When winter rolls around, South Dakotans come out to embrace the season. While snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing all have their merits, skiing is a quintessential winter activity that is fun for the whole family. Head to one of the seven best ski destinations for families in South Dakota for exhilarating winter fun. See you on the slopes!
With elevations from 5,900 to 7,000 feet, snowy Terry Peak is a winter sports paradise! With the high elevations, it means that Terry Peak can get over three times as much snow as anywhere else in the area. The park offers a wide variety of trials for all skill levels, as well as equipment rentals onsite. Their website offers a trail guide with markings for beginner, intermediate, or advanced trails. Beginners should check out Stewart Slope, Little Phil, Snowstorm, Gold Run, or Millsite. There are also five lifts like Gold Express, Kussy Express, Snow Carpet, Stewart Lift, or Surprise Lift.
With over 220 acres and just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls, Great Bear Ski Valley is the ultimate winter sports destination for families. The park features 14 downhill trails, a snowboarding terrain park, family tubing park, as well as cross country and snowshoeing trails. For non-serious skiers, there is also affordable equipment rental on site. Beginners can take some of Great Bear Ski Valley’s enjoyable lessons to learn the ins and outs of skiing. No matter your skill level, Sioux Falls’ Great Bear Ski Valley is fun for the entire family!
Near the South Dakota-Wyoming border, the Beaver Creek Ski System consists of six trails for a total distance of almost 13 miles, and include the Porcupine Trail, Dry Beaver Trail, Highland Trail, Mallo Trail, Sunshine Trail, and Highnoon Trail. In the winter, all of these trails are open to cross-country skiers. Be cautious when skiing on the Mallo Trail, as it is a groomed snowmobile trail.
Twenty miles west of Hill City, Deerfield Reservoir Complex is a summer hot spot with swimming, fishing, and boating, but it is even more fun during the winter months, as the trails open for cross-country skiing! There are four available trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing such as Gold Run Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead, Dougherty Trailhead, and Kinney Canyon Trailhead. Entrance fees to Deerfield Reservoir Complex are $5 per vehicle per day.
Spencer Park is Sioux Falls is a great destination for any season. In the summer, there is soccer, sand volleyball, a dog park, nine-hole disc golf, and bike trails. But when things cool down, Spencer Park turns into a winter wonderland! Spencer Park has one of only three Nordic ski trails in Sioux Falls city limits.
Sertoma Park is another one of the few Nordic ski trails in Sioux Falls city limits. The park’s trails offer something for every skill level, scenic wooded views, and unbeatable exercise opportunities. Sertoma Park also has biking trails in warmer weather, the Outdoor Campus, and the Butterfly House and Marine Cove.
Skiing is the best winter activity to enjoy at Lake Herman State Park. There are three main ski trails in the park, all with different skill levels. A daily entry license is $4 per person or $6 per vehicle. An annual pass is $30 for the first vehicle and $15 for a second vehicle.
