Glacier Outdoor Center Blog

We had a great base going on the trails.  All we were missing was some creamy delicious icing on the cake.  And we are getting it now.  A light snow is falling and is giving the trails a velvety coating, perfect for skating.  The word is out, and we have been busy getting folks from all over fitted with boots and skis.  We even had two triathletes come all the way from Singapore to skate the trails.  They were tearing up the course.

As always dogs are welcome after noon, and we have a couple ski-jouring teams out now.  So bring your skis, your dog and and lay some track!  See you soon at the Glacier Outdoor Center, your Nordic skiing headquarters.

Are you panicking yet? Haven’t quite marked all the Christmas gifts off of your list, huh?  Relax, and take the short drive to Glacier Outdoor Center on Highway 2 in West Glacier and fulfill your gifty needs.

Here’s a sample of the large gift selection we’ve got at Glacier Outdoor Center.

1. YakTrak- Seriously, who doesn’t need a pair of these?  Only the guy who loves to fall flat on his back in the parking lot.

2. MSR Snowshoes–We’ve got a prime snowshoe track here, we do guided tours in Glacier, and we sell these!  It’s snowshoe nirvana.

3. Kleen Kanteen–With all the hub about bad plastics-how about NOT poisoning your kids this year?

4. Montana Fly Company flies–Yeah, pink patterns are way in.  Support Columbia Falls-based Montana Fly Company and catch some cutties with these buggies.

5. North Face XTC base layers–Pretty ridiculously-awesome base layer.

6. OR Transcendent sweater–For the man’s man in your life.

7. Winston B2X 5wt Fly Rod–A Montana-made original–one of the most beautiful rods you can get, and an all-around dream gift.

8. Rossi BC 70 Positrack Skis–Designed for those who like to earn their apre ski refreshment by touring off the beaten path.

9. Aire 13ft. raft with frame and oars-Comes in Christmas colors of red and green!

10. ColdAvenger face mask-Lets you “Stay Out Longer” and breathe more easily in extreme cold while capturing your inner Darth Vader.

Make sure to keep Glacier Outdoor Center in mind throughout the winter as you are traveling to your next outdoor adventure, need a birthday gift, or want to weekend getaway and stay in one our cozy cabins.

You’ll find us on Hwy 2 just before the West Glacier entrance.  We’re open on Christmas Eve from 9am-5pm.

Happy Holidays from the crew at Glacier Outdoor Center.

Shallow Water Crossing

We’ve got our course dates dialed in for the 2010 season! Join The River School at Glacier Raft Company to brush up on you boating or river rescue skills. Learn more about individual courses at The River School. Hope to see you on the river!

• Apr 30 – May 2        Whitewater Rescue Technician
• May 15 – 16                Intro to River Skills
• May 17 – 23               The River School
• May 28 – 30              Whitewater Rescue Technician
• Jun 7 – 13                   The River School
• Jun 18 – 20                Whitewater Rescue Technician
• Jun 26 – 27                Intro to River Skills
• July 17 – 18                Intro to River Skills
• July 29                       Level I River Sense
• July 30                       Level II River Sense
• July 31 – Aug 1         Level III River Sense

Get Ready for Family Fun in the New Year!

Glacier Outdoor Center is excited to host Glacier Nordic Day coming up this January 2nd from 10 am – 4 pm.  The XC ski trails and newly-designated snowshoe trail are ready for winter use. To kick things off we’ve got a great day of activities for the whole family.

• Date: January 2^nd, 2010
• Place: Glacier Outdoor Center, 12400 Hwy. 2 East, West Glacier click for directions
• Time: 10 am – 4 pm
• Specials:
  • Free use of 10 km of groomed (classic and skate) XC ski trails
  • ½ price on Nordic ski rental
  • Kids 10 and under ski for free
  • Free introductory lessons on Nordic skiing
  • Bonfire
  • Snacks and hot drinks
  • Dog skijoring demos
  • Tours of rental cabins
  • Sales in the gear shop

If you have relatives to entertain or just want a great introduction into Nordic Skiing, be sure to be here on January 2nd! Look forward to see you and yours!

Happy Holidays!

With all this new snow in the Flathead Valley, we have been busy grooming  and prepping the Winter Trail System at Glacier Outdoor Center.  Today, it’s official- We are open for the 09/10 Winter Season! The Winter Trail System at Glacier Outdoor Center is 10 km of Nordic groomed trail and a separate 2 km snowshoe trail.  We’ve also got a fully stocked Nordic rental shop available. Conditions are great and the winter season is here in full force.

Here are rates and additional  information:

Daily Trail Pass: $8.00 per person
Kids 10 & under ski FREE.
Daily Dog Trail Pass: $2.00
Season Pass: $50.00
Family Season Pass: $95.00
Private Warming Cabin: $119-$229 per day
Private Warming Cabin w/ HOT TUB: $269 per day
Log Cabin Accommodations in West Glacier: See Cabin Rental

And, don’t forget, we are having our Glacier Nordic Day January 2nd 2010. Bring your family and friends for this great day with specials on rentals, free trail use and activities for the whole family.

Come out and see us in beautiful West Glacier.