Snowmobiling and Cross Country Skiing near Glacier National Park

GREAT NORTHERN RESORT WILL BE CLOSED FROM OCTOBER 19TH 2011 TO APRIL 15TH 2012

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 snow and the quiet beauty of the area surrounds you. There are many activities to participate in the Flathead Valley. For those that enjoy the great outdoors there is snow shoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, dog sled tours and sleigh rides. Plus, many towns offer special events that are great for families, couples and groups of friends.

Glacier National Park is still open during the winter and so is all the Forest Service land that surrounds us. In Glacier Park, snowshoe the John's Lake trail or visit Avalanche Lake, skiing up Going-to-the-Sun Road is also a fantastic experience! On the Forest Service side, why not snowshoe to Stanton Lake or ski around the "green gates" trail.

Alpine 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, 2010 - April 6, 2011 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. 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. Swan Mountain Snowmobiling, located right across the street from Great Northern Resort in West Glacier, provides the best in Montana snowmobiling. Whether you want to be personally taken care of on one of their guided snowmobile tours or brave the backcountry on your own, Swan Mountain Snowmobiling has what you need for the ideal Montana winter experience. Call (406) 387 4203.

Dog Sled Tours

Join us for one of life's great adventures; cruising the backcountry of northwest Montana pulled by Alaskan dogs. Tuck yourself into a soft, warm sled and let us guide you through one of America's great wildernesses. We'll carve powder and catch air as we fly through the woods. There's good chance you'll see the northern country's rarest wildlife or signs of something you will never see on the slopes. When we return, you can warm your toes by the fire in our cabin, sip hot cocoa, and munch on homemade cookies as we exchange "Tall Tails". Visit us at Dog Sled Adventures - (406) 881 2275.

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.