FAQS

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to our most common questions.

QUESTION:

Where is summit mountain lodge located?

We are located at US-2, Mile marker 197 on Marias Pass on the East side of Glacier National Park 47 min east of West glacier and 47 minutes south of Many Glacier. address: 16900 Hwy 2 west Marias , Essex, MT 59434 

How far are you from “Going to the Sun Road”?

• • We are 47 miles from the west entrance of Glacier and 54 miles from the East side in St Mary.
  • What is your cancellation policy?

• • A $50 cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations on all double cabins (Grinnell, Huckleberry, Rising Wolf, Running Rabbit, Sinopah, single cabin (Lone Walker)and there is a $100 cancellation policy on our family cabins (Grizzly,Montana and Three Bears).
  • There is a $15.00 charge when we need to change a reservation.
  • Refunds will be given within 5-7 business days if warranted.
  • No refund is given for cancellations received after 3 pm, 20 days prior to the reservation date. We don’t try to penalize anyone if their plans change but we must adhere to our policies to ensure that we don’t overbook and so others may stay with us if your plans change on short notice.
  • A no-show the date that you were scheduled to arrive will be considered a cancellation of your entire stay.
  • If a person books online, they agree to our policies and marking the box online is verifying you are signing and that you “agree” and “understand” policies.
  • Is there internet on the property?
  • Yes, there is satellite internet in the lodge but not in the cabins. It is a bit slower so there is no streaming allowed since we are limited.
  • Do you offer a free continental breakfast? Yes, for all of our cabin guests from 7:30am-9am. Yogurt, bagels, cereals, oatmeal, fruit, juice, coffee. Please don’t complain about our free breakfast service, if you need something more substantial go into town where they charge for the service.
  • Do you give guests breakfast in May?  Early season cabin guests do not receive a continental breakfast, plan accordingly. (May10th-June10th)

• • What are your Check in and Check out times? 

• • Check-in time for lodging is after 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Please let us know if you will be arriving late and we will try to accommodate your plans.

• Check out time is 11:00 am, there is a late fee associated with late check outs unless discussed prior.

Are there Tv’s in the cabins? We have 3 cabins with Tvs and ROKU setup, you would need to book appropriate cabin if needed.

• Are we allowed to grill or BBQ in or around cabins? No, we would rather not have the top predators joining guests for dinner. Bears frequent the property.
• Do you rent bear spray? Yes, we do for $20 a bottle for your entire stay.

• Can we bring bear spray to Canada? Yes, bear spray is okay but human mace is not allowed

• Do we need bear spray? We recommend having bear spray while hiking in the are. Chances are you wont use it but its better to be safe.

• Can we check in Mondays when restaurant is closed? Yes, but occasionally we will leave a note on restaurant door with check in instructions if we have to leave property during this time.

• What are the hours of your restaurant? Hours are 5pm-9pm, Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays
• Can you accommodate vegetarians? We are able to accommodate gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.

• Are there any other restaurants in the area?  yes, The closest are 6 miles each direction and then 10 miles in East Glacier Village.

• Are there grocery stores close by? yes, there is a convenience store 6 miles away at Snow slip Bar. The next closest are in East Glacier Village and Browning.

• Is there house- keeping on site?  Yes, limited. We are a leader for eco-friendly lodging and change linens in bathrooms every 3 days unless requested and bed linens every 5 days unless requested.

• Are there laundry facilities?  Yes, there are coin operated machines and we do sale detergent.

• • When does the restaurant open? Our restaurant will open approx: June 12th and hours are from 5 pm-9:00 pm and typically will close the 3rd weekend of September, weather dependent.
  • Do you offer discounts on cabin rentals? Each spring we offer an early bird discount but it is only for double cabins and cant be used with multiple cabins or with any other 3rd party booking agents(booking.com, expedia ect.)
  • Do I need a credit card to stay? Yes, When you arrive to the property, we do require a credit card to hold as a security deposit. Barring any damage/ and or extraordinary cleaning. The credit card will only be charged if necessary for extra cleaning or damages.
  • Can cabin guests drink the water on the property?
  • Yes, its better than any water you will ever taste. Please don’t bring plastic water bottles with you, its a waste and it annoys us. We are trying to refrain from plastic use.
  • Does Summit Mountain recycle? 
  • Yes, we do what we can but it’s not easy while on top of a mountain.

• • How big is your lodge and resort?

• • Our 32 acre property contains 9 cabins that we rent, a full steakhouse with a private events room.

• • Where is the closest airport?

• • Kalispell is 80 miles to the west and Great Falls is 150 miles east.

• • How many people can you accommodate in the cabins
  • 48 people comfortably

Weddings and Policies at Summit Mountain lodge

What happens when our guests book an event space?

We have multiple event spaces, restaurant deck, upstairs above restaurant, wedding pavilion and run events simultaneously with the restaurant open to the public.

Wedding party and guests are not permitted to go to the other spaces (pavilion, restaurant deck or lodge) during the time they book for their event as we may have other events simultaneously in another space

The gardens area a lawn area out front, it is a public space so we don’t allow parties on this area.

Can we move our wedding party to another area or up to the New timber frame lodge after event?

No, this is a public space for all guests and its not suitable for parties. This is reception area and guest check in and a social area for some who like to work and others who relax.

When wedding parties book the large outdoor wedding pavilion they may use the rest rooms in the lodge but again this is not an event space for guests.

Please keep in mind owners live on the property and this is their HOME.

What happens when our wedding event ends?

We have the DJ/staff  announce 30 minutes prior to end, any alcohol left over from event stays in wedding pavilion and only paid cabin guests allowed in cabins. Wedding parties can not invite all the guests to go party in a cabin. We are very strict with this , we simply don’t want one of your guests to get so drunk they go injure someone or themselves or drive.

When can all of our guests arrive?

Only cabin guests are permitted to stay on property prior to events. For example: All the cabin guests can utilize property and amenities, any guests not staying in cabins may show up just before event. I’f there are large weddings we simply don’t allow an entire wedding party of 50 or more to hang out/socialize on the property all day prior to events because we are open to the public and are very busy.

Best way to communicate for weddings?

We ask that you put all of your questions together in emailing, we have hundreds of emails. Please compile all questions not alot of individual email .

We can accommodate 46-48 people on the property in our cabins.

How many wedding guests can we invite to our event at Summit Mountain?

We can accommodate up to 110 guests comfortably for the outdoor pavilion and 30 for the private events space above the restaurant.

Can I choose my own food caterer?

No, we don’t allow other caterers, we have strict health department guidelines. Although, we can customize our menu to your needs.

Can I provide my own alcohol or bring alcohol onto the property?

No, due to the legalities of having a full liquor license Summit Mountain Lodge will need to cater any alcohol during the event, but we do have several options and budgets available. Wedding parties must make sure all guests drinking are of legal age to be drinking alcohol.

What options do I have as far as alcohol choices?

We can order pretty much any type of alcohol from our distributors given an early notice.

Can we bring alcohol onto the property?

Due to our liquor license no outside alcohol can brought onto the property, Summit Mountain caters all alcohol.We have multiple alcohol packages available, please see wedding brochure received.

Open Bar packages last 3 hours and we prefer if the guests don’t leave the property after drinking. After 3 hours we pull all the alcohol off the bar so plan accordingly. 

How late can our events last?

We allow 5 hours from start to finish which typically and an option to purchase more time if you would like.  

How do I book an event or wedding?

Send us an email or call during business hours and we will confirm the date. You just need to choose the date for lodging and wedding, then work one-on-one with our wedding coordinator to choose a wedding package that’s right for you.

Can I choose a wedding coordinator to come and help?

We help you coordinate the event while you are here, but if you would like additional help that would be fine with us and our wedding coordinator would take a step back as well. we just want to make sure the planner coordinates with us.

Do you know of any wedding photographers?

There are several photographers in the area; we can help point you in the right direction by providing a list of photographers.

When can we start setting up for our wedding event?

You are able to come in and decorate on the day .

What time is check-in and check-out for the cabin rentals?

Check in time is 3 PM and check out time is 11 AM, depending on the event we may have some flexibility.

Do you offer a wedding brunch?

We do offer a brunch for your special day, just let us know and we can make it happen.

Do you know of any caterers to make our cake or special desserts?

We do prepare some baked goods for our restaurant but don’t know who to recommend 

Do you allow fires/BBQ’s or grills? 

No we don’t due to the large number of bears. We do have a fire pit but it depends on fire marshal if we are able to have open fires.

Do you allow camping on your property?

We do not allow camping, or RVs on the property, but there is a campground very close to our property that has proper camping facilities.

What do I need to do to get prepared to have my wedding at Summit Mountain?

You will need to make arrangements for your music, flowers, choice of decorations, wedding cake and photographer.

What happens if the weather gets bad during my event?

Our pavilion is enclosed and has walls on it so the weather shouldn’t be an issue.  

How long can the party go?

If your party has rented out all of our cabins you are welcome to continue your reception until midnight if you have paid for extra time and have discussed this with wedding planner.

Have more questions? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at 406-226-9319.