August 29, 2010 - Sunday

Change of seasons

If you have already visited us this summer you know what a wonderfully mild summer it has been. For those of you visiting in the next two weeks, that mild summer is turning into a cool and beautiful autumn. The weather becomes extremely unpredictable this time of year, so all hikers should be ready for any conditions. We are already seeing some rain and snow, so it is hard to tell what you will get during your visit.

Be sure to dress in layers. While hiking it is easy to overheat and work up a sweat even on cool days, be ready to shed or add clothing any time you stop, start, or change elevation. And always carry a waterproof layer with you; rain and snow can come unpredictably. Getting wet and cold is the fastest way to end your fun in the mountains and could even lead to dangerous hypothermia. Other items that can help keep your backcountry visit comfortable this time of year include a warm hat, gloves and long underwear.

The chalets are open for a couple more weeks of great hiking. Come prepared and we will see you in the high country.

Kevin

August 5, 2010 - Thursday

Thank you Ashley!

Sperry Chalets first resident artist, Ashley Bostrom, has finished her hitch and it was really nice to have her with us. She produced many finished paintings while at Sperry Chalet and she says she has a sketchbook full of ideas that she can't wait to work on back at her studio. The next stop for her artwork will be an art show in Vermont. Isn't it wonderful to think of people so far away sharing a little of Glacier Park's beauty? You can see more of Ashley's work at her website: www.forsythestudiogallery.com/

Happy trails!

Kevin

July 18, 2010 - Sunday

Meet our resident artist.

We are thrilled to have Ashley Bostrom join us as a resident artist at Sperry Chalet. For the next two weeks Ashley will be working hard to capture the beauty and amazing moments that are found in the back country. If you will be visiting Sperry Chalet between now and the end of July be sure to say hello and ask her for a glimpse of what she is working on. If you miss her at the chalet you can still see her work online: www.forsythestudiogallery.com/

Happy Trails!

Kevin

July 16, 2010 - Friday

Sperry trails update.

Snow has been melting rapidly up in the mountains, conditions are changing day by day, but you can still find snow and wet conditions in some places. Waterproof boots and a change of socks continue to be necessary equipment.

Conditions are still marginal at Gunsight Pass and on the Sperry Glacier trail. People who are experienced with backcountry hiking and traversing snow fields will have fewer problems than those who are new to hiking and backpacking around snow. If you are not sure if you have the necessary skills we suggest erring on the side of caution. If you think you have the snow hiking experience to try these adventures be sure to bring your poles and crampons. Please be very careful, watch your step and put safety first while in the high country.

Gunsight Pass

A few brave souls are beginning to attempt to cross Gunsight Pass. On the west side the snow has melted away for the most part. On the east side there are still dangerous snow crossings with lots of exposure. That means the snow fields slope down and run off a cliff making a simple slip and fall very perilous. This route is recommended only for experienced hikers with appropriate equipment and self arrest skills.

Sperry Glacier Trail

The Sperry Glacier trail remains over 50% snow covered. While there is not as much exposure on this trail, traversing the high angle snow is presenting a challenge for most of the people who attempt it. Trail crew has installed the footbridges over the waterfalls and the handrail at Comeau pass.

Lake Ellen Wilson

This has been the hike of choice at Sperry Chalet lately. The Sperry crew is reporting this trail is clear of snow all the way to the lake. Lake Ellen Wilson is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon nestled amongst the beautiful peaks of Glacier Park.

Happy Hiking!

Kevin

July 7, 2010 - Wednesday

Sperry Chalet is open!

Our 2010 season has begun and we are excited to be back in the mountains with you.

Current conditions are snowy. We have been clearing the trails to and around the chalet but it is a good idea to have waterproof boots and a change of socks. If you are interested in exploring higher toward Sperry Glacier, necessary equipment definitely includes waterproof footwear, additional traction and trekking poles. The Sperry Glacier trail is currently 90% snow covered and very difficult.

Gunsight Pass

Do not attempt to reach Sperry Chalet via Gunsight Pass at this time! We received a snow report from an experienced and well equipped backcountry trail crew member and his report included the words "treacherous", "dangerous", "stupid", and "that was the scariest thing I have ever done." The only people that should be attempting to cross Gunsight Pass at this time are expert mountaineers. We recommend waiting a few weeks for the snow to melt.

We are expecting considerable snow melt in the upcoming weeks. Continue to monitor the Park Service trail status reports or check the status at a visitor center in the park before going on high elevation adventures. We will continue to post updates on conditions around Sperry Chalet as more first hand information comes available.

Special thanks to the Glacier Associates!

Glacier National Park's volunteer organization joined us for our opening fundraiser and let me tell you, these people are fun and friendly. If you send time near Glacier and want to help support our Park, the Glacier Associates are the people to know. They are always looking for new volunteers. The money we helped them raise this year will go toward some great Park improvement projects including important new wheelchair accessible trails.

Happy trails!
See you in the high country.

Kevin

June 21, 2010 - Monday

Summer office hours

We are switching to our summer office hours beginning today. We will be in the office full time until the chalets close in September.

Summer hours:
Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the mountain time zone.

Thanks

Kevin

June 14, 2010 - Monday

Summer is near

Signs of spring are everywhere here in Glacier. The bears are coming out of hibernation, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and the snow plows have reached Logan Pass.

The big questions for many people planning June and early July trips to the Park are "When will Going to the Sun road open?" And "When will the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet open?"

No one knows the answers to these questions yet. Trying to guess the whims of mother nature is an exercise in folly. But we can steer you toward the best information we have at hand.

The National Park Service website has the most current information about roads and trails.
Current road status.
Trail reports.
Once you are in the Park and away from the Internet, you may stop by any visitor center to get the latest trail and road reports.

We hope you have a safe and exciting vacation, and we are looking forward to hitting the trails with you soon.

Kevin

May 17, 2010 - Monday

Friendly reminder!

We begin applying a $10 administrative fee for reservation changes and cancellations starting June 1. If you have changes you would like to make to your reservation, the month of May is your last opportunity to do so without penalty.

Thanks

Kevin

May 10, 2010 - Monday

Happy Birthday Glacier National Park!

May 11 is the 100th anniversary of GNP's dedication as a National Park. Here at the backcountry chalets we want to shout out a hearty congratulations to the Park for a very successful first century, and a heartfelt thank you to all the people and organizations that have contributed to the Glacier legacy.

We are looking forward to an exciting summer here. If you want to find out if any special centennial events will be happening during your visit to Glacier, be sure to check out http://www.glaciercentennial.org/ and check the events calendar.

We will be out of the office for much of May 11 and 12. We will be in the park celebrating and eating birthday cake, so our office will be short staffed during the Glacier re-dedication event. If you have business to conduct with your reservation, please send an Email or try us again later in the week.

Thanks

Kevin

March 8, 2010 - Monday

Attention Artists

Sperry Chalet is excited to announce a new artist residency program.

One of the reasons we are here at Sperry Chalet is to help people enjoy the amazing beauty of Glacier National Park's backcountry wilderness. We are seeking the help of a talented artist who can help us share these wild treasures with other Park visitors and the many people who cannot come here in person.

Sperry Chalet would like to invite a visual artist to stay with us for up to two weeks. This residency can provide an artist with easy access to some of the most spectacular untouched wilderness in North America. If you are an artist that can use this setting for subject matter, muse and studio, we hope to hear from you. Complete details of our Art at Sperry Chalet program are available here.

Kevin