Ski Ya Later! Sioux Falls Great Bear Reopens with New Changes

Sioux Falls Great Bear Ski Valley is experiencing a tough winter. Snowboarders and skiers across the Sioux Empire have barely hit the slopes at Great Bear Ski Valley due to the unseasonably warm Sioux Falls winter.

But have "snow" fear! Sioux Falls Great Bear Ski Valley made the exciting announcement that the slopes have re-opened...TODAY!

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Colder weather is saving the day, which is perfect for snowmaking magic and keeping Great Bear Ski Valley open for as long as possible!

In a new Facebook post to all Sioux Falls winter lovers, staff at the Great Bear Ski Valley are optimistic about the new layer of snow on the ground at the slopes.

It looks like Mother Nature is giving the Great Bear Ski Valley a well-deserved break.

The weather was finally in our favor the last 36 hours allowing us to make some SNOW! The crew has a lot to push out and groom today and tomorrow, but we'll be ready and waiting to see you all Monday morning!

The Sioux Falls weather forecast for this week is going to be interesting. Our weather partners at Dakota News Now are predicting daytime temperatures to be warmer than usual. Sunshine and dry conditions look like they will be around for the foreseeable future. However, the overnight temperatures are looking pretty chilly.

Here's the latest forecast:

Monday: High of 42 and low of 23
Tuesday: High of 48 and low of 27
Wednesday: High of 52 and low of 30
Thursday: High of 45 and low of 25
Friday: High of 44 and low of 28
Saturday: High of 50 and low of 34
Sunday: High of 53 and low of 33

Even though the weather is not ideal for winter fun, officials with Great Bear Ski Valley say the freezing temperatures overnight will be a big help!

Reminder: The Kirby Family Tubing Park at Great Bear Ski Valley is staying closed for the remainder of the season.

For more information visit greatbearpark.com or give them a call if you have questions at 605-367-4309.

Hit the slopes while you can during this short-lived South Dakota winter!

Iconic Sioux Falls: Phillips Avenue Diner, a Downtown Gem

I'll never forget the best malt I ever had. It was many years ago at a new restaurant in Sioux Falls. The restaurant was housed in a silver Airstream trailer on Louise Avenue and was called The Market Diner. The malt was so creamy and I think it was probably the first time I'd ever had whipped cream on top of a malt.

The Market Diner was a unique '50s-style dining experience with neon signs, classic vinyl booths, stainless steel counter stools, and even a jukebox.

That was over 20 years ago. The Market Diner became Dixie Brothers Grill and eventually closed.

A few years later, the trailer was moved to a downtown location on Phillips Avenue, extensively remodeled and renamed Phillips Avenue Diner. The malts have not changed, nor has the diner ambiance.

POSE: Phillips Avenue Diner is South Dakota's Most Instagrammed Restaurant

My niece Ashlea and I ventured downtown and had lunch at Phillips Avenue Diner. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. It's diner classics turned up a notch.

The breakfast menu includes omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and of course waffles. Recently, Phillips Avenue Diner's waffles were named the best in South Dakota according to Food Network.

Ashlea had the Ranch Burger and it came topped with bacon, onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce. She substituted sweet potato fries.

My selection was the Burger of Champions. You can substitute a chicken breast for any burger, so I had mine with chicken, Applewood bacon, ham, and American cheese. It also comes with a hard-fried egg on top, but I chose to hold that.

Eat local. Some of the best food and atmosphere can be found at local, non-national chain restaurants. Try Phillips Avenue Diner at 121 S. Phillips Avenue and explore downtown Sioux Falls while you're at it.

Check out the menu here and enjoy one of Sioux Falls' iconic restaurants.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

The 5 Best Things About February In South Dakota

I hate winter. Let's just get that out of the way first.

I think maybe I loved winter until I was about, oh, ten years old. Playing in the snow, ignoring the cold. It was a hoot. But truth be known, it's been a long time since I was ten.

Ever since then, I have NOT been a fan. And with that being said, I have found the best 5 things about February here in the Sunshine State.

Gallery Credit: Randy McDaniel