Distance
5 Miles
Elevation Gain
500 Feet
Difficulty
Easy / Moderate
Cost Per Person
$600
Program Overview
January 15th, 2027 – January 17th, 2027: Join us at Big Creek Outdoor Center for a weekend winter survival immersion in the heart of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. This hands-on course introduces the essential skills and knowledge needed to travel, camp, and thrive safely in cold-weather environments.
Winter Backcountry Preparedness – Jan 15th
Hike Overview Continued
January 15th, 2027 – January 17th, 2027: Join us at Big Creek Outdoor Center for a weekend winter survival immersion in the heart of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. This hands-on course introduces the essential skills and knowledge needed to travel, camp, and thrive safely in cold-weather environments.
Our sessions will focus on fire building in winter conditions, locating and purifying water, identifying winter food resources, knots, constructing emergency shelters, and applying cold-weather first aid for common winter injuries and emergencies. Throughout the weekend, participants will develop practical techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of how to work with the winter landscape rather than against it.
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, hikers, educators, backcountry travelers, and anyone looking to build confidence in winter conditions, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to learn time tested survival skills while enjoying the solitude and beauty of the remote North Fork.
Travel will be tailored to current snow conditions, participant abilities, and group interests, and may include hiking, snowshoeing, or other appropriate modes of travel. Participants should expect an engaging mix of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and field based learning designed to build both competence and confidence.
So beat the cabin fever, challenge yourself, and join a community of like-minded adventurers for an unforgettable weekend of learning in the snow.
All classes and participants adhere to Leave No Trace principles and ethics.
What to Expect On Your
- Hands-on wilderness skills, fire building in winter conditions, shelter building
- Navigation practice with maps and compasses
- Learn to thrive safely in cold-weather environments
- Develop practical techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of how to work with the winter landscape rather than against it.
* Any trails listed on this program or others are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
- This program meets at Big Creek Outdoor Education Center – 6500 N. Fork Rd. Polebridge, MT 59928
- Instructors – Glacier Institute OES
- The program will begin Friday 4 p.m. and ends at 1 p.m. on Sunday following lunch.
- Hiking distance covers less than 3 miles, than 100 feet elevation change.
- Glacier National Park Vehicle Pass required, purchase at recreation.gov.
- On-site parking available.
- There is a maximum number of 13 guests per course.
- This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
- Long pants
- Heavy fleece or wool pants, or waterproof snow pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches