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Lessons

Skiing & Snowboarding Instruction For Every Experience Level

SnowSports School 

Whether you’re experienced or a total beginner, the experts at the Great Bear SnowSports School can transform your winter by teaching you to ski or snowboard. Our teaching methods follow the American Teaching System  from  the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Our professional staff of downhill ski and snowboard instructors focus on a positive environment, fostering progress at your own pace.

For more information about our SnowSports School programs or to schedule a lesson, please call us at 605-367-6031 or email Brennan, the SnowSports Director,  at bahnberg@greatbearpark.com.

 

RATES

Private lesson$30
2 Hour private lesson$50
Semi private lesson (2 – 3 students)$20 per person
Group lesson$12 per person

 

Lesson punch cards! 

Want a great deal on an individual lesson? Great Bear now offers a 3-use Private Lesson Punch Pass, Learn to Ski Pass and Learn to Snowboard Pass.

Private lesson punch card$79 (you save $11)
Learn to ski pass, includes lift ticket & rental$159 (you save $78) 
Learn to snowboard pass, includes lift ticket &  rental$159 (you save $78)

 

Saturday SnowBears

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR SNOWBEARS.

This program is offered on Saturday mornings starting on Jan. 5  and ending on  Feb. 2  from 9 am to 11 am. In the event that a class is cancelled for a weather-related reason, we will hold a make up class on Saturday, Feb. 9. Snowbears is for skiers aged  6-14  and snowboarders aged 7-14. The program puts an emphasis on safety, fun and allows participants to move through the levels at their own pace. This is a 3-lesson program where YOU can choose which Saturdays your child attends. Class size is limited, so sign up early!

Lesson Only$119
With Rental Package$139

 

Thursday Snowbears 

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR SNOWBEARS.

Snowbears on Thursday is offered from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in one session. Snowbears is for skiers aged 6-14, and snowboarders aged 7-14. The program puts an emphasis on safety and fun and allows participants to move through the levels at their own pace. This year’s Thursday Snowbears will run Thursday, Jan. 3  through Thursday, Jan. 17. In case a class is cancelled for a weather-related reason, we will hold a make up class on Thursday, Jan. 24. Class size is limited, so sign up early!

Lesson Only$109
With Rental Package$119

 

Snow Explorers

We have a special introductory program for those little ones aged 4 and 5. Participants will explore what winter FUN at a ski area is all about! While learning how to ski, with an emphasis on safety and fun, they will play skill-enhancing games and participate in fun winter activities. Snow Explorers is an excellent lead-in program to our SnowBears youth lesson programs. Snow Explorers will be offered this year Dec. 26 to — Dec. 28 from 9 am to 11 am. Space is limited to 12 children, and registration must be completed prior to Dec. 21. Package includes rentals and mid-morning snack.

All Students             $99

 

Individual Lessons

Interested in learning to ski or snowboard in a relaxed environment with fewer students and a professional instructor? You can do it at Great Bear! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Reservations are highly recommended.
  • Semi-private and group lessons are only available to those 7 years of age and older.
  • For those aged 6 and younger, you must take a private lesson. 
  • Semi-private and group lessons are not preset by the SnowSports School. Those wishing to take one of these lessons will need to form their own group.
  • Lessons do not include lift ticket and rentals, unless otherwise specified.

*Please arrive a half hour early for all scheduled lessons.

 

    Adaptive Skiing Lessons

    The Great Bear Adaptive Ski Program (GBASP) provides people with special needs the opportunity to enjoy downhill snow skiing in a safe and fun learning environment. The program strives to positively enhance the lives of the people we serve by promoting health, independence, and well-being.  

    We have a limited supply of adaptive ski equipment at no cost to the user with purchase of a lift ticket.

    People requiring special accommodations or equipment should call 605-367-6031 at least 48 hours in advance of their visit to allow for personnel and equipment scheduling. Special needs will be accommodated whenever reasonably possible. 

    Upon receiving your completed participant application, GBASP will contact you to schedule a lesson. On the day of your first lesson please arrive at Great Bear 30 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled lesson time in order to obtain your lift ticket, gather ski equipment, and be fitted for any adaptive equipment that may be needed. After fitting, skiers will begin an ability appropriate lesson with a GBASP instructor. While on the snow, adaptive skiers will be assisted by one lead instructor and up to 3 additional aides. Upon completion of the lesson, the skier and instructors will return to the lodge and debrief on the days achievements.

    Please download the GBASP application form, complete and submit to Great Bear at school@greatbearpark.com.

    Adaptive Skiing Lesson Rates:

    All lessons include 2 hours of private instruction, equipment, and a lift ticket.

    2 hour lesson $40

     

    If you do not require a lesson there is no cost for rental gear (if needed) with the purchase of you lift ticket. If you require assistance when loading or unloading the chairlift please contact us 48 hours prior to your visit so that we may arrange assistance.

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    Great Bear - Physical Address

    Come to Great Bear for skiing, snowboarding, tubing & more in Sioux Falls, SD. We also offer a location for weddings, corporate events, family reunions & more. 605-367-4309 https://greatbearpark.com/media/library/fluid-mod-setting/12/logo/greatbear-logo.svg https://greatbearpark.com/media/library/fluid-mod-page/2/slideshow_home/great bear hiking trails in the summer.jpg https://maps.google.com/?cid=3265904617079924977 5901 E Rice Street Sioux Falls SD 57110 US 43.57800230 -96.66454690 2401 W 49th Street Sioux Falls SD 57105 US 43.50791580 -96.75540070 https://www.facebook.com/GreatBearSkiValley/ https://twitter.com/GreatBearSF https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk0KBXfjy1R8PGQxJXfz8Jw https://www.instagram.com/greatbearskivalley/ Su 09:00-21:00 Mo 15:00-21:00 Tu 15:00-21:00 We 15:00-21:00 Th 15:00-21:00 Fr 09:00-22:00 Sa 09:00-21:00

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    Great Bear is a great place to learn how to ski. We rent the best equipment so you can have the best day on the slopes. Our downhill and cross country ski rentals are industry-leading Rossingnol products. We also offer snowboard and adaptive ski equipment at affordable rates. Combined with an affordable season pass for your favorite area or an all-area pass, you never have to miss a second of the excitement this winter. Adaptive Ski Equipment – Great Bear has a limited supply of adaptive ski equipment available to the public at no charge. Please call 605-367-6031 for further information.

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				     - by , May 31, 2019 
      5/ 5stars 
     Great hiking. Greener than green.  The trails were a bit muddy.  We opted to stay on the more traveled roads.  It was enjoyable. Heads up! Mosquitoes are treacherous.  Bug spray did very little.  They were less aggressive when I started explaining my political views. 
     		
				
    
				     - by , June 02, 2019 
      5/ 5stars 
     I haven't skied here since I was a teenager. For the area, it's a great way to spend the day on Christmas break.

I recently discovered all the trails in the area. I've lived in Sioux Falls most of my life and I've been here more this summer than I have any winter! Bring your bug spray, the gnats and mosquitoes are ferocious deep in the woods. 
     		
				
    
				     - by , May 26, 2019 
      4/ 5stars 
     I bring my poodle here to hike frequently! It's fifteen minutes from my house. It's probably the nicest place to hike for a couple of hours that's not an hour's drive away. There are a nice assortment of trails to walk on! 
     		
				
    
				     - by , May 22, 2019 
      5/ 5stars 
     Had our wedding reception at Great Bear, and it was awesome!! Everything was excellent ... the food, the drinks, the decorations, ect. Jill and her team did a great job and made it very easy on us.  Highly recommend this place! 
     		
				
    
				     - by , August 11, 2019 
      5/ 5stars 
     One of the better kept places to hike. Doesn't stink half as bad as MOST trails is Sioux Falls. 
       
     Rated 4.5/5 based on 343 customer reviews