EARLY FALL HIKING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
SEPT 12-19, 2015
AT# 15
Join us for a fantastic week of activities in one of the world’s most beautiful parks. We will be visiting this
gorgeous area in the off peak season when crowds are gone and the scenery is magnificent as the park readies
itself for the coming winter. The air will be crisp and clear in the mornings as we drink our coffee in this
pristine environment. We’ll enjoy the stress free life away from work and our everyday routines as we learn
about the park and its inhabitants.
We’ll be guests of the Glacier Institute for our week of park exploration. Their instructors and naturalists will
be with us each day as we discover some of Glacier National Park’s wonders. The Glacier Institute (GI) staff
will pick us up at the airport and deliver us to their Field Camp at the southeast corner of the park. Each day we
will have an opportunity to hike within the park and learn about the area we are visiting from the GI staff.
Summary:
Join us for seven days of hiking in spectacular Glacier National Park, Montana. Glacier National Park was set
aside as the 10th National Park on May 11th, 1910. Accompanied by our outdoor experts and naturalists from
the Glacier Institute (http://www.glacierinstitute.org/ ), we will observe the park’s geology, climate change,
flora and fauna, as we enjoy its spectacular hiking opportunities. We’ll stay and take our morning and evening
meals inside the park at the Institute’s Glacier Park Field Camp. This trip is designed for people who are
comfortable and capable of hiking 5 to 12 miles per day at a moderate pace over moderately strenuous terrain
who want to appreciate the spectacular scenery and the opportunity to learn about the area and the natural
history from naturalists and experts at the Glacier Institute. Those who wish will also have the opportunity to
go on a river raft trip on one of our days.
Our program involves both great hiking and a genuine learning experience. It needs to be stressed, that while
enjoying the hiking, you should also be
prepared for stops to learn, appreciate, take
pictures, and observe. If you prefer
uninterrupted, fast-paced hiking, this is not
the trip for you. On the other hand, you will
not feel that the learning takes away from
the hiking – be assured, this is an active
hiking trip.
Old Growth forests, windswept prairies,
ancient glaciers and deep lakes are all a part
of the wonderful national park. In the space
of a few miles, visitors can travel from lush
cedar/hemlock forest through alpine
meadows to the edge of the western prairies. George Bird Grinnell, co-founder of the Audubon Society and the
Boon and Crockett Club, often visited this place where the prairies give way to glacier-sculpted mountains.
Grinnell was a tireless advocate both of the interests of native Blackfeet people and for the establishment of
Glacier National Park. It was Grinnell who aptly named this place the “Crown of the Continent” in 1908. From
the Triple Divide Peak, southeast of Logan Pass, a hand’s width can determine whether a raindrop becomes part
of the Columbia, Mississippi, or Saskatchewan River systems. This park is one of the few areas in North
America where grizzly bears sill live at peace with humans. Wolves were once persecuted close to extinction in
the surrounding region, but they have found peace and safety when they crossed the 49th parallel back into
Glacier National Park to begin reclaiming their wilderness birthright.
People come to this meeting place from around the world. Here they find peace among the peaks and savor the
scenery that was carved by glaciers from some of the world’s oldest sedimentary rocks. Come with us as we
explore this fantastic natural wonder!
Glacier National Park (http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm ) is a hiker’s paradise, with over 1 million acres, 730
miles of trails, soaring peaks, awe-inspiring glaciers, and frequent wildlife encounters. It is the perfect place to
explore the backcountry on foot. Glacier’s backcountry rules prevent AMC leaders from taking groups into
Glacier unless working with an approved outfitter or educational partner.
The Glacier Institute:
The Glacier Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with the natural and cultural
wonders of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, the heart of which is Montana’s Glacier National Park.
Glacier Institute’s slogan is “Learning Gone Wild. From the experiences of previous AMC trips, we know that
GI delivers! In Field Camp at the beginning of each day, the Institute’s staff person will brief us at Field Camp,
and will accompany us on all of our hikes (4 days by a naturalist). The Institute is most welcoming to questions
and interactive participation.
Additional Information References
You are encouraged to learn about Glacier National Park before we arrive on site. Local book shops, outdoor
stores or web retailers are the source of guidebooks, maps and other resources. Web based resources include:
http://nps.gov/glac National Park Service
http://nps.gov/archive/glac/maps/glaciermap.pdf Glacier National Park map
http://www.glacierinstitute.org/ Glacier Institute
http://glacier.national-park.com/visit.htm Visitor Guide
http://browningmontana.com/museum.html Museum of the Plains Indian
http://www.doi.gov/iacb/museums/museum_plains.html Museum of the Plains Indian
http://www.iflyglacier.com/ Kalispell MT airport
ACCOMMODATIONS:
We will stay at Glacier Park Field Camp for 7 nights, a National Park Service facility operated by the Glacier
Institute, with simple accommodations in a beautiful location. The Field Camp is located just inside Glacier
National Park, 1 mile from West Glacier on a bluff overlooking the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Each
rustic, unheated, plywood cabin has 4 twin beds with nightstands and lamps. The beds have a bottom sheet.
Pillows and blankets are available. Some people may wish to bring a sleeping bag, or a sleep sack, or just bring
a top sheet and pillowcase. Depending on the makeup of our group, we may mix genders within cabins. There is
a separate bathhouse with 4 individual showers (bring your own towel) and 5 individual toilets. Other buildings
house the kitchen/dining area, the classroom, and the library. There is a tipi (tepee/teepee) for “hanging out” but
not for sleeping. Do not expect phones or television. Cell phone reception is spotty or non-existent in the Park.
Glacier Institute will provide simple but hearty meals through a caterer, including packed lunches for our hikes.
After dinner you may just choose to relax, or check out the campus library, with lots of books and pelts, skulls,
bird wings, etc. There are also great flat, mellow trails around camp for strolling through the woods by the river.
If you prefer vegetarian meal options, please note that on your trip application form so that we can make
advance arrangements with Glacier Institute.
COSTS:
Cost for this adventure is $1650 and
includes the following:
Services of a Glacier Institute instructor for 2
days
Services of a Glacier Institute naturalist for 4
days
3 evening presentations
Lodging at GI Field Camp for 7 nights
All meals from night of arrival to breakfast on day of departure
Transportation to/from airport in GI van
Transportation to/from group activities in GI van
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you will subsidize the leaders’ costs. However, the
leaders may not realize a profit from this excursion. Any unspent trip funds will be refunded to the participants.
The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead cost to offset the administrative expenses of offering Major
Excursions. That charge amounts to 20% of land costs (i.e., air travel costs are not included in calculating the
overhead charge). Unavoidable cost increases may also be added to the price of the trip.
Costs not included in trip fee:
Airfare from home departure city to Glacier
National Park
Alcoholic beverages
Items of a personal nature, souvenirs,
gratuities to Glacier Institute staff
Trip Cancelation insurance
Please contact the trip leader or co leader for
an application and other necessary forms.
You will be required to send a check or money order for $1000 made out to AMC in order to hold your spot
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
$1000 Deposit due at time of application, check made out to: AMC
$ 650 due by April 1st, 2015
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellation must be in writing and post marked prior to dates listed below:
Prior to April 1st, 2015- All money returned except $100 Nonrefundable portion
After April 1st, 2015----Cancellation fee is $200 plus any additional money necessary to keep the trip cost from
increasing and creating a greater expense to other trip participants. The cancellation fee will be limited to
$200, IF a qualified replacement can be found by the trip leaders. We will establish a waiting list. This if you
cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any
other unpaid expenses for which the trip cannot obtain a refund. Your cancellation shall not raise the cost of
the trip to any of the participants or the leaders. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend that you
purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will be sent to you. Trip
insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere with your plans. Trip
insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will provide you with a
brochure/information of a company recommended by AMC.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the Major Excursion is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is
subject to change. Any tariff/rate increases will be passed on to participants.
LIKEWISE: Any funds left over at the end of the trip once all the accounting has been reported and accepted by
AMC will be divided amongst the participants and refunded.
Air Costs:
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel. You will receive notification when we are aware of
a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $700 to 900 from the east coast to Montana. We will assist
you in any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your own without
consulting the leaders. Once you purchase air tickets, they are wholly owned by you. It is your responsibility
to get yourself to Glacier Institute Field Camp if your flight does not arrive in time to meet the group in
Montana.
YOUR LEADERS:
LEADER: Ginette Beaudoin
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White
Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She led AMC Major Excursion to Neustift Austria in
2011/2012 and to Yosemite in 2012. She co led an alpine hiking Major Excursion to Neustift, Austria in July
2009 with 19 participants. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions to Yellowstone National
Park, Germany, Switzerland and Austria involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
Valley of Austria and hiked to 15 high Alpine huts throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has
hiked the NH 4000 footers and is working on the NE 4000 footers! Her interests include hiking, photography,
cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, Information volunteer for AMC and introducing others to outdoor
activities.
ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, ME 04005
PHONE:
(207)-590-4431, (207)-282-5151
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: Anna Panszczyk
Anna Panszczyk is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna leads trips in the White Mountains and has
led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks in
Washington. Most recently Anna has co-lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to Morocco, Yosemite National
Park, the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and the Austrian Alps. She spends part of each summer
backpacking as a Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the
world. Anna has recently completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR certification.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
(781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net
Experience and Risks:
Hiking with a pack up high mountain passes
up to 8,000 feet is physically demanding,
especially for people who generally reside at
or near sea level. Although the elevations
for the most part are not high enough for
contracting altitude sickness, the
combination of physical exertion and lower
oxygen levels will require that we pace
ourselves and pay close attention to proper
nutrition and hydration.
Glacier National Park is bear country. Every year there are bear encounters causing injury or even death to
humans. Bears are also at risk as a result of contact with humans, sometimes having to be relocated or even
killed as a consequence of incidents which are sometimes provoked by human carelessness. However, the
risks can be greatly reduced and incidents prevented by learning, as we will, about techniques for preventing
or minimizing encounters. For instance, we will always hike as a group and make noise to alert bears we are in
the area. The leaders and Glacier Institute staff will carry bear (pepper) spray.
People wishing to participate in this trip must have previous hiking experience at the intermediate level or
higher. Although the hiking will be over moderately strenuous terrain at a moderate pace, this is not a trip for
beginners or people who have not hiked during the past year. This trip is not the right time for getting into
shape. You should already be in good physical condition by the time you arrive in Kalispell.
When you participate in this activity you should be both physically and mentally prepared and equipped with
the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We
are not responsible for your safety: you are. Prior to being accepted for this trip, you are asked to discuss your
capabilities with the leader. Please do not be offended by any questions.
Equipment List
Notes: Below is a list of the required gear for the trip. Because weather can change quickly in the mountains,
and snow can occur in any month of the year, you will need to have rain gear, sweater or fleece, hat and
gloves, etc. with you on all hikes. Please do not plan to hike in jeans. Weather may be hot during the day but
can get cold quickly in the mountains. We recommend bringing an assortment of shorts, long pants, short and
long sleeve shirts so you are ready for any temperature.
Required and Essential Gear
• backpack, large enough to carry 2-3 quarts/liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks, hat & gloves, extra
layers, flashlight/headlamp, personal gear, etc. during hikes
• broken-in hiking boots (preferably water-proof and over-ankle) Do not pack boots in checked luggage!
• waterproof wind and rain gear (hooded jacket and pants, no ponchos)
• 2-3 quart/liter water bottles or equivalent hydration system
• personal first aid kit w/ moleskin, personal meds, etc. (leader will have large group first aid kit)
• synthetic fleece jacket and/or thick wool sweater
• synthetic or wool warm hat and gloves/mittens (yes, you need these even in August!)
• shorts/long hiking pants - synthetic
• at least 2-3 pairs of hiking socks with liners
• nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other synthetic hiking clothing (see Notes above)
• comfortable clothing for evenings and in town
• a lightweight flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• garbage bags to line pack
• toilet paper (for hikes) and extra zip-lock bags to pack it out after use
• sleeping bag for Glacier Institute Field Camp
(optional pillowcase, twin top sheet, blanket)
• personal toiletries
• towel
Optional
• Tevas, sandals and/or sneakers
• Pack cover
• hiking poles
• Personal first aid kit
• Water proof matches or lighter
• Whistle, knife, compass
• Binoculars or scope
• Sunscreen, insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Bathing suit
• Field guide, notebook and pencil