Belton Chalet, Montana

Location 

Covering over a million acres and containing 25 active glaciers, Glacier National Park (also known as “the American Alps”) sprawls across Montana’s Rocky Mountains to the Canadian border, and is renowned for its spectacular scenery and abundant flora and fauna. Belton Chalet was built over a century ago at the popular west entrance to the park, at one end of the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Chalet is a stone’s throw from West Glacier Amtrak station (staff will ferry your luggage on request) and also easily accessible by road and air.

Accommodation 

Originally built in 1910 to serve rail travellers, and painstakingly restored to mark its centenary, the Belton Chalet and Lodge offers a range of comfortable accommodation options in keeping with its history. Each room in the main lodge oozes character, is exceptionally well kept and includes a private bathroom. Many rooms also come with a balcony and wooden rocking chair from which to enjoy the view. In addition, there are three-bedroom cottages on the property available for larger groups, each with living room, fireplace, and private covered porch. Guests who prefer a more 21st century experience also have the option of renting the newly remodelled Adobe House vacation home, with full kitchen, TV and WiFi.

Dining

Acclaimed throughout the region, the cooking at the Belton Grill Dining Room uses locally sourced ingredients (some from the hotel’s own grounds) to offer a blend of Montana favourites and more diverse influences, as well as a selection of fine wines. Hearty Sunday brunches are also available in the winter season. In the adjacent Taproom, plentiful drinks, a less formal dining menu and a welcoming fireplace await, with the regular addition of local musicians providing live entertainment. Gourmet lunchboxes – complete with mini champagne, if you’re in the mood – can also be prepared to order for guests to enjoy while they explore the park.

Facilities 

The park itself is the main attraction here and Belton Chalet provides the ideal base from which to make the most of it. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day during summer to help guests plan their activities, whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, or white water rafting on the Flathead River. In winter you can also enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing. As well as the 700+ miles of hiking trails, the historic 1930s Red Buses provide an alternative way to tour the park and its amazing views and wildlife (grizzlies included). Back at the lodge, you can try your hand at shuffleboard, ping-pong, and croquet – or if you need some serious relaxation, massage services and other healing treatments are provided at the spa.