This is a paid piece from Great Bear Ski Valley.
Simplified: The lack of natural snowfall in Sioux Falls this winter hasn't slowed down the winter sports fun at Great Bear Ski Valley. They sat down with us to chat about how they're making their own snow to keep the mountain 100% open.
Why it matters
- This is the second year in a row with a relatively snow-less winter season, but because temperatures have remained low, Great Bear staff have been able to make enough snow to cover all runs for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
- The snow-making started in November, and by mid-December, the park was open for business, hosting visitors from all over the country (and even beyond).
- The man-made snow holds up better to warmer temperatures than natural snow, Great Bear Director of Communications Alexa Jerstad said. That's because it's more compacted than natural snowflakes, which also means it'll melt more slowly.
"Natural snow these days is just good advertising," Jerstad said. "We’re almost exclusively dependent on manmade snow."
Tell me more about Great Bear
Great Bear Ski Valley has more than 220 acres of outdoor fun, including 14 downhill trails for skiing and snowboarding, as well as nine tubing lanes.
"We'll have skiing, snowboarding and tubing through February and into March," Jerstad said.
Great Bear also has weekly deals to make winter sports more accessible to anyone who's interested.
- On Monday evenings, the park has Monday Madness, where visitors can get half-price lift tickets and equipment rentals from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Then on Tubing Tuesdays, get half-price tubing tickets (meaning tickets are only $9.50).
- There are also a number of promotions for various groups, including fifth graders, college students and military personnel. Learn more about those deals here.
What to know before you go
Jerstad recommends you visit the Great Bear website before your visit. There, you'll be able to check hours, trail conditions, purchase your lift tickets, fill out waivers, book lessons and more.
