Great Bear Ski Valley

Job Fair
2023-11-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Work with us this winter!
Apply at Job Fair on Nov. 11 from 10 am to 2 pm. If you are unable to attend, apply online.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT GREAT BEAR:

$25 season passes for employees and up to 5 family members (valid for spouses, parents, siblings, children & grandchildren of all ages).
Flexible hours (must be available to work holidays and weekends)
Great, fun winter environment!
Free ski and snowboard equipment rentals for employees
Employees earn an ambassador pass for every 30 hours worked to redeem for themselves or give to family and friends (voucher valid for a lift ticket and equipment rental)

The season typically runs from mid-December to mid-March. All employees are required to attend training on Saturday, Dec. 2.

MUST BE AT LEAST 14 YEARS OLD

Food Service: Prepare and serve quality food and beverage items while delivering an excellent guest experience. Starting wage $12.50/hr.
Park Attendant: Assist with outside operations completing tasks such as line control, checking for lift tickets or parking cars. Team members will likely be stationed in an outdoor winter environment. Starting wage is $12.00/hr.
Guest Services: Sell lift tickets, equipment rental, snow sports lessons and retail items with efficiency and accuracy while delivering an excellent guest experience. Also maintain the cleanliness of the lodge. Starting wage $12.00/hr.

MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD

Lift Operator: Operate both aerial and surface uphill transportation lifts, prioritizing guest safety. Team members may be stationed in an outdoor winter environment. Starting wage $12.50/hr.
Ski & Snowboard Instructors: Help improve guests’ skills on the snow by teaching ski and snowboard lessons in a friendly and encouraging manner. Must be able to ski or snowboard with moderate proficiency. No teaching experience required. Wage based on lessons taught.
Rental Shop Technician: Distribute boots, skis and snowboards, and adjust bindings to individual specifications while delivering an excellent guest experience. Starting wage $12.00/hr.
Terrain Park Crew: Assist with designing, building, and maintaining the takeoffs, landings, and manmade features of the Terrain Park, as well as operating the rope tow. Team members will be in an outdoor winter environment.Starting wage $12.00/hr.

MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD

Overnight Snowmaking: Make snow and perform any maintenance tasks as needed. No experience required. Shift typically runs 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. Starting wage $14.50/hr. Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly, move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces, work in extreme weather, and operate a snowmobile.
Maintenance: Make snow, prepare area for opening, and perform various area maintenance tasks. Starting wage $13.50/hr. Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly, move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces, work in extreme weather, and operate a snowmobile.
Volunteer Ski Patrol: Patrollers work to promote ski safety, enforce area policies (where applicable), and help any injured guests. Training is available for applicants to get NSP certified who do not have a medical license. LEARN MORE

For questions, please email Alexa at ajerstad@greatbearpark.com.

Movie Premiere
2023-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
Kick off winter with the Midwest Premiere of Matchstick Productions’ newest ski movie “The Land of Giants” presented by Great Bear Ski Valley at the Washington Pavilion on Friday, November 10.
Let’s celebrate winter and get excited about being outdoors, even when it’s cold out.
FREE to Great Bear season passholders and employees. Email bmercado@greatbearpark.com to claim your ticket!
General admission $5. Tickets available now at https://sportcodestore.com/greatbear
Doors open at 5:30 pm for social hour, film screening begins at 7:30 pm in the Mary W. Sommervold Hall!
Plus, the Kirby Science Discovery Center will be open exclusively for movie-goers. Admission included with your movie ticket.
WATCH MOVIE TRAILER
“The Land of Giants” features the best skiers in the world, riding unbelievable conditions and riding to the very edge and beyond. It’s a celebration of the natural world, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit. It’s a film that will leave you awestruck, inspired, and humbled.
The premiere will feature giveaways, and a pre-party with tons of fun activities, free stuff and other like-minded winter enthusiasts! Come early to say hi to our vendors and grab a drink.

Office Hours
2023-10-31 09:00 - 17:00
The lodge is open for sale or questions today from 9 am to 5 pm, or give us a call!

OctoBEARfest Season Pass & Gift Card Sale
2023-10-20 - 2023-10-22
Save BIG on passes and more at Great Bear’s annual preseason sale October 20-22!
At OctoBEARfest, get the lowest prices of the year on season passes. Plus, get an extra 10% on Great Bear gift cards and sign up for our youth lesson program, Snow Riders Academy!
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
SEASON PASS RATES FOR OCTOBEARFEST (rates increase Nov. 1):
– Regular (ski & snowboard only) $265 (save $65)
– Family Regular (4 people in the same household) $901 (save $221) each additional pass $106
– Tubing Add On $100 per person (save $100)
– Rental $200 (save $40)
PLUS – Passholders from the 22-23 season receive a $15 credit on a pass for this winter!
OTHER RATES:
– 10 use Ski & Snowboard Punch Card (lift tickets only, transferable) $250
– 5 use Ski & Snowboard Punch Card (lift tickets only, transferable) $135
– Private Lesson Punch Card (3 private lessons, 1.5 hours each) $155
– Private Lesson Package Punch Card (1.5-hour private lesson, lift ticket and rental for 3 visits) $370
Join the Snow Riders Academy! This 3-lesson youth program puts an emphasis on safety and fun, while allowing participants (ages 7 to 14) to move through the levels at their own pace. Each lesson is 90 minutes. Registration opens at October 20!
The January session will be held January 6, 13 and 20. If a class is canceled due to weather, a make-up class will be held January 27. The February session will be held February 3, 10 and 17. If a class is canceled due to weather, a make-up class will be held February 24. When the session is completed, each student will receive a bonus lift ticket! Each session is $200 (includes full day lift tickets). If the student needs rentals, it is an additional $100.
Additional ways to save on season passes (not valid online or on punch cards):
– 5th GRADE DAYS participants from the 22-23 season receive an extra 15% off
– SIOUX VALLEY CYCLE CLUB members and family (up to 4) receive an extra 15% off (upon presentation of offer letter)
– SANFORD HEALTH staff & Wellness Center members and family (up to 4) receive an extra 15% off (upon proof of employment or membership)
– MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS and family (up to 4) receive an extra 15% off with valid I.D.
To get any of the above discounts, please purchase your pass in person at Great Bear or complete the form below to purchase over the phone. Discounts valid for immediate family members.
Also, guests who sign up for ADULT SKI & SNOWBOARD LEAGUE or WOMXN OF WINTER ($50 fee) receive an extra 15% off.
SALE HOURS:
Friday, Oct. 20 – 12 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, Oct. 21 – 9 am to 4 pm (11 am to 2 pm – enjoy food trucks, inflatables & more!)
Sunday, Oct. 22 – 11 am to 4 pm
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
Season Pass Benefits:
– Season Pass Sundays! On Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 8:30 pm (excluding holiday hours), skiing and snowboarding will only be open for season passholders and employees
– 4 buddy passes to bring a friend (each pass can be redeemed for either a lift ticket OR equipment rental).
– 10% off regularly priced items at Spoke-N-Sport through September 30, 2024 (some exclusions may apply)
– Deals at sister ski areas
– Free ticket to the Midwest Premiere of “Land of Giants” ski movie at the Washington Pavilion Nov. 10

Season Pass Discount Request

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Name*Email*

Phone*What discount are you inquiring about?*

Military/First Responder

Sanford Employee/Wellness Center Member
Discounts only valid on unlimited season passes.

24/25 Season passholders and 5th Grade Days participants, get an EXTRA 10% off automatically when you 'renew' your pass. No code needed! Upload ID*Max. file size: 125 MB. List the family members (first name, last name, birthdate) who will be getting a pass using this discount and their relation to you (myself, spouse, or child 25 years or younger).*For Sanford and Military, you may list up to 3 names including yourself.Any Comments or Questions?
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CANCELLED - Haunted Trails
2023-10-13 18:00 - 21:00
Event cancelled due to inclement weather.

Fun event on Friday, Oct. 13! Go on a haunted hike then enjoy live music around the bonfire. The Bear’s Den Lounge will be open!

REGISTER: https://shorturl.at/aE179

Trailgating Festival
2023-08-11 17:30 - 20:30
Join Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation and Great Bear Ski Valley for an afternoon of outdoor family fun! Enjoy yard games, bouncy obstacle courses, a self-guided photo scavenger hunt on the trails, and nature crafts! Curb your appetite with local food trucks, and a campfire with s’mores while listening to live music by Kevin Ryan. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, opt to compete in a cornhole tournament. For additional information visit siouxfalls.org/parks

Angels With A Dream
2023-06-11 10:00 - 15:00
Join us for the 12th Annual Angels With A Dream Car Show benefitting Make A Wish of South Dakota on Sunday, June 11!

Car Show, Silent Auction, Raffles, Wine, Live Band, Inflatables for kids and other activities. Food, drinks and more!

Car show – register day of the event between 10 am to 11:30 am. No fee!

Silent auction and raffles open at 10 am and close starting at 2 pm.

This summer will be the final Angels With A Dream Car Show in memory of the amazing Roxie Johnson.

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating, please contact angelswithadream@gmail.com!

https://www.facebook.com/Angelswithadream

Bonus Ski Day!
2023-04-01 09:00 - 16:00
Weather depending, Great Bear plans to open up for a bonus day of skiing and snowboarding on Saturday, April 1 from 9 am to 4 pm! Passes accepted. $20 lift tickets & $20 rentals!

Closed
2023-03-27 - 2023-03-31
Great Bear is closed for skiing, snowboarding and tubing March 27 – March 31.

SnirtFest!
2023-03-26 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for our end of season bash next weekend presented by TJN/State Steel!
SnirtFest is Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 9 am to 5 pm!
Each year, Great Bear says goodbye to winter with a festival of fun events – snow plus dirt equals SnirtFest!
This year’s theme is ‘BEARstock’ inspired by the 1969 music festival Woodstock!
Limbo & Ollie Contest – 11 a.m.
Costume Contest – 12 p.m.
Liquid Lap (teams of 2) – 12:30 p.m.
Zipfy Sled Race – 1:30 p.m.
Pond Skim – 3 p.m.
All event proceeds will benefit the 12th annual Angels With A Dream in memory of Roxie Johnson. It is $5 to enter each event. Sign up at Guest Services the day of Snirtfest.
Great Bear will also be open to the public for skiing & snowboarding during SnirtFest on Sunday.

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2023-03-26 09:00 - 17:00
Lift Ticket 9 am to 5 pm – $30 (in webstore, select ‘evening lift ticket’)
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult

Buy tickets: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services. Rental waiver: https://www.sportcodestore.com/greatbear/rental

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
Book lessons: https://greatbearpark.theonlysky.com

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2023-03-25 09:00 - 21:00, 2023-03-18 09:00 - 21:00
Full Day Lift Ticket 9 am to 9 pm – $35
Evening Lift Ticket 5 pm to 9 pm – $30
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult or paid lesson

Buy tickets: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services. Rental waiver: https://www.sportcodestore.com/greatbear/rental

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
Book lessons: https://greatbearpark.theonlysky.com

5th Grade Days
2023-03-24 12:00 - 22:00
Hey 5th graders, $10 gets you a lift ticket, ski or snowboard rental, and helmet rental (based on availability) on Fridays OR Tuesdays every week.
Registration and more details: www.greatbearpark.com/promotions/fifth-grade

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2023-03-24 12:00 - 22:00, 2023-03-17 12:00 - 22:00
Friday Lift Ticket 12 pm to 10 pm – $35
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult or paid lesson
5th Grade Days 12 pm to 10 pm – $10 for lift ticket & rental

Buy tickets: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services. Rental waiver: https://www.sportcodestore.com/greatbear/rental

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
Book lessons: https://greatbearpark.theonlysky.com

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2023-03-23 15:00 - 21:00, 2023-03-22 15:00 - 21:00, 2023-03-15 15:00 - 21:00
Weekday Lift Ticket 3 pm to 9 pm – $30
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult or paid lesson

Buy tickets: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services. Rental waiver: https://www.sportcodestore.com/greatbear/rental

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
Book lessons: https://greatbearpark.theonlysky.com

Skiing & Snowboarding Hours
2023-03-21 15:00 - 21:00
Open for skiing & snowboarding from 3 pm to 9 pm Tuesday, March 21!
Plus, 5th Grade Days!

Monday Madness presented by Marsh & McLennan
2023-03-20 15:00 - 21:00
On Monday nights, get half price lift tickets and ski or snowboard rentals from 3 to 9 pm presented by our sponsor Marsh & McLennan Agency!

Lift ticket: $15
Rental equipment: $14.50
Helmet: $5.50

Not valid during holiday hours – excludes Jan. 2, 16 and Feb. 20.

Tubing CLOSED
2023-03-20 - 2023-04-01
Tubing is closed for the season

Season Pass Sunday
2023-03-19 18:00 - 20:30
Season Passholders & Employees ski & snowboard only from 6 pm to 8:30 pm (ambassador and buddy passes accepted if guest is accompanied by passholder).
Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session. Tubing will not be open.

Tubing Hours
2023-03-19 13:00 - 16:30, 2023-03-18 13:00 - 16:30
Afternoon Session 1 pm to 4:30 pm – $24

Buy tickets online to reserve your spot: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear
Complete waiver online before your visit: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f58cda6cefae/web/
Last run is 15 minutes before session ends.
Great Bear Ski Valley recommends that for safety reasons, pregnant women and children aged 4 and under or under 42 inches tall do not tube. All tubers must purchase a tube ticket and only one person is allowed per tube.

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2023-03-19 09:00 - 18:00
Full Day Lift Ticket 9 am to 6 pm – $35
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult or paid lesson

Buy tickets: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear
Great Bear is open for season passholders and employees only on Sundays from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services. Rental waiver: https://www.sportcodestore.com/greatbear/rental

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
Book lessons: https://greatbearpark.theonlysky.com

Tubing Hours
2023-03-17 16:00 - 21:30
Weekday Tubing Ticket 4 pm to 9:30 pm – $16

Buy your tickets online to reserve your spot: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Please complete tubing waiver online before your visit: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f58cda6cefae/web/

Great Bear Ski Valley recommends that for safety reasons, pregnant women and children under the age of 4 or under 42 inches tall do not tube.

The use of helmets is also recommended, but not required. Rental helmets are available at Guest Services for $11.

All tubers must purchase a tube ticket and only one person is allowed per tube.

Closed
2023-03-16
Great Bear will be closed March 16 for skiing and snowboarding due to a winter storm.

Tubing CLOSED
2023-03-15 - 2023-03-16
The tubing hill is closed this day.

$8 Tubing Tuesday
2023-03-14 16:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights, get half price tubing tickets for $8 from 4 to 8 pm presented by our sponsor Stockwell Engineering!

Buy your tickets online to reserve your spot: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Please complete tubing waiver online before your visit: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f58cda6cefae/web/

Great Bear Ski Valley recommends that for safety reasons, pregnant women and children under the age of 4 or under 42 inches tall do not tube.

The use of helmets is also recommended, but not required. Rental helmets are available at Guest Services for $11.

All tubers must purchase a tube ticket and only one person is allowed per tube.
