The Belton Chalet in West Glacier has sold to Pursuit, a company that owns and operates many other businesses in West Glacier and around the region.
“We are delighted to welcome the Belton Chalet to our extraordinary collection of iconic experiences,” said Gary Rodgers, vice president and general manager of Pursuit’s Glacier Park Collection. “As one of the few remaining great hotels built by the Great Northern Railway more than 100 years ago, we will continue to thoughtfully preserve the authenticity of this incredible place.”
In January, the Belton changed hands from Cas and Andy Baxter, who had purchased it in 1997, to their son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Ali Still-Baxter.
When it was first constructed 108 years ago, the chalet was situated next to the Great Northern Railway stop at West Glacier, but after World War II, it went through a series of owners and was nearly bulldozed in the 1970s when the state rerouted U.S. Highway 2. The Luding family stopped the demolition, putting the Belton on the National Register of Historic Places, even as the train depot moved across the highway.
“There is a rich heritage to many of our properties and the Belton Chalet fits perfectly into our growing collection of iconic, unforgettable and inspiring travel experiences,” said Pursuit President David Barry. “At Pursuit, we remain dedicated to keeping our history vibrant and meaningful while re-investing in these incredible places and within our local communities.”
Andrew Still-Baxter said he is confident the new owners will take care of the 14-acre property and honor its historic roots in the community and the history of Glacier National Park.
“It’s an old property and it needs a lot of maintenance; it’s kind of challenging for individual owners,” Still-Baxter said. “[Pursuit] knows how to run this type of business, and I think that they will hold it to a standard to which it needs to be held.”
Other Pursuit-owned businesses include The Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, the Glacier Park Lodge, Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, and St. Mary Lodge and Resort, as well as properties in West Glacier Village and Apgar Village.