An Extraordinary Adventure at Glacier National Park

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed by the trip leader(s) and NOT the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for payment details and instructions.

An Extraordinary Adventure at Glacier National Park

The Basics:

Event Type:

Adventure

Event Location:

Glacier National Park, Montana

Date(s) & Time:

Tue, Sep 5 2017 3:00 pm >> Mon, Sep 11 2017 11:00 am

Registration Opens:

Wed, Sep 14 2016 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Aug 30 2017 8:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Days 20 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Lisa
Jeff

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$738.20/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

2017 AOC GLACIER ADVENTURE

Please join us on an exciting hiking adventure at stunning Glacier National Park (GNP) in Montana, a one-million acre natural wonder with dozens of glaciers, glacier-carved mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, and lush lake-filled valleys.

Our seven-day trip begins and ends in Kalispell, MT, the closest major airport to GNP. We’ll rent cars and drive to nearby West Glacier, gateway to the park’s west entrance and launching point for exploring the Lake McDonald and Logan Pass areas. After three nights in West Glacier, we’ll make the scenic drive to the stunning Many Glacier area, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. We’ll stay there for another three nights, exploring glaciers and glacier-filled lakes, before returning to Kalispell for flights home.

Please contact us at 2017GNPAdventure@gmail.com with any questions about the event!

EVENT OVERVIEW

This adventure is planned for 12 experienced and active AOC hikers. Lisa is the trip leader; Connie and Jeff are additional trip organizers who are providing planning and logistical support.

We have an exciting event planned! We wish we could accommodate more people, but hiking, lodging, and transportation details create logistical issues for a larger group size.

All additional sign-ups will be placed initially on a wait list. If space is available, wait list registrants will be moved to the attendee list only after evaluating their suitability for the trip and assessing logistical considerations. This process is discussed in detail below.

This event description contains a wealth of information, and we recommend you read it thoroughly. And don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. We have a special Gmail account for the trip to facilitate communications: 2017GNPAdventure@gmail.com.

HIKING HIGHLIGHTS

Planned hikes vary from two to 15 miles, with elevation gains of up to 2,800 feet. Our pace while moving will be moderate – 2.5 to 3 miles per hour – with periodic stops to savor the scenery. The ratings on the hikes range from D1 to D5.

Planned hikes include:

* The iconic Highline Loop, which tracks the Continental Divide and features spectacular views for those who brave the legendary “ledge” – a narrow, exposed section with steep drop-offs.

* The exhilarating hike to Iceberg Lake, a scenic alpine lake hidden in the shadows of mountain peaks and normally speckled with icebergs.

* The thrilling trek to the man-made Ptarmigan Tunnel, offering a breathtaking view of the Belly River valley.

* A custom day trip to the famous Grinnell Glacier, featuring boat rides across two lakes, hiking along mountain ridges amid bighorn sheep and mountain goats, and a walk on the 150-acre glacier.

* Scenic hikes to special features within the park, including cascading waterfalls and a lush forest filled with towering red cedars.

The trip also incorporates scenic drives on the legendary Going to the Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering feat bisecting the park. Highlights include two tunnels, the triple arches, weeping wall (a waterfall that overhangs the road), and spectacular views along the entire route.

SUMMARY OF LODGING ARRANGEMENTS

We’ve chosen two comfortable options for our lodging.

West Glacier Lodging

Our accommodations in West Glacier, MT will be the spacious and modern cabins at the Glacier Outdoor Center, just a short drive from the park’s west entrance. The reserved cabins feature mountain views, decks and patios, full kitchen, two full baths, washer/dryer, and wireless internet. We anticipate four persons per cabin; some attendees will share a bedroom but everyone will have their own bed.

Glacier Outdoor Cabin #1

Glacier Outdoor Center #1

Many Glacier Lodging

Our lodging in Many Glacier, MT will be the historic and secluded Many Glacier Hotel, situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside the park. Completed in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway, the hotel features a towering four-story lobby and rooms nestled inside a series of Swiss-inspired chalets. Because of its remote location, both Wi-Fi and cellular service can be spotty. There will be two persons per hotel room; reserved rooms have two beds, coffee maker, and a partial lake view.

Many Glacier Hotel #1

CLIMATE

Due to GNP’s large size and elevation differences, it has multiple climate systems and weather can vary substantially within the park. During our travel dates in early September, the summer season is winding down; temperatures average a high of about 70 and a low of about 40. Although precipitation peaks in the winter, rain is always possible -- especially west of the Continental Divide that traverses the length of the park. Our planned activities will be at altitudes ranging from about 3,000 to 7,000 feet; at the higher elevations, temperatures tend to be a little lower and the chance of precipitation a little higher.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Morning flight from Atlanta to Glacier International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT. (Participants are welcome to fly there earlier.) Meet at the airport at 3pm local time, rent cars, drive to West Glacier, and check-in to the Glacier Outdoor Center cabins.

Wednesday, September 6 and Thursday, September 7, 2017

Hiking in the Lake McDonald Valley and at Logan Pass.

Lake McDonald Valley

Friday, September 8, 2017

Scenic drive to Many Glacier, mid-day hike, and check-in to the Many Glacier Hotel.

Going to the Sun

Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, 2017

Hiking in Many Glacier.

Iceberg Lake

Grinnell Glacier Replacement

Monday, September 11, 2017

Drive to Glacier International Airport in the morning to return cars and catch flights back to Atlanta. (Participants are welcome to stay longer.)

SHOULD YOU SIGN UP?

This trip requires physical suitability as well as an ability and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in a group setting.

* Attendees should be accomplished hikers with D5 or equivalent experience. The event requires stamina, agility, and no fear of heights. Some hikes have exposed ledges and uneven terrain, some have substantial elevation gains, and we’ll be hiking for long periods over multiple days.

* Attendees should have a demonstrated social history conducive to a group event, which involves lots of shared time, lodging, and expenses.

* Attendees should be active AOC members with a significant event history so they can be properly evaluated for suitability.

Before registering, please be sure you understand and agree to the following:

* We have an itinerary that we will generally follow, and we will carpool and hike as a group. This is grizzly bear country, so we WILL hike together. You will need to maintain the group pace; if you prefer to do your own thing, or run ahead or lag behind the group, this event is not a good match.

* You should expect to share a room at both lodging facilities. You will be assigned a room and a roommate by this event’s trip leaders. We will try to accommodate roommate requests, but we can’t make any guarantees.

* If you sign up, you are committing to the full trip, including joining us on the drives to/from the airport in Kalispell and staying in the accommodations we have chosen.

Although the trip begins and ends in Kalispell at specified days and times, attendees are welcome to go earlier or stay longer.

Finally, despite the best planning efforts, things happen. Weather, park conditions, and unexpected events may require us to make changes on the fly. This includes potentially altering our planned hikes. Being flexible is essential.

PROCESS FOR ATTENDEE SELECTION

If you are interested in joining this event, please register as soon as it opens for registration. You will be placed initially on a wait list and then evaluated, in the order of registration, by this event’s trip leader.

Registration Warning: Be aware that since everyone who registers for this event immediately goes on a wait list, it is not possible to register as an agent for another member or to add another member as a guest. All registrants must be responsible for registering themselves.

In addition to evaluating registrants’ physical fitness, group compatibility, and AOC event history, logistical considerations may affect the selection process. These include gender/roommate issues, your willingness to be a carpool renter/driver, whether you will attend the event only if another member can go, and in the case of last-minute additions, your ability to quickly make flight arrangements and pay the prepaid attendee price.

CHANGES

Lots of things can change with an out-of-town trip like this planned far in advance, so all information posted in this event description is subject to change. Changes will be noted on this page.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

- Day pack.

- Refillable water bottles.

- Hiking poles.

- Head lamp or flashlight. (There are no planned night hikes, but these are good to have for safety purposes.).

- Good hiking shoes/boots.

- Layered clothing. (We are likely to experience a wide range of temperatures during the trip.)

- Rain gear and dry bag/waterproof pouch for potentially wet conditions.

- Sunscreen. (Some of the hiking will be in the sun.)

- Mosquito repellent. (Mosquitoes can be a minor nuisance in some areas.)

- Bear spray. (Grizzly and black bears are a common sight.)

- First aid kit.

- Medicines you’ll need for the duration of the trip.

Notes:

The Trip Leader for this event has elected either to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party. No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any paying registrant may request directly from the Trip Leader, prior to the event, a breakdown of funds collected, estimated expenses, and deposits made in anticipation of the event. Following the event, the Trip Leader must complete his or her financial accounting for the event, with supporting documentation, within 30 days of the completion of the event, and a paid registrant may request a breakdown of funds collected, money spent and supporting documentation after that time. If you are unable to obtain requested documentation, please contact the Director of Paid Events.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $20.00/Person.

Member Cost:

$738.20/Person

Cost Includes:

PREPAID ATTENDEE PRICE

The prepaid attendee price of $738.20 covers shared lodging for three nights at the Glacier Outdoor Center cabins and three nights at Many Glacier Hotel, including all known taxes and fees, as well as a $20 per person donation to the AOC.

No monies are being handled by the AOC. Attendee payments will be made to this event’s trip leader; specific payment instructions will be provided to attendees after they are added to the attendee list.

For each person moved to the attendee list, payment must be received by October 15, 2016 or within 15 days of being moved to the attendee list, whichever is later. Exceptions will apply for persons moved to the attendee list within 45 days of the trip start date; those persons will be given a custom payment deadline based on timing issues. Anyone who misses his/her payment deadline will be subject to removal from the attendee list.

If a paid attendee needs to cancel, payment will be refunded in full if a written cancellation notice is received by this event’s trip leader by May 1, 2017. After May 1, 2017, the prepaid attendee price is non-refundable. However, payment will be returned if time and circumstances allow this event’s trip leader to find a suitable replacement (in her sole discretion) who pays the full prepaid attendee price.

OTHER ATTENDEE EXPENSES

In addition to the prepaid price for lodging, other estimated costs that attendees will need to pay on their own include:

Airfare: Roundtrip airfares from Atlanta to anywhere near Glacier National Park can be pricey. There are only two realistic airline options (Delta or United) from Atlanta, to Kalispell, MT.
Rental Cars: We plan to rent three cars, each shared by four attendees. Estimated cost of the rental car plus gas based on current pricing is roughly $100-$150 per person – which is the total cost of each car split by four. This is based on the rental of a midsize or standard SUV with all mandatory taxes & fees but no insurance waivers or other options. Both rental car and gas prices fluctuate a lot, so actual costs might be higher. In addition, if there are fewer than four people in a car the cost per person would be higher.
Park Passes: The current fee for GNP is $30 per car for a 7-day pass. If split four ways, the cost per attendee would be $7.50. Existing passes among attendees may defray some or all of these costs.
Meals: Our itinerary provides attendees with some flexibility on food expenses. We’ve scheduled a couple of group meals at restaurants, but we also plan to pack trail lunches on several days and our West Glacier accommodations include a full kitchen. We will stop on the way from the airport to West Glacier to buy food, drinks, snacks, etc. At Many Glacier, which is in a remote area inside the park, restaurant options are limited to those within the Many Glacier Hotel and a nearby hotel; in addition, there are no in-room refrigerators.
Boat Tour: Our day trip to Grinnell Glacier incorporates roundtrip boat rides on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The current published per person price is $27.50.
Additional Taxes and Fees: Attendees are responsible for their share of any fees assessed during our trip, including any increases in lodging taxes or fees not included in the prepaid attendee price.
Room Charges: Attendees are responsible for their share of any room charges at the lodging facilities (for meals and food, deliveries, calls, etc.), as well as any damage charges assessed by the facilities. Each attendee will be required to provide a valid credit card upon check-in.

We believe these cost estimates are realistic but actual costs could be higher. In addition, attendees will have other personal expenses common to any trip.

Make a Payment:

Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the AOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

* The prepaid attendee price of $738.20 is refundable if written notification is received by this event’s trip leader by May 1, 2017.

* After May 1, 2017, the prepaid attendee price is nonrefundable. However, payment will be returned if time and circumstances allow this event’s trip leader to find a suitable replacement (in her sole discretion) who pays the full prepaid attendee price.

* Partial attendance is not available on this event.