Ski Season is Upon Us
The Black Hills are beautiful year-round, but they take on a whole new look in the winter. Especially in the northern hills, where the average snowfall is higher. On average, Lead sees about 130 inches per year! That’s almost 100 inches more than we usually see around Ellsworth.
Luckily, Lead puts that snow to good use at nearby Terry Peak. It may be the only ski resort in the region — your next closest is in Casper, Wyoming — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your while and better yet, they offer a military discount! The resort has 600 acres of skiable terrain, including over 25 trails to suit skiers and snowboarders of all levels and a terrain park. With three high-speed quad chair lifts that run Friday-Monday, you’ll hardly ever find a line to stand in. When you’re ready to grab lunch or take a break to warm up on a snowy day, the Stewart Lodge has plenty of space to spread out in.
If you want to try skiing or snowboarding but aren’t ready to invest in a full set of gear just yet, Outdoor Recreation has affordable options. You can rent gear by the day, week, or weekend, including skis, poles, boots, and helmets. They also rent seasonal packages, which is an affordable way to have fun all winter without having to return items every weekend. If you do already own your own setup, Outdoor Rec also offers waxing, edging, and tune-ups. You can find the full list here.
They also organize weekend trips that include your gear, lift ticket, and lunch for anyone ages 5 and older — you’ll just need to come in for a fitting in advance. The schedule for upcoming trips is on the Ellsworth Outdoor Recreation website. While you’re at it, check out the benefits of being a member!
Fancy trying your hand at skinning? If you’re a season ticket holder, you can! This variation on the sport involves climbing up the hill using special gear and bindings. Three routes are open daily for skinning from 30 minutes before sunrise to 9 a.m., but it’s smart to check out all of Terry Peak’s skinning rules before planning a trip.
While you’re here, we encourage you to explore all the great activities the Black Hills offer, and winter sports is one of them. If you want to make a weekend out of it, head over to our discounts page to find military friendly businesses in the area. Lead, Deadwood, and Spearfish are all a short drive from Terry Peak, so you can have fun all weekend exploring the winter wonderland of the northern hills.
For the latest information on opening day and operating hours, check out Terry Peak’s Facebook page.