Great Bear Ski Valley

01/04/2024

We are officially open for skiing & snowboarding Monday, Jan. 8 at 3 pm with 15% of trails including the bunny hill!

Due to limited runs, capacity will be limited on Saturdays, Sundays and MLK Jr. Day. Online pre-purchased is required for day tickets.

Lift tickets and lessons are now available to book online at https://greatbearpark.com/

Season passes, punch cards and buddy passes will be accepted without restriction. If you plan to visit on Saturdays, Sundays or MLK Jr. Day with a voucher or discount, please email [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance to make a reservation.

New this winter, season passholders enjoy early access to the main hill on Saturdays at 8 a.m. starting Jan. 13, in addition to exclusive access during Season Pass Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting Jan. 21!

The tentative opening date for tubing is Friday, Jan. 19 dependent on the weather. Tickets are not yet available online for tubing.

Punch cards issued during the 2022/2023 season will now expire Jan. 31, 2024.

01/02/2024

Winter 2024 Newsletter is out! This issue is dedicated to our season passholders.

This winter, we will open the main hill an hour early at 8 a.m. on Saturdays exclusively for our season passholders!

We are still making snow when mother nature allows, and will post an update regarding our opening day the morning of Thursday, Jan. 4!

READ: https://www.greatbearpark.com/news/winter-2024-newsletter/

12/30/2023

The 35th annual Media One Funski takes place on January 19th and 20th at Great Bear Ski Valley!⛷ The fundraiser benefits the Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety, and event registration is now open at Funski.org.

12/27/2023

Well, our holiday wishes didn't quite come true. Due to unseasonably warm weather, our tentative opening day for skiing and snowboarding is delayed to January 5 with limited runs. The tentative opening for tubing is January 12.

With a significant amount of snow still to make, the tentative opening days we believe are a realistic goal based on the 10-day forecast. Thankfully, some snowmaking temperatures are forecasted to return this weekend.

We'll assess conditions again after the New Year and will update the public regarding its tentative opening day.

The snowmaking team is looking for temperatures consistently below 25 degrees with low humidity. Ideal temperatures are daytime highs in the teens and overnight lows in the single digits. The snowmaking crew will work 24/7 when the temperature allows to get the hill open as soon as possible!

We’re eager to welcome you all back and are looking forward to a great season!

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from the next generation of the Great Bear family!

12/22/2023

We're stocked up with new Great Bear apparel! Shop online or stop by the lodge during office hours. Shirts, hats, stickers and more!

SHOP ONLINE: https://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Dec. 22 - 10 am to 4 pm
Dec. 23 & 24 - 10 am to 2 pm

12/20/2023

Great Bear season passholders, visit the many sister areas around the Midwest this winter that offer you discounts!

https://greatbearpark.com/season-passes/ -ski-areas

12/18/2023

After an assessment of the current conditions and weather forecast, our new target opening date for skiing & snowboarding is January 1. The target opening date for tubing is January 6.

The lodge is open through Christmas Eve for guests to pick up season passes, buy gift cards or to answer any questions!

We truly appreciate the patience of our guests as we all wait for colder weather. As soon as the temps drop, our snowmaking crew is ready to fire up the snow guns and run them 24/7!

Punch cards issued in 2022/2023 will now expire January 14, 2024.

https://www.greatbearpark.com/hours-events/

12/15/2023

Sign up for our Text Alerts and be the first to know about closures and hours updates!

TEXT ALERTS: https://mailchi.mp/greatbearpark/sms-signup

12/15/2023

5th Grade Days are back this winter! Starting on January 5, 2024, 5th graders can get a lift ticket and equipment rental for only $10 on Tuesdays and Fridays!

Registration is now open: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

Learn more: https://www.greatbearpark.com/promotions/fifth-grade/

12/13/2023

SNOWMAKING UPDATE: We've continued to make snow the past few overnights, but still have some work to do. Looking at the temps this weekend, we'll keep the snow in piles to best preserve it.

We will assess conditions on Monday, Dec. 18 and post an update regarding our target opening date!

12/11/2023

Love getting outdoors and trying new things? Join our Womxn of Winter! This group meets on Thursday nights during the season. Shout out to our partner Spoke-N-Sport!

LEARN MORE: https://www.greatbearpark.com/promotions/ -winter

12/10/2023

The crew was busy last night and this morning! Looking at the forecast, we'll continue making snow the next few nights ❄

12/08/2023

Although the temps have been warmer than we'd like, don't fear! Our snowmaking equipment is ready to go and our snowmakers are anxiously waiting on standby.

Think cold! We're looking for temps consistently below 20 degrees and low humidity.

12/07/2023

Meet our new Lift Operations Supervisors - congratulations Collin, Avery, Keith & Jill!

This new position will assist our Mountain Managers with running the outside operations this winter.

12/04/2023

Stop by during our office hours before we open!

Beat the opening day rush and pick up your season pass. Plus, stock up on gift cards for the holidays!

12/01/2023

Interested in joining Ski Patrol? There are several ways to join! Outdoor Emergency Care classes begin Dec. 16.

FOR MORE INFO & TO SIGN UP: https://www.greatbearpark.com/ski-patrol/

Questions, contact [email protected]

11/30/2023

Season pass rates increase to full price tomorrow!

SHOP NOW: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

*Regular Season Pass - $300 (SAVE $30)
*Family Season Pass (4 people) - $1,020 (SAVE $102)
*Tubing Add On - $150 (SAVE $50)
*Rental Season Pass - $220 (SAVE $20)

11/29/2023

We're looking for outdoor loving individuals who have a passion for helping others to join our ski patrol!

Outdoor Emergency Care classes begin Dec. 16.

FOR MORE INFO & TO SIGN UP: https://www.greatbearpark.com/ski-patrol/

Questions, contact [email protected]

11/28/2023

The slopes are still more brown than white, but Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls is making snow in anticipation of opening day.

11/27/2023

LAST DAY to get an extra 10% on any gift card amount! Buy online or stop by the lodge 10 am to 2 pm.

SHOP NOW: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

For example, purchase a $100 gift card, get an extra $10!

11/25/2023

It's snowmaking season!

11/24/2023

Black Friday Sale! Get an extra 10% on Great Bear gift cards of any amount! Lodge open Friday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Nov. 27 from 10 am to 2 pm.

SHOP ONLINE: http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

For example, buy a $100 gift card, get an extra $10!

11/20/2023

11/20/2023

This Friday through Monday, get an extra 10% on any Great Bear gift cards! Shop online or stop by the lodge.

Gift cards never expire and can be used for anything at Great Bear!

11/19/2023

Last day to shop our online apparel store! SHOP NOW: https://hauffsports.chipply.com/GREATBEAR2023/store.aspx

Don't miss out on a variety of designs and your last chance to get commemorative red chairlift shirts or sweatshirts.

11/18/2023

Ski swap is today! Sale is 11 am to 2 pm. A variety of items for all ages!

Cash only - ATM on site. No items to sell will be accepted today.

11/17/2023

Jack is busy setting up for the Ski Swap! You can still drop off items tonight from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Public sale is tomorrow 11 am to 2 pm.

We're also here tonight until 6 pm for Season Pass pick up and tomorrow 9 am to 3 pm!

11/16/2023

Season pass holders, don't forget to check out the Indy Pass!

Grab an Indy AddOn Pass and get 2 days at each of Indy Ski Pass 170+ partner resorts on top of your Great Bear season pass.

Don’t wait—passes are limited and only available to those on the waitlist. Sign up today to secure your spot in line. https://www.indyskipass.com/indy-addon-pass/

11/13/2023

Stop by the lodge during our office hours to get ready for opening day starting this weekend Thursday - Saturday! Pick up your season pass, get fitted for rental gear, buy gift cards etc.

OFFICE HOURS
Nov. 16-17: 9 am to 6 pm
Nov. 18: 9 am to 3 pm
Nov. 24-27: 10 am to 2 pm
Dec. 4-8: 10 am to 4 pm
Dec. 9-10: 10 am to 2 pm
Dec. 11-15: 10 am to 4 pm
Dec. 16-17: 10 am to 2 pm

11/11/2023

Come see us today for Job Fair until 2 pm! Hiring for all positions ages 14 and up.

Details: https://www.greatbearpark.com/jobs/

11/10/2023

Tonight at the Washington Pavilion! The new ski movie "Land of Giants" at 7:30 pm. Only $5. Pre-party starts at 5:30 pm. Let's celebrate winter!

https://www.greatbearpark.com/event/movie-premiere/

11/09/2023

Congrats to our new Mt. Hosts - Jeff, Avery, Dan, Ben, Brandon, Alexa, (not pictured) Ryan & Kyle! It's their role to provide support for Ski Patrol.

If you are interested in joining Ski Patrol or another department, stop by Job Fair this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm!

https://www.greatbearpark.com/jobs/

11/09/2023

Calling all used skis, snowboards and winter gear! Sell your items at the Ski Swap on Nov. 18.

Register your items now: https://shorturl.at/almxV

Gear drop off by appointment Nov. 16 & 17 (open drop off Nov. 17 from 5 pm to 7 pm). No items will be accepted Nov. 18.

Event details: https://www.greatbearpark.com/event/ski-snowboard-swap/

Buy & sell used ski and snowboard gear at the Great Bear Ski Swap Saturday, Nov. 18 from 11 am to 2 pm! Register your item(s) online now: https://forms.gle/cYUuL2CjeBoduX3M8 Then we’ll […]

11/07/2023

I am humbly asking for your votes for the 2023 !

Two of my characters have been nominated! Peep (under two minor league categories) and Flurry (under Corporate/Best Use of Brand). Thank you for your support!

You can vote at this link every 24 hours for all 3 - through November 21.

Click the link below to vote:
https://mascothalloffame.com/mascot-hof-2023-awards-ballot/

11/07/2023

Kick off winter this Friday at the Washington Pavilion! Party starts at 5:30 pm, "The Land of Giants" movie begins around 7:30 pm.

- Exclusive access to the Kirby Science Discovery Center
- Win prizes from Spoke-N-Sport, Great Outdoor Store, Duluth Trading Company & more!

Event free to season passholders and Great Bear employees (email [email protected] to claim your ticket)

General admission only $5 suggested donation! BUY TICKETS http://sportcodestore.com/greatbear

11/05/2023

Be a lift operator at Great Bear this winter! Apply online or stop by Job Fair on Nov. 11 from 10 am to 2 pm.

DETAILS: https://www.greatbearpark.com/jobs/

Help us achieve our mission of inspiring great memories by providing fun and meaningful experiences!

11/04/2023

How are we doing? We need your opinion! If you would take 30 seconds and complete this very short survey, we would deeply appreciate your opinion.

SURVEY: https://tinyurl.com/ytc2dvy6