Great Bear Recreation Park Ski Report

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Last Updated: March 12, 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.



Summary

No new snow to report today, with snowpack levels sitting at 0". Snowpack levels for this time of year average around 2 inches, but can be as high as 25 inches. Weather today, a 20 percent chance of rain after 4pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. windy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Up to 3" of more snowfall forecasted over the next 5 days.



1"

Past 24 Hours

0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


15-Day Snow Forecast


Snowfall Accumulations

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 72 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

3"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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


Where does our Great Bear Recreation Park snow data come from?

This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Great Bear Recreation Park and the surrounding region.


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, a 20 percent chance of rain after 4pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. windy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 35 mph.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Great Bear Recreation Park this week?

Great Bear Recreation Park is expected to receive up to 2.58" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.