A way to bear the cold this year is to visit the most incredible ski area in Sioux Falls, Great Bear Ski Valley. Located at 5901 E Rice St. the 220 acres of land consist of 14 downhill trails, a terrain park, a tubing hill and cross-country ski trails. 

Lift tickets and rentals are reasonably priced for a ski park. Weekday lift tickets cost $30 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekend lift tickets cost $35 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rental equipment is $29 including skis or snowboards, boots and poles. Ski and snowboard lessons are available and range from $45 to $60 per person. 

If skiing or snowboarding is not for you, the tubing hill is open for two sessions. A morning session from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasionally, they will offer an evening session from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during extended holiday hours. It is recommended to purchase tubing tickets online ahead of time due to the availability of tubes. 

Great Bear hosts many events, including lazer tubing, races and the Media One FunSki. Lazer tubing is a fun and enjoyable way to tube with multicolored lights and music from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on special days. Feeling competitive? Try ski or snowboard racing. Certain Sundays are race days from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a $10 entry fee. Each week’s race benefits a different organization. The 34th annual Media One FunSki is held on Jan. 20 and Jan 21 and it is a benefit for Children’s Inn. The days include many activities such as a snow sculpture contest, a talent show in terrain park, many different forms of races, sledding and much more. 

Great Bear is a place for everyone, whether or not you ski or snowboard, you are a pro or newbie, you are able to enjoy the winter fun. It’s a great place to get together with family and friends.