Ski & Snowshoe
The Izaak Walton Inn boasts over 30 kilometers of maintained Nordic ski trails and is a world class cross country skiing destination, Open to the public mid December through late March. The Izaak Walton Inn is the ideal vacation for those seeking winter activities, challenges, and fun. Whether you are a classic cross country skier, or an avid skate skier you will find miles and miles of maintained trails with just the right amount of terrain variability to satisfy all skill levels. All equipment is available for rental, and ski lessons are offered daily.
Backcountry Ski Shuttle Activity
The Izaak Walton Backcountry Ski Shuttle Service is a fun and exciting addition to the winter roster of activities in Essex, Montana. Come earn your turns Izaak style.
Your group will be picked up in a Pisten Bully snow groomer and transported nearly four miles into the backcountry You will spend the day exploring the high alpine bowls and skiing Montana’s famous powder!
Typical days involve uphill climbs between 1200 and 4000 vertical feet. Runs range from 1200 to 2500 vertical feet. Guides are available and recommended, but self-guided trips are available.
The backcountry shuttle can be combined with guided ski trips inside Glacier National Park for a multi-day backcountry skiing vacation.
In partnership with USFS
Lessons & Rentals
The Izaak Walton Inn boasts over 30 kilometers of maintained Nordic ski trails and is a world class cross country skiing destination, Open to the public mid December through late March. The Izaak Walton Inn is the ideal vacation for those seeking winter activities, challenges, and fun. Let our professionally trained and licensed guides show you the ropes for a skiing experience that is truly unforgettable. Rental ski equipment is available, although individuals must bring their own avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for downhill tours. Please check with the Front Desk for more information. Skiing lessons are also available at The Izaak Walton.
Rental Rates
$20/day for classic skis, boots and poles
$30/day for skate skis, boots and poles
$30/day for backcountry skis, boots and poles
$10/day for kids skis, boots, poles (SNS boot size 36 and smaller)
$15/day for snowshoes
$20/day for snowshoes, boots and poles if desired
$10/day for kids snowshoes
Train Watching
Many of our guests enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting on the porch swing, or out on the lawn, watching the trains go by. Avid railroad enthusiasts will be pleased to see a wide variety of passenger and cargo trains. There is also a bridge over the tracks that serves as an excellent place to view the trains. Visitors find that the mountains, rivers, and bridges form the perfect backdrop for dramatic photographs of the Historic Great Northern Railway.
One of our most loved traditions is to wave at the trains as they pass the Inn.
Property Amenities
- Fine dining serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily beginning at 7am.
- Outdoor dining patio, open seasonally
- Full bar
- Complimentary WIFI in common areas of Inn
- Gift Shop
- Outdoor hot tub
- Sauna
- Ski rental equipment
- Snow Shoe rentals
- Rental cars
Glacier Adventure Guides
Izaak Walton Inn is proud to partner with Glacier Adventure Guides to offer exclusive winter tours of Glacier Park. Glacier Adventure Guides offers fun, flexible day tours for travelers of all ages and abilities. Their passion is showing you the wild beauty of Glacier National Park in the winter. Whatever your means of travel, be it snowshoe or ski they will guide you through landscapes you will never forget. Book your trip today for the aventure of a lifetime!
Please contact them at 406-892-2173 or visit http://www.glacieradventureguides.com/ for more information.
Day Trip Rates
$180 per person, 2+ people
$350 solo
*Day trips include, lunch, gear and transportation.
*Full rental gear available
*Group discounts available, 16 person max.
Walton Ranger Station
The Walton Ranger Station is the southern entry to Glacier Park, and is within a mile of The Izaak Walton Inn. There you will find trailheads that lead down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, or up the Ole Creek drainage, towards the continental divide, a backcountry campground, as well as other trails that lead deeper into Glacier’s interior.