Located just shy of 60 miles from SDSU’s campus, Great Bear Ski Valley is a good place to get away from campus for a while.
With 220 acres of land to ski, snowboard and tube, Great Bear offers the potential of an adventurous day outside spent with friends and family.
After pushing back opening day twice because of the warm weather, Great Bear is now able to welcome guests of all ages and skill levels. The park officially opened all runs and the tubing hill Jan. 18.
“The thing that affects us the most is the lack of winter weather. The snowfall is nice and reminds people that it is winter and is good free publicity, but ultimately, we just need the cold temps,” Kyle Vanderberg, Great Bear’s snowmaking manager, said.
With the influx of cold weather that moved in recently, the park was able to make enough snow to open.
To open the park, the standard amount of snow on the ground is 18-24 inches. But, with limited precipitation and unusually warm weather the region received early this winter, Great Bear has struggled to make that expectation a reality.
“I try not to set any crazy expectations as to when we get things 100% open, I generally just go with my gut,” Vanderberg said.
The communication team aims to be transparent, but also optimistic, when delivering updates about the status of the park.
Great Bear Ski Valley strives to create a welcoming and inviting environment for all ages and skill sets. On the hill, you will find guests from all walks of life celebrating the weather and sports that come with it.

“We have more challenging terrain for the advanced skiers and snowboarders as well as a terrain park for the more adventurous guests,” Great Bear’s General Manager Dan Grider said.
There is also a tubing hill for non-skiers and groomed cross-country trials for Nordic skiers, Grider mentioned. Great Bear offers ski and snowboard lessons at an additional cost of $60 per 90-minute lesson.
The ski park is working with the Sioux Falls Park and Recreation Department to include it in the city’s future master plan development. Items of discussion include developing additional ski and snowboard terrain, upgrading the lodge facility, and creating an ice-skating rink as well as a mountain bike trail.
Since Great Bear is owned by the city of Sioux Falls, the park is ever-changing. It is a partnership that works out great for everyone, including the community, said Alexa Jerstad, Great Bear’s director of communications.
Lift and tubing tickets can be purchased online or at the customer help desk for various prices depending on the day of the week. Great Bear also offers a discounted rate to students with proof of a valid ID. After the expansion this year, the discount is now valid Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays after 5 p.m.
Children under 5 years also receive free admission with the purchase of an adult lift ticket.