May 19, 2021 - Wednesday
The good news is that Glacier National Park will be operating a limited shuttle system along Going to the Sun Road this season.
The difficult news is the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact how Glacier can serve the public safely. The shuttle service will have restrictions on crowding riders together and fewer service stops.
For chalet guests there are advantages to using the shuttle system: you can begin your hike at a reasonable time while avoiding traffic and parking congestion. Here are our tips for chalet guests who want to use the shuttle:
Learn about the 2021 shuttle system here:
visitor center validation, arrival schedule, and limited service stops.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm
We recommend chalet guests connect with recreation.gov early on June 1.
Most of the shuttle tickets for the 2021 season go on sale June 1. This will be the best chance to get yours.
Be certain to purchase tickets for both your chalet arrival and departure date.
Get BOTH TICKETS validated when you check in at the visitor center. Tickets can only be validated 72 hours ahead of time so if you plan to spend more than three days in the backcountry, the shuttle will not be able to help your egress.
Through hiking will not be served by the shuttle this year.
Shuttle availability is limited.
We know that not all chalet guests will be able to take advantage of the shuttle system this year. If you can't get a ticket or your preferred hiking route is not available be prepared to be self-sufficient with your own vehicle for getting to and from the trailheads.
As we all know the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our lives and plans, Glacier National Park, and all the services therein are committed to making the best efforts at eliminating the risks from this virus. The limited service available from the Glacier Shuttle comes from the necessity to protect each other. We would like to see all the visitors to Glacier National Park contributing to social distancing, mask wearing, and helping each other avoid this disease. If we can be successful this year additional services will become available next year.
April 1, 2021 - Thursday
There will be a ticketed entry system for private vehicles entering Glacier National Park on Going to the Sun Road this summer. This will be in effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day; May 28 to September 6, 2021.
Here are the frequently asked questions.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ticketedentryfaq.htm
This entry system affects all chalet access along Going to the Sun Road.
For chalet reservation holders: Your chalet reservation confirmation is your entry ticket.
At the entry gate you will need to show your chalet reservation confirmation for that day. Be sure to bring a copy of your chalet reservation confirmation with you. You can use the paper confirmation we sent by post, or you may use the Email confirmation displayed on your phone or device. Be advised, there may not be internet service available at the entry gate so be sure that Email has been downloaded to your device beforehand.
For chalet day hikers: You will need an entry reservation ticket to reach chalet trail heads by private vehicle.
For chalet horseback rides: your horseback ride reservation is your entry ticket. Check with Swan Mountain Outfitters for more details.
January 25, 2021 - Monday
We continue to be grateful and thankful for all the chalet guests we have been able plan Glacier adventures with these past weeks, and we feel regret for all the Glacier enthusiasts we are not able to serve. Since we opened chalet reservations for the 2021 summer season we have received enough reservation requests to completely sell out Glacier Park's chalets over four times over. As much as we want to share these places with everyone, we are unfortunately unable.
We know that deposit payments are coming due this next week. If you have mailed your payment and have not yet heard back, please do not worry. We know that mail sometimes moves slowly here in Montana and here in our offices. We grant every benefit of the doubt and we will not be canceling reservations indiscriminately. If you are anxiously watching for possible openings from cancellation be advised that there will not be another sudden goldrush for openings this week or any time soon. Our availability calendar is there to inform you if and when rooms open up.
We are also learning that some Internet providers are rejecting chalet Emails. We are working with our ISP to resolve this. If you would like a posted confirmation or just to double check a reservation detail we will be near the office phone line from 9am to 2pm Mountain time.
Have a safe and healthy winter.