NPS Obtaining a Winter Wilderness Camping PermitFrom November 1 through April 30, special wilderness regulations are in effect. Due to limited winter staffing, there are no physical locations open to issue you a wilderness camping permit. Instead, all permits during this time are issued electronically by advance reservation.Permits must be obtained 7 days prior to your intended trip start date. You can set up an advance reservation wilderness permit by emailing the Wilderness Permit Center at glac_backcountry_permits@nps.gov. Be sure to follow the steps below when requesting your winter wilderness permit. Winter Wilderness Camping RegulationsViolation of these regulations may result in the issuance of a violation notice and/or revocation of your wilderness use permit.
From March 16 to November 30:
Group size is limited to a maximum of (12) persons with a two-night limit at any spot.
Your backcountry use permit is valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. It must be in your possession while in the backcountry.
Winter Safety Gear & ConcernsWinter camping in Glacier National Park requires clothing for a wide range of weather conditions. Conditions can rapidly change during an eight-hour period. Temperatures can fall from 50° F to well below zero, and sunny days can turn to rain or snow with white-out conditions. Always travel with a compass or GPS device and adequate maps to cover your route.
Weather conditions make winter mountain climbing especially challenging. Along with the inherent dangers of snow and ice-covered slopes, avalanche danger increases. Ice climbers will find Glacier’s frozen waterfalls very technically demanding.
Submitting a voluntary climbing registration form is strongly recommended. The climbing registration form and other information pertinent to your trip is available at visitor contact stations.
Avalanches are a real danger in the mountainous portions of Glacier. Be sure to check the latest avalanche advisory for Glacier National Park. Avoid areas in old avalanche paths and stay off steep, open slopes and cornices.
If you must cross a steep, open slope, travel up and above the steep area or well below the bottom. Travel one at a time, loosen pack straps, remove ski poles and fasten all layers of clothing. If an avalanche should occur, discard all equipment and make swimming motions toward the surface. The survival rate is only 50% after a burial of only 30 minutes. A sole survivor should not go for help unless it is only a few minutes away. Mark the last place the victim was seen, and search directly downslope, probing the snow with ski poles or anything available. Each member of a party traveling in avalanche terrain should carry a shovel. Avalanche transceivers and probes are strongly recommended. Watch the Winter Wilderness Camping Safety Video
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Last updated: February 23, 2026