VIDEO: Hair-raising Footage of Glacier Operator Plowing Going to the Sun Road

Plowing the Going to the Sun Road

Source: Facebook page Daily Construction

Every year the Going To The Sun Road brings a lot of joy to Montanans and tourists alike, it's occasionally nerve-wracking twists and turns allowing us to gawp at stunning views of Glacier National Park.  But it being that high in the mountains of course means snow, and lots of it.  And it's somebody's job to clear all that snow, as this absolutely heart-stopping video shows. 

According to the National Parks Service, "Plowing Going-to-the-Sun Road is a monumental challenge each year. Unpredictable spring snow storms or other weather related events can slow down plowing progress. It is not uncommon for plowing crews to need to re-plow sections of park roads when weather events happen. Safety for our plowing crews, contractors, and the public is our utmost concern and priority. These unknown factors make predicting the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road impossible."

Plowing the Going to the Sun Road

Source: Facebook page Daily Construction

As folks with a little problem with heights, we could never do a job like this.  You've gotta admire the courage of the men and women, presumably with nerves of steel, that can slowly and methodically plow this road.  We sincerely hope they get a nice bonus for surviving. 

It's just another example of how in so many ways our experience of Montana is shaped by the National Parks Service and the folks who've made that their career.  Otherwise that snow would stay up there through August - if not all year round.  

See the whole video below!

 

Leave a Comment Here

Randy Paul (not verified) , Sun, 03/28/2021 - 16:45
I’ve been on the pass the week of opening and I’ve always appreciated the hard work these people have done. So we can enjoy this beautiful place . Thank you for your bravery.
Mark Gage (not verified) , Sun, 04/04/2021 - 06:37
My grandparents, from Sunburst and near St Mary in summer, took 16mm home movies of driving the freshly plowed Highway in the 1930's. Amazing then, and still today.
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