The National Park Service is accepting applications to operate two historic — and lucrative — chalets in Glacier National Park.
The NPS released a prospectus for the award of a new concession contract for both Granite Park and Sperry chalets, two backcountry lodges that are turning 100 this summer.
The current concession contract, held by Belton Chalets, Inc., since 2005, will expire Dec. 31. The new 10-year contract is anticipated to take effect Jan. 1, 2015. The contract is for seasonal concession operation of the chalets. Proposals much be filed by May 19.
The new concession contract would still require the concessioner to provide overnight private lodging accommodations, food and beverage service, cooking facilities and environmental education and interpretative workshops for guests.
Sperry and Granite Park are the only remaining historical chalets in Glacier and offer overnight lodging opportunities during summer. This year’s overnight reservations at Granite Park cost $97 per person and $78 for each additional person in the same room, plus state accommodations tax. At Sperry, it costs $201 per person and $141 for each additional person in the same room.
Despite the seemingly high costs, reservations go fast for the idyllic chalets that sit hidden away from civilization in the heart of the national park. Belton Chalet, Inc., has made about $500,000 annually in gross receipts, according to the NPS, which exceeds the threshold laid out in the concession contract regulations.
Belton Chalet, Inc. does not qualify as “a preferred offeror” for the new contract, which would give the company an opportunity to match or exceed another concessionaire proposal after the open application process, according to the NPS.
“Their business is just a little too big,” Jennifer Parker, chief of concessions for the NPS, said of Belton Chalet, Inc.
The provision aims to encourage competitiveness among prospective bidders, Parker said.
For more information about the concession contract, visit the National Park Service Commercial Services website.
All offers must be received by Parker at Intermountain Region, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, Colo., 80228-0287, no later than 4 p.m. MST on May 19.
A public centennial celebration for Granite Park and Sperry chalets will be held Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier.