How to Go Skiing in Great Bear, South Dakota

Take the entire family to Great Bear, South Dakota for an exhilarating snow adventure of downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Race across the well groomed slopes and enjoy the best snow conditions in the eastern South Dakota region.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Book Your Lodging Near Great Bear

1. Book accommodations through the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling or visiting its website (see Resources below). Great Bear does not have on-site lodging.
2. Reserve a room in a landmark bed and breakfast. Very few Sioux Falls, South Dakota bed and breakfasts are listed on the Visitors Bureau website, but the ones which are are historic, charming and inexpensive.
3. Book a 'stay and ski package' through the Great Bear Recreation Park website (see Resources below). From the main page, click 'Lodging' to read about this deal.

Arrange Your Transportation

4. Fly into the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, located just a short distance from Great Bear.
5. Drive along I-29 or I-90 to reach I-229. From I-229, take the Rice Street Exit to reach Great Bear.

Enjoy Your Ski Trip to Great Bear

6. Start your trip with a visit to the base lodge to purchase lift tickets or rent snow equipment. Lift tickets are available for full- or half-day increments and are priced equally for children and adults. Children under five skiing with an adult are free.
7. Familiarize yourself with the trail map. There are 12 trails that range from beginning to advanced levels in addition to an extensive tubing park and large snowboarding half-pipe.
8. Foster your skiing abilities by participating in ski school. Professional instructors will guide you through the skills and lessons necessary for skiing or snowboarding. Lessons are a great idea for novices and are even helpful for advanced skiers or snowboarders.
9. Determine what equipment you will need and if you intend to rent skis, poles, boards and other snow equipment locally before departing for the resort. Transporting snow equipment can be a hassle, but it may be a cheaper than renting on the mountain.
10. Plan what you will wear during your trip to Great Bear. Don't forget extra socks, warm yet comfortable long johns and sunglasses or goggles.
11. Locate a ski report on the main page of the resort's website within the 'Current Conditions' box.

Tips & Warnings

• You can often find the best discounts by booking online.
• At 160 feet, the vertical drop at Great Bear is relatively small.