Sioux Falls Great Bear Ski Valley is the place to be to beat the winter blues. However, snowboarders and skiers across the Sioux Empire have yet to hit the slopes at Great Bear Ski Valley.

Even with the recent wintery weather and colder temperatures in the Sioux Empire, it's still not enough to open the slopes at Great Bear Ski Valley. I think I speak for all Sioux Falls skiers and snowboarders when I say...Let's get this snow on the road!

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So why did Great Bear Ski Valley push back the opening date again? Officials say there is still a "significant amount of snow" to make. But there is some good news! Colder weather is coming to the Sioux Falls area, which is perfect for snowmaking magic!

Great Bear Ski Valley officials say the tentative opening date for skiing and snowboarding is January 5th. Tubing is tentatively set to begin on January 12th. 

The folks at Great Bear Ski Valley are really confident about the tentative new dates based on the 10-day forecast.

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!

Our weather partners at Dakota News Now are up to date with the latest winter weather situations around the Sioux Empire. It will finally start to feel like December over the next 10 days!

  • Thursday: High of 36 and low of 20
  • Friday: High of 34 and low of 23
  • Saturday: High of 35 and low of 17
  • Sunday (New Year's Eve): High of 24 and low of 11
  • Monday (New Year's Day): High of 28 and low of 15
  • Tuesday: High of 32 and low of 17
  • Wednesday: High of 28 and low of 15
  • Thursday: High of 28 and low of 19

We can't wait to hit the slopes at Great Bear Ski Valley very soon!

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.


Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.


So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

Gallery Credit: RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

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