Come visit our sister chalet, Granite Park Chalet
July 1, 2008 - Tuesday
Sperry Chalet Snow Report
The Sperry crew has arrived at Sperry Chalet and they are hard at work getting ready for your visit. The big news from Sperry Chalet is that we have an unprecedented amount of snow this year. Please don't let this discourage you from visiting, this is a fantastic opportunity to see Sperry Chalet and the backcountry of Glacier in a way that very few people ever experience.
If you are arriving any time before July 15, you should come prepared for snow. Expect to find patches of snow anywhere along the last mile of trail, and the last 1/3 mile will be completely snow covered. The trail is not difficult to find, there are orange markers in the trees and the crew has tread a path to follow.
The snow is not particularly difficult to walk on. It will be firm in the morning hours and perhaps a little icy. In the afternoon it softens up quite a bit and you will likely sink in a few inches in spots. It is strongly recommended that you have sturdy, waterproof footwear, and bring extra dry socks.
The restrooms, all the buildings and the water supply will be dug out and ready for you when you arrive.
The trail to Sperry Glacier is completely snow covered. If you want to attempt the trek to Sperry Glacier this July, especially in early July, we recommend you bring ice axes, crampons, and know how to use them.
We do not have a report on the Gunsight Pass trail, but the safe assumption is that it is just as snow covered as the rest of the high country. There are places on Gunsight Pass with very dangerous exposure. This means the trail crosses steep snow fields with precipices and cliffs at the bottom. It is very dangerous and not recommended for anyone except experienced and equipped mountaineers.
Please be safe when hiking. With a little caution and preparation, your snowy visit to Sperry Chalet could turn into a once in a lifetime magical experience. The goats can't wait to meet you.
June 28, 2008 - Saturday
Going-to-the-Sun Road is OPEN
Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to Big Bend as of noon on Saturday, June 28. Access into the alpine section will only be available from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Outside these hours, west side vehicle travel will terminate at Avalanche.
Park road crews, assisted by park trail crews, will be working throughout the weekend to prepare for the safe opening of the entire road. There will be no hiker/biker access beyond Big Bend for several days. On the east side, there will be a hiker/biker closure at "No Stump Point"
which is just beyond Siyeh Bend.
"If the weather continues to hold, and if there are no unanticipated obstacles, we should be able to open the entire road for at least part of the holiday weekend." said Superintendent Chas Cartwright.
For current road condition information, visit the park's road status Website http://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm.
Current road conditions are also available by calling 511, the Montana Department of Transportation Traveler Information System. If your phone does not support 511, call 1-800-226-7623. Both numbers are toll-free. Select "Glacier Park Tourist Information" from the main menu to hear Glacier's road report.
June 16, 2008 - Monday
Glacier National Park Centennial Fundraiser
Glacier National Park's hundredth anniversary is not until 2010, but Sperry Chalet is starting the party early. On July 4 Sperry Chalet will be hosting a fundraiser to help ensure that Glacier Park's upcoming centennial milestone will be celebrated and honored appropriately.
For a donation of $250 per person you can enjoy a nights stay at Sperry Chalet on July 4. All proceeds will be donated 100% to Glacier National Park to use for celebrating the park centennial.
This is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Sperry Chalet before we open to the public. We are purposely keeping the guest count low so that your visit will be intimate and quiet. We are also expecting some special guests to be joining us, it promises to be a special night.
There are a few rooms left in our fundraiser, please call the Sperry Chalet reservation office if you would like to participate. Space is limited and the openings will be reserved first come, first served.
June 6, 2008 - Friday
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This year is the Going-to-the-Sun Roads 75th anniversary! It was July 15, 1933 that Glacier National Park formally opened the road across Logan Pass. Lots of us here in the park will be commemorating and celebrating this engineering marvel this summer. Be sure to take a some time to enjoy this incredible road when you visit the park this year. There is even a free shuttle system so you don't have to do the driving.
If you have a little extra time during your vacation I want to recommend a visit to the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, (http://www.hockadaymuseum.org/) this summer they are hosting an exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The Sun Road restoration project will still be ongoing this year. The park assures us that the entire length of the road will be open to vehicle traffic, but expect delays in the construction zones.
Of course the big question on many peoples minds is: when will the road be open to Logan Pass? The unfortunate answer is: we don't know. What we do know is that you can keep tabs on the road status online.
You can see how much of the road is open.
You can check on the location of the plows.
And my favorite is the plowing photos and video.
After you arrive in Glacier you can always get up to date road information from any park visitor center.
I hope you have a spectacular vacation.
May 5, 2008 - Monday
Friendly reminder, administrative fees are coming soon.
As we get closer to summer and you get your travel plans ready, we want to remind you that starting June 1st there will be a $10.00 fee for all reservation changes or cancellations.
The month of May is your last opportunity to change or cancel your reservation without penalty. Please call the reservation office if you have any questions.
April 3, 2008 - Thursday
Signs of spring.
Spring plowing of Going to the Sun road is getting underway this first week in April, (NPS Press Release). Along with longer days and emerging bears, this is enough to get me excited for summer hiking in the park.
The park service is currently planning to have the entire Going to the Sun Road open to vehicular traffic on Friday, June 13. We can follow the progress of the snowplows online.
Looking forward to happy trails.
March 4, 2008 - Tuesday
Frequently Asked Questions
We have added a new page to our website. The FAQ page with answers to all the most common questions. If you are curious about anything to do with visiting the chalet; trails, food, reservations or restrooms, check the FAQ list for the answer.
Happy Trails
January 15, 2008 - Tuesday
Farewell and best wishes to Mick Holm
The superintendent of Glacier National Park, Mick Holm, has retired this month. We would like to say a heart felt "Thank You" for all the effort Mr. Holm has put into caring for our beautiful park. The Department of the Interior has also recognized his contribution with a meritorious service award.
Congratulations on your retirement Mick.