKI GEAR

CLOTHING

PERSONAL GEAR

Glacier Adventure Guides leads cross-country ski tours to the west and east sides of Glacier National Park, depending on conditions. Many of our tours are highly flexible and great for any age or fitness level.

FISH CREEK - An easy and flexible ski tour for the family

Rocky Point and stunning views of the Lewis Range
from the shores of Lake McDonald.

FISH CREEK AND ROCKY POINT

Tour the west shore of Lake McDonald on a ski to Fish Creek. This tour leads you past the historic shareholdings and cabins of Lake McDonald, out to the Camas Road and on to Fish Creek. Skiers have the option to continue from Fish Creek campground out to Rocky Point, one of the most scenic spots on Lake McDonald.

TRAILHEAD: CAMAS ROAD GATE (35-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: JANUARY – MARCH
LENGTH: 8 MI (13 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: NONE
DIFFICULTY: EASY

MCDONALD CREEK AND GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD - Very scenic and great for beginners

The upper cascades of McDonald Creek in
late December.

MCDONALD CREEK and GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD

Our most popular cross-country ski tour. Tour the across the old bridge and McDonald Creek, have lunch by the roaring waters of the Sacred Dancing Cascade, and finish the day with a pleasant cruise back on the Sun highway. Easy access and mellow terrain make this an ideal family outing.

TRAILHEAD:  LAKE MCDONALD LODGE (45-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-8+ MI (3-13+ km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: NONE
DIFFICULTY: EASY

AVALANCHE LAKE - A longer out-and-back with fantastic views

Staying warm during a chilly lunch break at
the foot of Avalanche Lake.

AVALANCHE LAKE

When conditions allow, winter can be an excellent opportunity to ski to Avalanche Campground and up to the Lake. After a six mile ski, skiers will then ski or walk up the Avalanche trail, past the ice-filled gorge and up the stream to the basin. Views of Monument Falls and the Little Matterhorn are postcard-worthy. While this is the longest ski tour we offer, it is easily done in a day by those fit enough.

TRAILHEAD:  LAKE MCDONALD LODGE (45-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: JANUARY – MARCH
LENGTH: 16 MI (26 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 700′ (213m)
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

AUTUMN CREEK - Great open terrain and good weather

Skiing fast conditions on a brisk afternoon above
Autumn Creek at Marias Pass.

AUTUMN CREEK and MARIAS PASS

For cloudy or stormy days on the Park’s west side, this is your best option to see the sun. While windy, Autumn Creek and Marias Pass have many more sunny days during the winter. Easy touring across rolling, wind-scoured terrain make this a popular tour. Skiers will pass through lodgepole pine forests and trek the foothills below Glacier’s massive front range. From these slopes are big views of the great plains and nearby peaks. Flexible tour options and good weather make this an excellent group destination.

TRAILHEAD:  MARIAS PASS SUMMIT (90-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-8 MI (4-8 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 200′-600′ (60-180m)
DIFFICULTY: EASY

Columbia Falls is located in northwest Montana and is known as “The Gateway to Glacier.”

The town is also a short drive from the North Fork of the Flathead River, and is surrounded by the Whitefish, Livingston and Swan mountain ranges and several national and state forests. “C-Falls” is a prime destination for skiing, hiking and camping. Adventure lives here!

Drive times to Columbia Falls:

Glacier International Airport (FCA): 15 min.
Whitefish Train Depot: 20 min.
Whitefish Mtn. Resort: 35 min.

Hotels: We encourage you to check out the historic Izaak Walton Inn, located in beautiful Essex, Montana. Tucked away in the forest, the Inn offers trails right from the hotel, a full restaurant and bar, hot tub and private suites.

Cost includes:

Guide(s)

Group gear

Food

Equipment rental

Transportation from the office to trail head

Does not include:

Hotel costs before, during, or after the trips

Transportation from lodging to office (shuttle rates: $75 from town, $125 from Whitefish Mountain Resort).

Guide Gratuity

Ready to book? You have the option to either call and book via phone or through our secure Online Reservation System.

Need more information? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Free inquiries can be made by calling us at 877-735-9514 or emailing Greg Fortin, owner and lead guide.

All participants must read and sign an Acknowledgment of Risk Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.