Whitefish, MT (Wednesday, January 28, 2004) - Big Mountain Resort has announced the return of Glacier Institute programs in winter 2003-2004. The weekly program includes snowshoe tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through March 13. Big Mountain and the world-renowned Glacier Institute made history last summer when they teamed up to offer environmental education programs to guests and residents.

Certified naturalists from the Glacier Institute will guide groups through the forest while they interpret natural phenomena to help tell the story of animals and their environment. Tuition is $30 and snowshoes, boots and poles are available for rent at the Outpost for $15. Box lunches are also available to participants.

“Big Mountain's blanket of snow reveals a frenzy of footprints that offer glimpses of wildlife activity that goes otherwise unseen,” said Lou Thompson, Executive Director of the Glacier Institute. “On the mountain we're probably looking at more prey than predators, like snowshoe hares and different types of squirrels. But lynx are a possibility and maybe pine martins. You become a detective to determine what's going on.”

Interested parties age 7 and older are asked to meet at the Outpost on Big Mountain at 9:45 a.m. For guests’ convenience, the environmentally-friendly Shuttle Network of Whitefish (S.N.O.W. Bus) makes extra scheduled stops at the Outpost each Saturday morning.

Glacier Institute is a 20 year old organization specializing in environmental education for all ages. The Institute has about 10,000 members and offers programs in Glacier National Park and other parts of Montana.

Advanced reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the resort's Guest Services and Information office at (406) 862-2900. Late arrivals may be accommodated, but a minimum of 5 participants and a maximum of 12 is required.