Great Bear Ski Valley

Office Hours
2024-12-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The lodge is open for guests to stop by with questions, making any purchases, pick up season passes, get fitted for rental gear etc!

Black Friday Gift Card Sale
2024-12-02 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-01 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-29 10:00 - 14:00
Get an extra 15% on gift cards Black Friday, Nov. 28 through Cyber Monday, Dec. 1!
Shop online or stop by the lodge 10 am to 2 pm.
CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE

Great Bear gift cards are good for lift tickets, rentals, tubing, lessons, food and more! Select e-gift card delivery, mail or pick up at Guest Services

Ski & Snowboard Swap
2024-11-23 11:00 - 14:00
Buy & sell used ski and snowboard gear at the Great Bear Ski Swap Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 am to 2 pm!
Selling gear? Register your item(s) online to schedule an appointment: https://shorturl.at/XVz2N
Or stop by Great Bear Nov. 19 and Nov. 21 from 5 pm to 7 pm for open gear drop off!
Acceptable gear includes downhill, cross country and telemark skis, snowboards, bindings, boots, poles, car accessories (rack etc.), snowshoes, like-new clothing or other soft gear.
– 20% commission taken on gear that sells to benefit the Great Bear Ski Patrol
– No fee to seller unless the gear sells
– Cash only, ATM on site
Our friends from Spoke ‘N Sport will also be out with gear available for purchase! Let’s get ready for a great season!

Ski Swap Gear Drop Off
2024-11-21 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-19 17:00 - 19:00
Stop by Great Bear Nov. 4 and Nov. 6 from 4 pm to 7 pm for open gear drop off! Sell your used skis, snowboards, boots and winter clothing at the Ski Swap!

Job Fair
2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
LOOKING FOR A COOL JOB?
Save the date for Job Fair Nov. 16 from 10 am to 2 pm!
Click here to apply online here.

The season typically runs from mid-December to mid-March. For questions, please email Alexa at ajerstad@greatbearpark.com.

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 $12.00 / hour
Guest Services: Sell lift tickets, equipment rental, snow sports lessons and retail items with efficiency and accuracy while delivering an excellent guest experience. Maintain the cleanliness of the lodge. Starting wage $12.00 / hour.
Rental Shop Technician: Distribute boots, skis and snowboards, and adjust bindings to individual specifications while delivering an excellent guest experience. Starting wage $12.00 / hour.
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 / hour.
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 / hour.
Ski or Snowboard Instructor: 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 dependent on lessons taught, $13.85 – $19.85 / hour
Must be at least 18 years old
Overnight Snowmaking: Make snow and perform any maintenance tasks as needed including snow removal. Shift typically runs 9:30 p.m. – 6 a.m. Starting wage $14.50 / hour.
Maintenance: Make snow, prepare area for opening, and perform various area maintenance tasks. Starting wage $13.50 / hour.
Physical Requirements for Maintenance & Snowmaking

The ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
The ability to work in extreme weather
The ability to 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. Click here to learn more.

Benefits of Working at Great Bear:

$25 season passes for employees and $50 season passes for 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 – $10 daily rentals or $55 rental season pass for family members
Employees earn an ambassador pass for every 25 hours worked to redeem for themselves or give to family and friends (voucher valid for a lift ticket, equipment rental or tubing ticket)

OctoBEARfest Season Pass Sale!
2024-10-27 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-25 12:00 - 19:00
SEASON PASS OCTOBEARFEST RATES (increase Nov. 1):
– Unlimited Season Pass for $264 (save 20%)
– Family of 3 Unlimited Season Pass (parents and/or children 25 years or younger) for $700, each additional pass for $160 (save 20%)
– Weekday Season Pass (Monday-Thursday, plus Season Pass Sundays) for $144 (save 20%)
– Rental Equipment Season Pass for $200 (save $40)
– Tot Season Pass (5 years or younger ) for $0
– Tot Rental Season Pass for $55
BUY NOW
PLUS – Passholders from the 23-24 season receive a $100 credit on a pass for this winter! Redeem with your unique coupon code online (watch for it in your inbox).
NEW – Season Pass Insurance available for $15 at time of purchase. Click here for details.
OTHER DEALS:
– 5 Lift Ticket Pack for $150
– 3 Lesson Pack for $170
Note: All packs are transferable and expire at the end of the 24-25 season.
Save an EXTRA 10% on unlimited season passes:
– 5th GRADE DAYS participants from the 23-24 season
– SANFORD HEALTH staff & Wellness Center members and family* (up to 3) with valid I.D. Offer valid October 25-31, 2024.
– MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS and family* (up to 3) with valid I.D.
To redeem an extra 10% off, submit a request form online here before making your purchase.
*Family includes spouse and children 25 years or younger.
SALE HOURS:

Friday, Oct. 25 – 12 pm to 7 pm (food truck canceled)
Saturday, Oct. 26 – 9 am to 4 pm (11 am to 2 pm – enjoy chairlift rides, 605 Island Guy food truck, inflatables & more!)
Sunday, Oct. 27 – 11 am to 4 pm

GEAR TRADE-IN: Friday & Saturday, bring your ski and snowboard gear to trade-in for a Spoke-N-Sport voucher that never expires. Use it to pay for service or to upgrade your gear! The SNS team is looking for winter sports gear that is in good used or like-new condition.
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
Early morning Saturdays! The main hill opens at 8 am on Saturdays for passholders only.
3 buddy pass lift tickets to bring a friend for unlimited season pass holders, and 1 buddy pass lift ticket for weekday season passholders
10% off regularly priced items at Spoke-N-Sport through September 30, 2025 (some exclusions may apply) and a free wax through Dec. 23, 2024.
Deals at sister ski areas
10% off all retail items at the Great Bear Store including apparel, souvenirs and more (not valid online)

Rates do not include 7.7% city and state sales tax.
BUY NOW

Sioux Falls Run Club 8th Annual Trail Race Series!
2024-09-28 08:30 - 12:00
Click here for event details!

Chill At The Hill
2024-09-25 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-11 17:00 - 20:00
Relax with an evening at The Bear! Join us for Chill At The Hill on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 18 and 25 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Each night we’ll feature live music and a food truck! The bar will be open serving beer and wine. Hope to see some new and familiar faces!
Sept. 11 – Alexis Lorene, Curbside Delights & Oh My Cupcakes!
Sept. 18 – Zon Tran, Berkes BBQ & Oh My Cupcakes!
Sept. 25 – Todd Casilli & Murph’s Burgers

Gift Card Sale
2024-09-23 - 2024-09-30
Get an EXTRA 15% when you purchase a gift card Sept. 23-30 online only.

Pick up, shipping or e-gift cards options available! Gift cards never expire and are valid for anything at Great Bear.

Shop at shop.greatbearpark.com

Trailgating Festival
2024-08-23 18:00 - 19:30
Join Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation for free, outdoor family fun at Great Bear Ski Valley! Enjoy classic yard games, bouncy obstacle courses, a nature-themed photo scavenger hunt, and creative crafts! Relax at the lodge with food and drinks, gather around the campfire for s’mores, and unwind to live music. Feeling competitive? Enter the 18+ cornhole tournament (registration starts at 6 P.M., tournament at 6:30 P.M.)

Chill At The Hill
2024-07-24 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-17 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-10 17:00 - 20:00
Relax with an evening at The Bear! Join us for Chill At The Hill on July 10, 17 and 24 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Each night we’ll feature live music, a food truck and Oh My Cupcakes! The bar will be open serving beer and wine. Hope to see some new and familiar faces!
July 10 – Brady Wrede & Clifford’s Doggone Cart
July 17 – Tony Depaolo & Marc O’s Festival Foods
July 24 – Don McKenna & 605 Island Guy

Summer Showcase
2024-06-06 16:30 - 19:00
Ever wonder what the Lodge at Great Bear is like in the summer? Come out for our Summer Showcase on June 6 from 4:30 to 7 pm and find out! Each room will feature a different mock event from a wedding reception to a corporate retreat.
Sample appetizers from our on-site catering courtesy of Sysco and sweet treats from Oh My Cupcakes!
Event is open to the public, no entry fee. RSVP to ajerstad@greatbearpark.com to receive a free drink ticket good for a local beer from Look’s Marketplace or a glass of wine.
Learn how to take your event to the next level from our other event sponsors ABC Rentals, Bounce Around Inflatables, Pinnacle Productions and FiveFour!

National Trails Day Group Hike
2024-06-01 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dakota Adventure Supply, Great Bear Ski Valley, and The Great Outdoor Store for a memorable National Trails Day® event on Saturday, June 1, 2024 as we celebrate the beautiful trails and recreation areas in our community. It’s been five years since the last event was organized in our area, and we are thrilled to bring it back, offering an opportunity for both new and experienced hikers to enjoy the great outdoors.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: Meet at 10:00 AM for a short welcome, followed by hiking.
Location: Great Bear Recreation Park, Sioux Falls, SD
Activities: Choose your trail and explore the area with the group or on your own. Those interested can participate in a trail cleanup initiative with supplies provided by Great Bear Ski Valley.
Dakota Adventure Supply will be offering an exclusive patch commemorating the event to the first 50 individuals to arrive, commemorating their participation and support for trail preservation. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable hiking/walking shoes to enhance their hiking experience.
This event is open to everyone, from beginners to seasoned hikers, promoting access and enjoyment of our hometown trails. It’s a day to connect with nature, meet new friends, and give back to the trails that give so much to us.

About National Trails Day®:
National Trails Day® is an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society, aimed at advocating and improving trail access and quality. It encourages people to discover their local trails, engage in stewardship activities, and embrace outdoor activities.
Join us as we step into nature and ensure our trails can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Earth Day Festival
2024-04-20 13:00 - 17:00
Presented by the Sioux Falls Parks & Rec Department!
Click here for event details – page 18!

FAST Bike & Gear Swap
2024-04-06 11:00 - 14:00

Closed for the Season
2024-02-26 - 2024-03-31
We are sad to announce the official end of the 23-24 ski season. Thank you to everyone for all the support this winter!
Although we can never guarantee what each winter season will bring, we are mindful of the fact that season passholders did not have as many opportunities to hit the slopes this winter as we had hoped for due to the unseasonably warm weather. Therefore, we are offering a $100 credit for current season passholders toward a pass for next season.
A $50 credit for the 24-25 season will also be issued for guests who had a rental season pass and the tubing add on option. In addition, punch cards, buddy passes and gift certificates from the 23-24 season will now be accepted through January 31, 2025.
Season passes for the 24-25 season will go on sale October 25-27 during OctoBEARfest!

SnirtFest!
2024-02-25 09:00 - 18:00
Join us for our annual bash this Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm! But wait…we’ll remain open for skiing & snowboarding next week as long as the snow holds up!
Starting Monday, Feb. 26, we’ll assess conditions daily and post an update each morning at 10 a.m.
Each year, we celebrate the end of winter with a festival of fun events – snow + dirt = SnirtFest! This year’s theme is Summer Olympics, so dress up and come on out!

12 p.m. Limbo & Ollie Contest presented by Spoke ‘N Sport
1:30 p.m. Zipfy Sled Race presented by Schulte Subaru
3 p.m. Costume Contest presented by Sanford Health
3:30 p.m. Pond Skim presented by Stockwell Engineering

All event proceeds will benefit the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. It is $5 to enter each event.
Great Bear Ski Valley appreciates all the encouragement and support from its visitors this winter as they battle the unseasonably warm weather.
With the length of this season in mind, Great Bear is considering various options for its current season passholders and will make a decision when the park officially closes for the season.
Great Bear is open to the public for skiing & snowboarding during SnirtFest.

Ski & Snowboard Hours
2024-02-25 09:00 - 18:00
Full Day Lift Ticket 9 am to 6 pm – $38
5 & Under Lift Ticket free with paid adult or paid lesson

Tickets available at Guest Services.

Equipment rental sizes are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Rental Equipment can only be purchased in person at Guest Services.

Last run 15 minutes before the end of each session.
