Glacier Outdoor Center Blog
Posted: August 15th, 2010 by Hilary
It’s been a fun and busy summer for us at Glacier Raft Company/Glacier Outdoor Center. And there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had up here. As the tourist crowds start to dwindle, it’s prime time to come join us for whitewater and fishing adventures before sending those kids back to school.
And, it’s a great time to start thinking about late summer and fall fly fishing. This area sees some pretty impressive trout action in the late season. We’ll continue to fish the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead into October with success.
In September, we see the biggest transformation of the seasons as summer turns into fall. The nights get a little colder while the days stay warm and enjoyable. (For the most part.) The leaves start getting crazy with colors and at higher elevations snow begins to offer a hint at what we’re in for in the coming months. Many locals say September in Montana is the best month of the year.
Also, right about now we start having people book our cabins for winter getaways. We stay busy in the winter with our 15k Nordic ski track, and with our guided snowshoe trips inside Glacier National Park. We have a full-service gear shop and ski/snowshoe rental shop that is open for winter enthusiasts. If you are a summertime guest, we’d love to have you back in the wintertime too. You’ll see that it’s an equally spectacular place with snow on the ground, but a very different experience. You’ll see a lot of wildlife and stunning views, and the peace and quiet is therapeutic.
Keep in mind, we do have shoulder season and low season rates, as well as many special deals for winter guests.
So, enjoy this home stretch of summer–and we’ll see you back here in glorious September, and in the peaceful wintertime.
Posted: February 26th, 2010 by Alex
Western States ski festival is tomorrow. Race teams started to show up today and the kids have been testing out the course. Races begin tomorrow at 9:30am. The weather is absolutely beautiful up in West Glacier today.
Posted: February 25th, 2010 by Hilary
 We’re so excited to be hosting the Western States Youth Ski Festival this weekend. The youth Nordic skiing competition is called The Race at Glacier. And while you may have read about it previously here on our blog, don’t take our word for it–take it from the real wordsmiths at the Missoulian and Flathead News Group. Check out their articles…and we look forward to seeing you up here this weekend.
When you come, please bring a camera, and send us your best pics–we’d love to post them here on our website!
Posted: February 18th, 2010 by Hilary
Glacier Outdoor Center Hosts The Race at Glacier for the 2010 Western States Youth Ski Festival
Young skiers are set to gather in West Glacier to compete in Nordic events
For the first time ever, Glacier Outdoor Center and Glacier Nordic Ski Club are teaming up to host “The Race at Glacier” for the 2010 Western States Youth Ski Festival. The race, which was previously held in Sun Valley, Idaho, will bring more than 150 Nordic racers, ages 6-15, from all across the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Region to compete in this two-day event.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 27th 9:30am-2:30pm Sunday, Feb. 28th 9:30am-12:00pm
- Where: Glacier Outdoor Center, 12400 Hwy 2 East, West Glacier, MT 59936
- Who: 150+ Youth Nordic Racers from Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington and Canada
- What: Skate, Classic, Obstacle and Downhill Nordic race events
The registration deadline is Monday, February 22nd. Forms are available by emailing Linda Grady at skiranch@centurytel.net. The entry fee for youth racers is $50 for all four events and includes the Saturday banquet, Sunday lunch and an event hat. Adults also have the opportunity to compete in the 7K Masters’ Race held on Saturday after the junior competitions. The entry fee is $15 and registration will take place on-site.
Concessions and luxury cabin accommodations are available at Glacier Outdoor Center and spectators are welcome. Volunteers are needed for timing, course maintenance and food concession. Cameron Blake is the volunteer coordinator and can be reached at blakegray@centurytel.net.
Posted: February 17th, 2010 by Karsten
We have been able to get out and groom again today, the trails are in good condition, and we have full coverage through out the system. Come on out, the skiing has been really good lately!
Posted: February 8th, 2010 by Hilary
No matter how many years you’ve managed to dodge the Valentine’s Day bullet, it never seems to get any easier. Sure, flowers and chocolate are great, but what about a gift you’ll both enjoy? How does a romantic night spent at one of GOC’s rustic cabins sound?! Pretty good, right?
Glacier Outdoor Center still has a few one-bedroom cabins available for the Valentine’s Day weekend (that’s February 14th guys!) At $119 per night and use of the snowshoe and Nordic ski trails included, that’s a price you just can’t beat. 
And, if you don’t book that cabin before they’re all taken, we’ve still got a great idea for your romantic weekend. Take advantage of our “Two Hearts Ski as One” promotion. On Valentines Day, couples get two ski passes and two rentals for the price of one!
To book a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway call us at 1-800-235-6781. Or, bring your two hearts up on Sunday the 14th to ski as one!
1-800-235-6781 | PHONE: 406-888-5454
Posted: February 2nd, 2010 by Alex
Wow! Thank you for helping us make our 2nd annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana a huge success!
Thank you again to the sponsors, donors and supporters that helped Glacier Outdoor Center and Glacier Raft Company: Whitefish Amimal Hospital, Montana Coffee Taders, WAG, Tailwaggers, Belton Chalet, racers and spectators. We had great prizes!
For all you racers and spectators ready to mark your calendars for next year (cabins fill up fast) we are shooting for the second to last weekend of January. For the most up to date info follow us on Facebook or Twitter; or, subscribe to our newsletter http://www.glacierraftco.com/newsletter/subscribe.htm.
And, the final results for our Doggie-cross 3k course are:
Than Pulsifer & Taz 5:18
Dena Rissman & Dinger 5:35
Billy Carrol & Jameson 5:41
Jen Carpenedo & Ander 5:52
Manolita Connor & Laika 6:00
Chris Connor & Miyah 6:06
Ryan O’Rourke & Que 6:13
Darwon Stoneman & Fisher 6:27
Nic Lee & Kila 7:21
Peter Steele & Rory 7:28
Brad Taylor & Kimo 8:02
Marcie B & Serge 8:19
Jenny & Lupin 8:19
Joe Haun & Bruce 9:05
Matt Graves & Sitka 9:10
Tye Paulson & Maggie and Buddy 9:37
Steve Lund & Ruger 9:54
Terri Stoneman & Rusty 12:10
Darryl Ibilings & Kiska 17:48
Shaun McCullum & Hershal 20:02
Many folks also came to spectate and ski our groomed trails with their dogs to help with the cause. All dog trail fees collected over the weekend were donated.
Thank you again! We all had such a great time and it was nice to see so many smiles! Please remember if you are looking for a new four legged friend to join your family there are many dogs at the Humane Society looking for a home. Check out our Facebook page to see all the photos! Glacier’s Facebook Page Or check out Glacier’s Flickr account if you’re not on Facebook.
And… Who let the dogs out….!
Posted: January 29th, 2010 by Carl
 Koa Good luck to all the racers signed up for tomorrow’s skijoring race! Koa and I wish we could be there, but he’s got some growing left before we strap on the harness. Sad to pass on the race this year, but watch for us to make a bid for the top spot in 2011.
Cheers,
Carl & Koa
Posted: January 17th, 2010 by Hilary
On January 30th Glacier Outdoor Center will host the 2nd Annual Dog Skijoring Ski race in West Glacier to benefit the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. The Dog Skijoring race will take place at 12:00pm on the professionally-groomed ski track behind Glacier Outdoor Center located on Highway 2 just outside Glacier Park’s west entrance.
Dog skijoring is a unique sport featuring a dog wearing a specially-designed harness to lead a Nordic skier at maximized speed. The skier also wears a harness equipped with a quick release line. There are two race categories; Dog-Drag and Dog- Cross. Dog-Drag is short-track sprint with five teams released per heat. Dog-Cross is 3-kilometer preset course individually run by the racers. Instructors will be on hand, and while no experience is necessary to compete, participants must bring their own eager, run-ready dog.
The Whitefish Animal Hospital and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana will be at the Race Pavilion during the event with volunteers and friendly dogs to greet spectators. The Whitefish Animal Hospital will also have an “Ask a Vet” booth to answer questions about pets.
Racers who pre-register and pay the $25 team fee will have access to dog skijoring harnesses and trail use on January 30th, as well as every day leading up to race day so they can practice. The fee does not cover rental skis, boots or poles. Participants can register at Glacier Outdoor Center (406) 888-5454 and the Whitefish Animal Hospital (406) 862-3178. Forty-percent of the registration fee goes directly to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.
A minimum donation of $5 will enter spectators to win raffle prizes donated by Glacier Outdoor Center and these sponsors: Whitefish Animal Hospital, WAG (Whitefish Animal Group), Montana Coffee Traders, Tailwaggers and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. The Cuisine Machine will be an on-site vendor with hot food for purchase.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there, so bring your hounds and come ski with us!
Posted: January 15th, 2010 by Hilary
Western States Youth Ski Festival Coming to GOC
For the first time, the Glacier Nordic Club and Glacier Outdoor Center are hosting the Western States Youth Ski Festival on February 27 and 28 for The Race at Glacier. At least 200 young people from Bozeman, Sun Valley, Canada and Washington will attend this two-day event featuring four races – skate, classic, obstacle and downhill. We are so excited to welcome these talented skiers to Glacier Outdoor Center. The Race at Glacier is open to all youth skiers. There will also be a Master’s Race on Saturday afternoon.
This is going to be a huge event, and the Glacier Nordic Club is going to need some help. If you’re a cross country skier and you’d like to see some young folks test their skills, please sign up to help. Volunteers are needed to help with timing, course maintenance and food on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you’d like to help, please contact Cameron at blakegray@centurytel.net.
Glacier Nordic Club is a Montana community ski club, whose mission is to instill a lifelong love of cross-country skiing. For more information on the Glacier Nordic Club, visit http://glaciernordicclub.com/events/the-race-at-glacier/. For more information on The Race at Glacier visit http://glaciernordicclub.com/events/the-race-at-glacier/
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