Huts and cabins

Glacier National Park

All winter users require a Winter Permit from November 15 to the end of the avalanche control season annually.

 

All guests must apply for an Annual Winter Permit online in advance to access the backcountry in Glacier National Park. If you are under 19 years of age, you need written permission from a parent or legal guardian to apply for a winter permit. You may choose not to obtain a permit if travelling with a parent or legal guardian who holds a valid permit; however, applying is strongly encouraged for education purpose.

All winter travellers should carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel and have the knowledge and skills to use them.

Winter overnight parking

All visitors leaving a vehicle overnight at the Illecillewaet Valley trailhead during the winter months require an overnight parking permit. This free permit must be obtained in person at the Rogers Pass Centre (temporarily Summit Station). An overnight parking permit is not required during the summer.

There are four Alpine Club of Canada-operated accommodations in Glacier National Park:

Asulkan Cabin
A. O. Wheeler Hut
Sapphire Col Hut
Glacier Circle Cabin

With the exception of A.O. Wheeler Hut, all are in the backcountry, far from roads, and access is challenging. Sapphire Col and Glacier Circle require mountaineering expertise. All require:

  • A reservation: 403-678-3200 | alpineclubofcanada.ca
  • A national park pass

  • An Annual Winter Permit for all guests accessing any backcountry terrain (including Winter Unrestricted Areas). An Annual Winter Parking Permit, which is included with the Annual Winter Permit

  • An Overnight Parking Permit for all vehicles left at the Illecillewaet Valley trailhead. The overnight parking permit is free of charge and only required when the Winter Permit System is in effect (November 15 to the end of the avalanche control season annually). Overnight parking permits are available at the following locations:
    • Summit Station
    • Parks Canada Office
    • By phone at 250-837-7500
    • You will need the group leader’s name, destination, number of people in group, license plate of all vehicles being left at the trailhead and your ACC reservation number

Asulkan Cabin

Asulkan Hut
Asulkan Cabin
© Parks Canada / Laurie Booker

Located 6.5km up the Asulkan Brook, approximately 300 metres beyond the end of the Asulkan Trail, at an elevation of 2100 metres. The cabin accommodates up to 10 people and is equipped with a propane stove and heater, lights, a sleeping loft with foam mattresses, basic cooking and eating utensils, cleaning supplies, and toilet and grey water systems.

In winter, the route to Asulkan Cabin crosses numerous avalanche paths. Winter travellers should carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel and have the knowledge and skills to use them. Check the avalanche forecast for Rogers Pass before travelling.

Reservations are made through the Alpine Club of Canada.

A. O. Wheeler Hut

Wheeler Hut
A.O. Wheeler Hut
© Alpine Club of Canada

Located near the south end of the Illecillewaet Campground, approximately 2 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway. The hut accommodates 30 people in a sleeping loft. It is equipped with cooking and eating utensils, foam mattresses, stoves, lanterns and firewood.

An Alpine Club of Canada custodian is present during the summer. At other times, the hut is locked and access requires an advance booking. All winter travellers should carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel and have the knowledge and skills to use them.

Reservations are made through the Alpine Club of Canada.

 

Sapphire Col Hut

Sapphire Col Hut
Saphire Col Hut
© Alpine Club of Canada

Located at Sapphire Col between The Dome and Castor Peaks. This basic mountaineering shelter accommodates up to four people and has limited facilities, including a small selection of utensils and a toilet system. Water can be obtained from a nearby melt pond or by melting snow.

Access to Sapphire Col Hut requires appropriate mountaineering equipment, experience and skills. All winter travellers should carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel and have the knowledge and skills to use them.
Reservations are made through the Alpine Club of Canada.

 
Reservations are made through the Alpine Club of Canada.

Glacier Circle Cabin

Glacier Circle Cabin
Glacier Circle Cabin
© Alpine Club of Canada

Located in the Dawson Range of the Selkirk Mountains, near a small lake in the cirque surrounded by Mt. Macoun, Mt. Fox, Mt Selwyn and Mt. Topham. The cabin is typically accessed via the Illecillewaet Neve, approximately 14 km from the Illecillewaet Campground. Safe glacier travel and whiteout navigation skills are required. All winter travellers should carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel and have the knowledge and skills to use them.

The cabin accommodates up to eight people and is equipped with a wood stove, white gas stove (users must bring their own gas), lantern, limited cookware, cutlery and firewood. A water source is located nearby. Sleeping mattresses are not provided.

 

Reservations are through the Alpine Club of Canada.

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