About This Route
Two Medicine Valley provides accessible cross-country skiing in Glacier National Park, with trails like Appistoki Falls or Old Man Lake loop. Start at Two Medicine Campground (closed winter); 5-10 mile loops through subalpine forest to 6,646 feet. Less crowded than Sun Road; NPS suggests for families with metal-edged skis. Moose and wolf sightings common; follow Interagency Grizzly Bear Guidelines.
Safety Considerations
Tree wells and soft slabs avalanches low-angle; still carry beacon. Ungroomed trails vanish in storms; compass and map vital. Frozen lakes risky; test ice 4+ inches thick. Postholing in spring; snowshoes backup. Cold exposure; change socks at breaks.
Essential Gear
Fischer Spider 62 skis, Voile cable bindings. Light transceiver, REI Traverse pack. Wool socks, hand warmers, map/compass. Bear spray holstered.
Emergency Tips
Lost: follow drainage to lake. Frostbite: warm extremities slowly. Wildlife charge: play dead for grizzly. NPS contact via East Glacier station.