Great Bear Recreation Park Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 11, 2026
Great Bear Recreation Park ski resort in South Dakota offers 14 trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, and is best known for its night skiing.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
No new snow to report today, with snowpack levels sitting at 0". Snowpack levels for this time of year average around 5 inches, but can be as high as 25 inches. Weather today, sunny, with a high near 41. west wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Big Sioux River.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Big Sioux River
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Great Bear Recreation Park.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Great Bear Recreation Park
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Great Bear Recreation Park impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Great Bear Recreation Park in South Dakota is located in the Big Sioux River valley, which is part of the Coteau des Prairies. The area is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with the park itself situated within the Big Sioux River Recreation Corridor.
The park's ski resort features several ski runs and trails varying in difficulty, with the highest point in the park reaching an elevation of around 1,100 feet. The terrain is relatively gentle compared to other mountain ranges, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
While not located in a specific mountain range, Great Bear Recreation Park offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in South Dakota.
The beginner-friendly Bunny Hill trail is recommended for first-time skiers. The resort also offers snowboarding and tubing. An interesting fact is that the Great Bear Recreation Park was originally a dumpsite, which was transformed into a winter recreation area in the 1960s. The resort's lodge features a full-service bar and restaurant, with the Caribou Lounge being a popular spot for apres ski drinks and entertainment.
Great Bear Recreation Park FAQ
How much snow did Great Bear Recreation Park receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Great Bear Recreation Park today?
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 41. west wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
What are ski area conditions in South-Dakota like right now?
As the season progresses, ski enthusiasts are keeping a keen eye on the snowfall totals to plan their next alpine adventure. In Washington State, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has reported a fresh 2 inches of snow over the past 24 hours, with a base of 170 inches. This bodes well for nearby ski resorts like The Summit at Snoqualmie and ... Read more
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