December 23, 2014 - Tuesday
Merry Christmas
While some people like to treat Christmas shopping like an extreme sport, I like relax instead and reminisce about the great hiking, amazing locations and wacky squirrel encounters. Makes me look forward to seeing more amazing things next year.
We enjoyed a wonderful centennial year, with a beautiful summer of hiking, old friends, new friends, and celebrations. Thank you for being a part of it.
We will not be keeping regular office hours until the new year, but we will return messages and Emails if you need anything.
Merry Christmas
November 17, 2014 - Monday
Winter office hours.
We are settling down for the winter season. If you have business with your reservation, questions that need answering, or you are checking for new openings, here is what you can expect from the office.
Winter office hours will be 9:am to 1:pm, weekdays, mountain time zone.
We get in earlier on some mornings, and there is often stuff to do that keeps us here in the afternoon, so it never hurts to try calling. But we promise to have someone standing by and coffeed up by 9am at the latest. To reach us by phone, mornings will be the best time. 888-345-2649
Email is always good too: [email protected]
If you are checking the availability calendar for new opportunities, keep an eye on the date and time at the top. We will update the calendar whenever we have changes or openings.
Stay warm.
October 30, 2014 - Thursday
Chalet reservations
Thank you so much for your chalet enthusiasm! We have had a busy week helping you with your reservations. We are continually amazed at how many people have a passion for the Glacier backcountry. Thank you for your patience as we personally worked through everyone's requests.
A few of the Emails we are trying to send are being returned to us undeliverable. This is usually because of typos or errors in the Email address. If you have not heard back on your request, this may have happened. Be sure to check your junk mail folder too. Successful reservations will also receive a statement in the US Mail.
If we were not able to award you a reservation, please check availability through our website from time to time this winter. Travel plans can change and new opportunities could arise. We do not keep waiting lists, any opening created by cancellation will be available first come first served.
Thank You
October 26, 2014 - Sunday
Hints for 2015 reservations
We are excited to be talking to all the chalet enthusiasts soon. These small hotels can sell out very quickly, and it can be hard to communicate with us on these first days reservations are accepted. Here are some pointers to help everyone out.
The online reservation request form will become available at 8:00am Mountain Time Zone on Monday the 27th. Use your browser reload button to get access to the form after 8:00am. We will begin answering the toll free phone line at the same time.
We think the online form is the fastest and easiest way to make a reservation. Send your request in the morning and get on with your day. We will Email you back as soon as we handle your request.
The phone line is your second best choice for making a reservation. 888-345-2649. We will be answering the phone from 8:00 to 5:00 this week. Expect the phone line to be very congested and plan to spend some time re-dialing upon getting a busy signal. Please do not bother calling the National Park Service or other area hotels, they cannot help you with a chalet reservation. If you are having difficulty reaching us, patience and persistence is the only solution.
The phone line is best for large parties or complicated reservations. If you are able to describe your desired reservation through the form, you do not need to call. Let's save the phone line for the good people that do not have the luxury of a computer or internet connection. Once you have made your request, a phone call cannot speed up the process or get you feedback any faster.
If you want reservations at both Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet, you will have to visit both websites and submit two reservation requests.
How we handle your reservation request:
We work through the request queue in the order submitted, and all requests are staff reviewed. Our rule of thumb is to try to error on the side of creating a reservation, even if it is not the first choice of dates or best room arrangement.
First, we will check your first choice of dates for availability. If we have space for your party we will hold it for you and send you a confirmation.
If we can't fit you in on your first choice, we will look to your second choice, or the range of dates you have available. We will try our best to find openings for you in that time range.
Sometimes we don't have vacancy on all the nights of a multiple night stay. In that case we will try to create a reservation for a shorter stay. We think a less than perfect reservation is still better than no reservation at all.
Once in a while we can find an opening for you by adjusting the number of rooms for your party. If you are not comfortable bunking with your friends, let us know in the comments so we don't create a reservation you can't use.
Depending on how many people are trying to contact us, it may take a day, and in some cases two, before you hear back from us.
Successful reservation requests will receive a reply Email and a statement in the US mail. Unsuccessful requests will be replied to by Email.
Large parties and groups.
Large groups of people can be especially challenging to reserve into small and popular hotels like ours. If you do not have flexibility in your travel dates, try to be flexible with the number of rooms and how your party can bunk together.
Keep in mind, we will not create reservations for more than half the capacity of the chalets for any one party. That is 17 people or 6 rooms at Granite Park Chalet. 21 people or 8 rooms at Sperry Chalet. If your party is larger than that, please use the phone for your reservation. We will need assurances that you are not scalping the reservation or holding rooms that you may not use.
We do not need to hear from everyone in your party. Designate one person to send the request and be our point of contact for your group.
How to improve your chances for success:
Common sense and statistics can help you some.
The more flexibility in travel dates, the more possibilities for reservations exist.
The fewer rooms you need, the more likely we will have them available.
The first week in August traditionally has the highest demand. (The week before and after are very popular too.) Other dates may have more opportunities.
Good Luck!
October 15, 2014 - Wednesday
2015 reservations, Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations for 2015 will be available soon. We are hearing from many enthusiastic and curious people asking how to go about it. To help everyone out, here are the most frequent questions:
When?
We will begin accepting 2015 reservations on Monday, October 27. 8:00 am Mountain time zone.
What was that time zone again?
Mountain time zone. Glacier National Park time.
Atlantic coast minus two hours, Pacific coast plus one.
How?
Online or phone line.
A form will show up on our website at 8:00am the morning of the 27th. We think this is the fastest and easiest way to request a reservation. Send it in the morning and we will get back to you by Email as soon as we review your request.
The telephone is best for large, complicated, or unusual reservations. We do expect that lots of people will be trying to call us, so plan to spend some time hitting redial after getting the busy signal
When can I expect the reservation request to be confirmed?
Reservation requests are personally handled in the order received, and we usually work through the first batch of them in a couple days. I expect most requests will be confirmed within 24 hours, however high demand may slow us down and some requests may take two days or more to be confirmed.
What happens to Emails or requests submitted early?
Early requests are discarded. They will not be honored or acknowledged.
How much will it cost?
We do not know yet. We are still working with the National Park Service to set and approve the 2015 fare. It will be published here as soon as we know it.
What are my chances of getting the reservation I want?
I wish I knew. The chalets are the smallest hotels inside Glacier National Park and are very popular. Being flexible in your travel plans is one of the best ways to help ensure success. Our request form will let you enter a couple options for dates, be sure to give us the entire range of dates you intend to be in Glacier so we can look for every possible way to fit you in.
Good luck!
October 6, 2014 - Monday
2015 Operating Season
We have confirmed our operating dates for next summer.
Granite Park Chalet will open July 1 through September 11, 2015.
Sperry Chalet will open July 10 through September 11, 2015.
We will begin accepting reservations on October 27.
Thanks
September 7, 2014 - Sunday
Closed for the season!
What an amazing summer! What incredible people we have met! What awesome hiking! Glacier National Park gave us some real treats this year with amazing wildflower blooms and nice weather. I hope you got to hike your favorite trail.
We will be on shortened weekday office hours as we regroup and get ready for 2015. Reservations for next summer will become available on October 27, the last Monday in October. We will post additional details here as we learn them.
And one more Happy Centennial! to Granite Park and Sperry! We are looking forward to spending another hundred years serving adventurers.
Happy Trails!
August 31, 2014 - Sunday
End of season office hours
There are only a few more days in our summer. We are going to be closing the office at 2:00 pm as things slow down. Be sure to reach us in the morning or by Email if you have questions about your stay.
2015 reservations and season information are not yet available. Check back in about a month.
Happy Hiking
August 22, 2014 - Friday
Yay! Centennial!
We had a blast at our centennial party, thanks to everyone who showed up. We appreciate Jack Gladstone, Brett Bouda, Beth Dunagan, Doug Follett, and all the chalet supporters we had a chance to enjoy some birthday cake with.
More importantly, there is still some great hiking to do in the Park. The chalets are getting some cool and wet weather this week. Be sure your rain gear is close at hand, and be ready for windy conditions up high too. Be sure to bring some warm dry clothes for when the hiking is over.
Have fun out there.
August 20, 2014 - Wednesday
Centennial Celebration!
Today is the day. It is a party for our 100th birthday.
From 2:00 to 4:30 this afternoon there is a public reception in West Glacier at the Glacier Outdoor Center.
Map to Glacier Outdoor Center.
There will be cake and entertainment.
There will be book signings by Brett Bouda The Era of the Chalets
and book signing by Beth Dunagan Welcome to Sperry Chalet.
At 3:00 join us with Jack Gladstone. Blackfeet singer and songwriter.
At 4:00 enjoy a fireside chat with Ray Djuff, author of View With a Room.
5:00 pm invitation dinner.
Happy Centennial Sperry and Granite Park!
August 7, 2014 - Thursday
Thanks Natalie
Natalie Norrell recently enjoyed some time up at Sperry Chalet as our artist in residence. We enjoyed her company, and she was able to put her attention to some wonderful paintings from the backcountry of Glacier National Park.
For hikers visiting us this week, you should bring extra water and be ready for hot conditions. I like to get started early too. The cool morning air is much more comfortable for hiking. The evenings are still surprising us with the occasional rain shower or lighting show.
The problem spots up at Gunsight Pass are finally melting away. We think it is safe for most hikers now, what snow remains can be crossed or climbed around without much danger. Watch out for the waterfall crossing at the head of Lake Ellen Wilson. It will get your feet wet, and more of you too if you aren't careful.
Happy hiking and be safe out there.
July 30, 2014 - Wednesday
This week at Sperry Chalet
We have been enjoying some great hiking lately, we can't wait for you to get here! Sperry elevations have been enjoying a late bloom of beargrass, and the wildflowers have been incredible. Watch for huckleberries on the lower Sperry Trail. The mosquitoes are still very friendly, be ready for them. And be prepared for afternoon thundershowers, no matter how nice it looks in the morning.
Lots of happy hikers are enjoying the Sperry Glacier trail. There are still some snow crossings that can slow you down, but we are hearing no reports of serious problems or hazards.
Over at Gunsight Pass we are still getting reports of hazardous snow crossings. There are still four high angle snow drifts that can be considered very dangerous. Some people are crossing and wondering what the fuss is about. Others recognize that this high angle snow could dash a person against the rocks should you loose your footing. It may be possible to traverse around the snow by scrambling over the boulders. We continue to suggest that this route is best for advance hikers and mountaineers, and if you are not completely confident in your snow, ice and self arrest skills, it is best avoided.
This week you can meet our resident artist, Natalie Norrell. You can find her in the Sperry area capturing beautiful things with paint and canvass.
I hope you have safe and happy hiking!
July 27, 2014 - Sunday
Join our Centennial Celebration
Granite Park and Sperry Chalet
Centennial Celebration
Outdoor Public Reception
August 20, 2014
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Glacier Outdoor Center
12400 HWY #2 East - 1 mile west of West Glacier
Chalet History by NPS Interpretive Ranger Diane Sine
Centennial Cake & Refreshments
Reflections
Brett Bouda book signing- The Era of the Chalets
Beth Dunagen book signing - Welcome to Sperry Chalet
3:00 pm Jack Gladstone Blackfeet Singer Songwriter Concert
4:00 pm Fireside Chat with Ray Djuff, author of View With a Room
July 23, 2014 - Wednesday
Sperry Chalet trails report
Around Sperry Chalet there are still some snow patches and wet spots, but the trails are rapidly melting out and become more accessible every day.
The Sperry Trail from Lake McDonald Lodge is clear all the way to the chalet front door. No worries on this trail.
The Sperry Glacier Trail has about 25% snow cover. Especially as you get higher in elevation. The bridges are in place over the water crossings and many adventurers are enjoying this route. You should still be very cautious when crossing the snow. Some side hill slopes need to be contended with, take your time and take care with your footing.
The Gunsight Pass Trail still calls for extreme caution. There is still enough snow at Gunsight Pass to make for a perilous crossing. These snowfields slide down off a cliff, so you do not want to slip or stumble here. In fact, if you do not have well practiced self arrest skills, you should not attempt this route. There is also an exciting waterfall to ford at the head of Lake Ellen Wilson. For hikers of average ability, this route will not be a good idea until sometime in August.
The trail from Sperry Chalet to Lake Ellen Wilson is amazing with wildflowers right now. A few short snow crossings remain, but this is a treat of a day hike out from Sperry Chalet.
The mosquitoes around Sperry Chalet are pretty bad this week. My bug spray was not quite enough, I had to pull on long sleeves and extra clothes to thwart the little villains. Come prepared.
Be safe out there and happy hiking.
July 10, 2014 - Thursday
Sperry Chalet is open
The mountains are calling, the cookies are baking, and the coffee is on the stove. We can't wait for you to get here.
There is still a lot of snow in the high country. Around the chalet the ground is wet and the snow will likely linger for another week or so. So have a dry change of socks with you when you visit.
The Sperry Glacier Trail is currently 90% snow covered. Only a couple of brave people equipped with ice axes and crampons have attempted it this year, and we have no reports of anyone making it all the way to the glacier. It may be late July before this trail is easily passable.
The trail to Lincoln Pass and Lake Ellen Wilson is about 50% snow covered. There are still some hazardous side slope snow crossings to contend with, so it is not very easy to explore in this direction either. The way things are melting, this trail may be passable within the week.
We have no reports from Gunsight Pass. Historically this trail is extremely treacherous this time of year. If you wish to travel across Gunsight Pass, we recommend ice axes, crampons, climbing harnesses, ropes, a high level of mountaineering skills, and a hiking buddy with the same tools. This route may not be passable by average hikers until August.
Meet the Sperry Crew:
Ken, Anne, Talitha, Blair, Renee, Forrest, Albert, AndraLea, and Teri are all eager to help you with a delicious meal and a comfortable stay.
June 30, 2014 - Monday
Summer Office Hours
Starting today, June 30, we are keeping our summer office hours.
We will be available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, every day until we close in September.
Our office can be reached at 888-345-2649
Happy Hiking!
June 18, 2014 - Wednesday
Springtime at Sperry Chalet
We would like to thank the National Park Service, and the hard working crew in the plumbing shop, for todays photo from Sperry Chalet.
Yep, we are experiencing what some people call a "weather event" with over 14 inches of fresh snow at Sperry Chalet. Other people might call this "springtime in Glacier".
Sperry is in good shape and we expect to be open on July 10 with fresh baked bread ready for you. But this does make a good reminder that weather events can strike at any time of year, and they can be particularly brutal in the high country. When you hike to Sperry, or take other backcountry hikes, always be prepared by carrying a warm layer of clothing and a waterproof outer layer. Glacier Park could surprise us with a foot of snow any week of the year.
We are looking forward to having you join us for some summertime mountain adventures soon.
March 3, 2014 - Monday
Save the date!
Granite Park Chalet and Sperry Chalet would like you to join in our Centennial Celebration. We will be hosting a public reception in West Glacier with refreshments and a birthday cake.
August 20, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier.
This reception is open to the public. Please come and help us celebrate!
February 11, 2014 - Tuesday
Attention artists
Sperry Chalet is again planning to host a resident artist during our 2014 season. If you are an artist, or if you know a professional artist, please consider applying for our residency. The details are available here.
February 5, 2014 - Wednesday
Out of office
We apologize for being out of the office this week. Out staff is suffering from winter ailments. We look forward to helping your with your reservation as soon as we possibly can.
Thank you.
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