Winter 2015

EXCURSION
SHENANDOAH
NATIONAL PARK • VIRGINIA
Shenandoah National Park’s diverse elevations means it can receive rain, snow
and ice in one day. Leafless trees and spacious skies create wide-open mountain
vistas. If you want to go for a hike, hop onto the legendary Appalachian Trail for
a stretch, but be aware that park facilities are closed.
GLACIER
NATIONAL PARK • MONTANA
With a name like Glacier National Park, you would expect to see some icy wonders
here. This national park gets its name the massive glaciers which shaped the
land here ten thousand years ago. This distinct place allows scientists to studying
those ancient processes as well as the impacts melting glaciers will have on our
national parks. If you want to see it in person during winter, you will have to ski
or snowshoe in, making it an excellent winter getaway. Weather can be very
unpredictable, so visitors must come prepared for potential dangers. Speaking
of dangers, we are working to advance legislation that would prevent future
development just outside its park boundaries.
O LY M P I C
NATIONAL PARK • WASHINGTON
Olympic National Park has many diverse landscapes, all of which come alive
in the wet season of winter. Drippy rain forests burst with rich greens, ocean
beaches are dramatically plummeted by stormy waves and grandiose mountains
tower with snowy peaks. Avalanches make visiting its peaks in winter fairly
risky, although lower elevations remain relatively mild if you care to witness the
splendor in person.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN
NATIONAL PARK • COLORADO
With the highest elevations in the country, Colorado is well-known for being
a winter destination, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception.
With numerous peaks to explore, backcountry skiers can cut through the
incomparable continental divide. Other recreation opportunities include worldclass
snowshoeing, sledding and hiking.