Great Bear Recreation Park Ski Report

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Last Updated: December 21, 2025

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


1"

Past 24 Hours

0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

No new snow to report today, with snowpack levels sitting at 0". Snowpack levels for this time of year average around 3 inches, but can be as high as 25 inches. Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 42. south wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Snowpack Percent Normal

0%

Max Recorded Snowpack

25"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

0"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

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, mostly sunny, with a high near 42. south wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.


What are ski area conditions in South-Dakota like right now?

Ski enthusiasts in Washington State can look forward to fresh powder as the latest observations show that the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snowfall in the past 24 hours. The nearest significant ski area, The Summit at Snoqualmie, located a short drive away, is well-positioned to benefit from these conditions, offering skiers and snowboarders some fresh ... Read more