[MCR] WINTER PERMIT SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Information Bulletin

WINTER PERMIT SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
FOR 2012/13 WINTER SEASON

REVELSTOKE, November 23, 2012 –The 2012/13 Winter Permit System is now in
effect in Glacier National Park. In recent years there have been extensive
changes to the Winter Permit System—including changes to Winter Restricted
and Prohibited Area boundaries, parking, and permit administration.

Daily and Annual Winter Permits are available. Annual Winter Permit holders
must pass an on-line quiz. The quiz is available by visiting
parkscanada.gc.ca/skirogerspass and consists of 25 questions, taking
approximately 45 minutes to complete. An Annual Winter Permit will be
issued when proof of successful completion (quiz certificate) is provided
to park staff at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, along with vehicle
license plate number(s). Terms and Conditions and a Waiver of Liability and
Indemnity Agreement must also be accepted and signed.


Daily, individual winter permits continue to be available at the Rogers
Pass Discovery Centre.

The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre is open:
· November 23, 2012 – April 30, 2013
· 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
· Closed 12:30 - 1:30pm Tuesday – Friday.

The Winter Permit System has been in effect since 1995 and allows
backcountry users to enter Winter Restricted Areas that are part of the
highway avalanche program when artillery gunfire is not anticipated. This
system protects the public from avalanche control actions in the
transportation corridor, but it does not render slopes safe for winter
recreationists.

Winter recreationists are reminded that entering a closed area in the park
without a permit is dangerous and an offence under the Canada National
Parks Act. Violations increased in 2012, and Parks Canada staff will be
patrolling for permits this winter. Offences are punishable on conviction
of a fine of up to $200,000. Violations will also contribute to more
restrictive changes to the Winter Permit System in the future.

As always, your feedback is important to us and the continuity of the
system. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact
us. Feedback forms are also available at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.


For complete details on the Winter Permit System please visit
parkscanada.gc.ca/skirogerspass


Visitors should note that Glacier Park Lodge is closed and there is no fuel
or hotel accommodation in Rogers Pass. Travelers should plan their trips
accordingly and check DriveBC.ca for current road conditions.


Information:
|-------------------------------------+------------------------------------|
|Revelstoke Office |Jacolyn Daniluck |
| | |
|Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National|Mount Revelstoke and Glacier |
|Parks Field Unit |National Parks Field Unit |
| | |
|Parks Canada |Parks Canada |
| | |
|250-837-7500 |250-837-7554 |
|-------------------------------------+------------------------------------|



(See attached file: Information-Important Bulletin_Winter Permit System IN
EFFECT_2012 English FINAL_Nov 22.docx)

Sylvia Forest
Specialist, Mountain Safety Programs
Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks