Famous for Mount Rushmore, South Dakota also receives a significant amount of snowfall in winter: an ideal destination for skiers.
Apart from its breathtaking snowscapes and beautiful lakes, South Dakota also offers a glimpse into the American Indian culture surrounding the area, the rich history of the Wild West, as well as various other off-the-beaten-path treasures, and things to do.
Make sure to explore the cities of Deadwood and Lead while on your ski holiday, and Sioux Falls is an excellent place to hang out if you prefer a more urban vibe. For a fun ski holiday, scroll down for the best ski resorts in South Dakota, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 24, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Ski Resorts | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date (usual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bear Ski Valley | 68% beginner; 32% intermediate | 1 | Mid-December - Late-March |
| Terry Peak Ski Area | 29% beginner; 45% intermediate; 26% advanced | 4 | Mid-December to Late-March |
1. Great Bear Ski Valley
Even when temperatures are not low enough for snowfall, Great Bear Ski Valley is good at making its own snow! The weekends are pretty busy, so you might want to go there during the midweek. The cool thing about their ski course is that they offer lots of different slopes for every skill level. The ski area is small with just 3.8 km (2.36 mi) of slopes and 1 lift. The resort does offer an amazing snow tubing area, so I’d say it’s a great option for families!
If you are thinking about renting equipment, do it before you head there as it will turn out to be cheaper and prevent you from waiting in long queues. You also have access to shopping spots, attractions, medical facilities, and a business park from the spacious Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. You can check out more nearby accommodations below!
What guests are saying about their ski holiday:
“Good place for winter sports activities! Had a very good experience with skiing ⛷️… Although I was in the elementary level there are some space for learners! I had a great time, and fantastic experience with skiing!! Receptionists are really helpful and friendly! They explains everything in details with happy face… There is a ski area with trails and tubing park! Good restaurant inside for pizza, burgers, fries and drinks with reasonable price….. Overall, it was a great Saturday.” - by Google reviewer, Yohi Sivakumaran
Property details
Great Bear Ski Valley
Address: 5901 E Rice Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States
Website: Great Bear Ski Valley
Price: from 35 USD
GLō Best Western Dawley Farms In Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls (from USD 124)
Featuring well-appointed 24 sqm (258.33 sqft) bedrooms at reasonable rates, GLō Best Western Dawley Farms In Sioux Falls is a great choice for skiers looking for a nice place to stay near the slopes. Great Bear Ski Valley is just 10 minutes away by car, so it won’t long before you can feel the wind on your face and powder snow on your lips.
When you’re not out on the slopes, you can relax with a dip in the heated indoor pool, or hit the gym to work up a sweat. Before heading out, make sure to first energize with their buffet breakfast. I’d think you won’t need to go anyplace else for some apres-ski fun while staying here!
GLō Best Western Dawley Farms In Sioux Falls
Address: 1211 S Darryl Pl
580.58 km (360.8 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Sioux Falls, SD; Sioux Falls (from USD 149)
If you need the comforts of a nice hotel for your Great Bear ski trip, you’ll easily find those at this downtown establishment. You’ll be sleeping in well-appointed rooms equipped with king or queen beds. No need to rush and miss the complimentary hot breakfast since Great Bear Ski Resort is only 10 minutes away.
Once you’re done for the day, use the free WiFi to watch videos or upload your own powder runs. You should also take a dip in the indoor pool, or soak in the hot tub to soothe your aching muscles. Seems to me like the perfect place for budget-friendly comfort!
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Sioux Falls, SD
Address: 200 East 8th Street
574.66 km (357.1 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
2. Terry Peak Ski Area
The summit of Terry Peak stands at 7,100 ft (2164.08 m) and promises a day of fun with your family or friends. This resort is located in the Black Hills, near the historic city of Deadwood; perfect for those who like to seek adventures via skiing and snowboarding. Even when there is not much natural snow, they somehow manage to keep the conditions excellent here for you to enjoy your moment!
The resort offers 16 km (9.94 mi) of slopes and there are 4 lifts. The ski season is usually from mid-December to late-March, but depending on the amount of snowfall, there can be various times in the year when not all of the runs are open. If you’d like to undertake an expert ski run, I’m sure you’ll find one here! Make sure to scroll down for nearby accommodations!
What guests are saying about their ski holiday:
“I’m a beginner. From the boot station to board checkout to lift operators, everyone is nice, friendly, patient and encouraging. The grooming is nice. The instructors seem to do a good job with their classes. I toughed it out on my own. There were a lot of kids Monday, but fewer on Tuesday.” - by Google reviewer, Susan Murphy
Property details
Terry Peak Ski Area
Address: 21120 Stewart Slope Rd. Lead, SD 57754, United States
Website: Terry Peak Ski Area
Price: from 71 USD
South Dakota Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Grand sanctuary with a private hot tub; Lead
Perched right on Terry Peak’s Stewart Slope, Peak 2 is a four-bedroom cabin that offers a modern retreat. Its convenient location not only provides a good vantage point for watching skiers slide down Stewart Slope but also serves as a great home base for year-round activities in Deadwood, South Dakota, so I’m sure sightseers will love it here. Guests can easily access areas for snowmobiling, biking, and touring. With a heated two-car garage on the property, guests are welcome to bring their cars so they can get to points of interest more easily.
This grand cabin features bathrooms with heated floors, a living room with a TV, and a fully stocked kitchen with cooking basics. When they’re not exploring the outdoors, guests enjoy their downtime by soaking in the private hot tub placed outside. Other amenities also include Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
27.63 km (17.2 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Top guest reviews
Location:
location was perfect -- the house was large enough with enough bathrooms and big open areaCleanliness:
we stayed for 4 nights and loved the clean and tastefully decorated cabinit was roomy and mostly cleanthis mountain home is a beautiful setting very great place for family gathering it was clean and very welcomingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
kitchen was great had had great amenditiesthe house met our needs and was very nicely furnished and comfortable
Beautiful hideaway with nature views; Nemo
If you’re looking for a place to relax and get away from it all, this two-bedroom hideout might be perfect for you. It features a secluded location on private land surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery. Despite its remote spot, it is still conveniently close enough to Deadwood and the Northern Hills. Outdoorsy guests can also enjoy easy access to areas for skiing, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
Inside the rental are spacious bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. The living room, which is cozy and well-lit, comes with a TV and fireplace. Games and toys are also provided for indoor entertainment. Outside is a fire pit area where guests can hang out and enjoy outdoor views, and I’d suggest you spend some time here just stargazing.
Nemo, South Dakota, United States
29.45 km (18.3 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners live on-site and were very helpful with recommendationsthe owners are very friendly and compassionateoverall the place was pleasant as well as the ownerswe really enjoyed our stay carol made us feel welcome and was very helpful if we needed anythingthey are also very pet and child friendly which made our stay even more pleasantRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the home was very clean and beautifulthe home was very clean and the location was perfect
Ski-in/ski-out accommodation with a game room; Lead
Liberty Lodge is a ski-in/ski-out accommodation situated at Terry Peak Ski Area. With family-friendly amenities and a lovely location in the mountains, this rental provides a great stay for you and your loved ones. It offers relaxing fireplaces, a private hot tub, and a bar. For homebodies who prefer to stay indoors, entertainment options such as games, TVs, and internet access are provided. Seems to me like a perfect option for snow days!
Guests can also catch a ride on the chairlift by the deck so they can watch skiers slide down the slope.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.51 km (22.1 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Summit Trails Lodge; Lead
Summit Trails Lodge is a rustic pine cabin that is a great place for groups and families of up to 10 people. The cabin features a hot tub, a fireplace, a flat-screen Apple TV, high-speed internet, and an ice maker. There is a large deck with Adirondack chairs and a grill, and I’d love to just lounge here all evening. Guests can also bond over skiing as the cabin is close to Terry Peak Ski Area.
The cabin is only 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, 5.8 mi (9.3 km) from Broken Boot Gold Mine, and 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Adams Museum.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.34 km (22.0 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Top guest reviews
Host:
they were very responsive to our questions and concernsmargaret and mark were wonderful hostshosts were very responsive and accommodating would stay here againowners were very helpful during the process with details and having everything providecabin was clean upon arrival and the owners did a great job communicating will definitely returnLocation:
great location next to the ski resort-perfect for 4-wheeling skiing or centrally located enough for site seeinghad an awesome time the location was perfect for lots of fun outdoor activitieshad fun easy to get around if you are off roading a lot of places to go nearbythis lodge was perfect for our family trip: clean well stocked kitchen comfortable beds and close to terry peakCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablevery clean with lots of good spacecute decor clean and stocked with essentialsproperty was clean and nicely decorated and a great viewRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the cabin was very comfortable and relaxing after a day of riding
The Cedar Lodge; Lead
The Cedar Lodge is a luxurious home that’s located on a 4-acre (1.6-hectares) property surrounded by woodland and a running stream. There is a pond by the yard, and the open space encourages guests to play some outdoor games or simply enjoy the scenic mountain views. Seems to me like the perfect option for nature lovers! Inside, guests will find a fireplace, a foosball table, a jet spray tub, an outdoor hot tub, and a large deck.
Because it’s close to some woodland, deer, wild turkeys, and chipmunks frequently visit the home. The lodge is only 15 minutes away from various biking, snowmobiling, hiking, and skiing trails.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
27.63 km (17.2 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Top guest reviews
Location:
beautiful and private locationit was a perfect locationthe location was wonderful snowmobiled right from the cabin allison was wonderful and very responsivelocation was very peaceful hardly any traffic on the roadthe location of this cabin is beautiful feel like you are on your own slice of heavenCleanliness:
house clean and very spaciousenjoyed our stay just cleaned a little firstclean cozy and good location as we were there to enjoy some outdoor activities including snowmobiling and skiingthe house was clean check in was easy and communication with cathy was greatthe property was very clean and everything we needed to cook great meals was providedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great place to stay wifi would be nice as cell service is horrible thereour only recommendation is for a stronger wifi connectionit was perfect place for all ages we had plenty of room for everyone to sleep
The Barefoot Resort; Lead
Stare in awe at the natural beauty of the pine trees and mountain landscape around The Barefoot Resort. This rental is a two-bedroom condominium unit that’s furnished with a flat-screen TV, a hot tub, a sleeper sofa, a Blu-ray player, an electric fireplace, and two queen-sized beds. It has two balconies that showcase the aforementioned beautiful views.
With the condo just 0.1 mi (0.1 km) away from Terry Peak Ski Area, guests are close to several skiing opportunities. Other than that, the rental is also less than 7 mi (11.2 km) away from Homestake Gold Mine, Silverado, Deadwood Mountain Grand, and the Adams House Museum. I’d definitely go sightseeing if I were staying here!
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.93 km (22.4 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly helpful staff at the officeRead more reviewsLocation:
we love this place excellent location for skiing-literally walk across the parking lot to ski
Whitetail Creek Resort; Lead (from USD 119)
Options for breakfast at nearby cafes and restaurants. Access to a store and a little bar on-site.
Reasonable pricing for clean, cozy cabins and rooms.
Conveniently located just 10 minutes outside Deadwood with the relaxing sound of a nearby creek. Close to various tourist attractions and activities.
Fully equipped rooms, saunas, pavilion, fire pit, and games available. Beautifully landscaped grounds with a creek and picnic tables.
One of the best and modest accommodations for couples and families is Whitetail Creek Resort in Lead. This affordable place to stay in South Dakota offers a bar, a garden, and a shared lounge for everyone’s enjoyment. There are a sauna, an outdoor grill, and a picnic area as well.
This property offers fun activities for guests such as movie nights, horseback riding, fishing, skiing, and hiking. Some of the closest landmarks are Adams Museum, Terry Peak, and Spearfish Pick.
Whitetail Creek Resort
Address: 11295 US Highway 14a
35.07 km (21.8 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Blackstone Lodge and Suites; Lead (from USD 51)
Decent breakfast with a variety of options, although there were occasional shortages and some room for improvement.
Reasonable rates, especially during events like Sturgis motorcycle celebration.
Conveniently located near Deadwood and central to Terry Peak, with easy access to downtown and local attractions.
Multiple hot tubs, shuttle service to Deadwood, bike rags and washer/dryer available.
From family suites to executive king suites, Blackstone Lodge and Suites sure can accommodate any travel group. It is a beautiful resort, remodeled to give you a nice and comfortable vibe throughout your stay. Situated 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) from Terry Peak Ski Area and 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the historic Adams Museum & House, this resort offers easy access to all attractions in the locality.
Other accessible pit stops just a short drive away are Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Mickelson Trail, and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. This South Dakota ski area has a free shuttle service to Deadwood and back if you are interested in heading to the legendary city.
Every day they serve a continental breakfast for their guests, free of cost. Nice amenities like free parking, free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, various tour activities, and a lot more are offered to you during your stay.
Blackstone Lodge and Suites
Address: 395 Glendale Drive
38.37 km (23.9 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand, an IHG Hotel; Deadwood (from USD 118)
Deadwood, a South Dakota city known for its gold rush history, is home to Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand. The 3-star-rated resort features a casino, an indoor pool, a gym, and two on-site restaurants. Each of the spacious guest suites at the property comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, a 37-inch flat-screen television, and a fridge. A few rooms have stunning views of the surroundings.
Some of the closest attractions to this ski resort are the Days of ’76 Museum and Adams Museum.
Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand by IHG
Address: 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive
41.4 km (25.8 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Spruce Tree Retreat; Lead
Spruce Tree Retreat is the perfect spot for your next ski trip! With ski-in/ski-out access, you can easily head straight to the slopes whenever you’re ready. Plus, it’s just a short drive to Terry Peak Ski Resort, so you’re never far from all the action.
This cozy 3-bedroom cottage sleeps up to 10, making it great for family trips or a fun getaway with friends. Kids will love the collection of toys, games, and children’s books, while the Smart TV and stereo provide entertainment for everyone. You’ll also find the tavern and local restaurants just a quick walk away.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
37.83 km (23.6 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
The Turtle House; Spearfish
The Turtle House in Black Hills is a fantastic spot for ski enthusiasts, with Terry Peak Ski Area less than an hour’s ride away. You’ll love the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access, making your time on the slopes seamless and fun. After a fun day in the snow, you can cozy up by the fireplace in your private suite.
Got kids? They’ll love the games and even have their own special dinnerware. If you’re here in the summer, you can kick back in the garden or enjoy a lazy outdoor breakfast on the patio. And for those chill indoor moments, grab a book or binge your favorite shows on the smart TV.
Spearfish, South Dakota, United States
49.31 km (30.7 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Ramblin’ Rose Cabin; Lead
If you’re here for the slopes, Ramblin’ Rose has you covered. With ski-in/ski-out access and Terry Peak Ski Resort just a three-minute drive away, you’ll be right in the heart of the adventure. After a day of carving through fresh powder, the hot tub is a great way to relax and ease your tired muscles.
The fully stocked kitchen makes it easy to refuel, whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast or a post-ski dinner at the dining table with mountain views. You can also lounge by the fireplace on the comfy leather sectional. And, the downstairs living area, featuring a wet bar, smart TV, and wine fridge, offers the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a drink, and laugh while reminiscing about the day on the mountain. You’ll even find heated floors to keep you cozy all winter long!
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.28 km (22.0 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Sugar Shack Cabin; Lead
Planning your next winter vacation with family? You should consider Sugar Shack Cabin, which is just minutes from Terry Peak Ski Area. Here, You’ll have ski-in/ski-out access, you can hit the slopes whenever you want. After a day on the mountain, relax in the hot tub and let all the stress melt away.
Inside, you’ll find six spacious bedrooms, offering plenty of room for everyone. You’ll love the game room, a great spot for family fun with toys, video games, and a ping pong table. And, when you’re ready to eat, the barbeque grill on the patio is waiting for you to enjoy a meal with a beautiful view.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
33.96 km (21.2 mi) from Black Hills National Forest
Terry Peak Chalets; Lead
Terry Peak Chalets offers you a perfect rejuvenating getaway, even if it’s just for the weekend! These cabins are located near various attractions like Spearfish Canyon, Deer Mountain, Rapid City, the Mickelson Trail, and the city of Deadwood. The 7 chalets are very comfortable; the interiors give off a cozy vibe and a feeling of calm and tranquility. These places have excellent amenities like an outdoor hot tub for you to get some rest after a long day of skiing or snowboarding; because everyone deserves a little treat sometimes.
Various other offerings within the room of the resort are Wi-Fi, Cable TV, a gas fireplace, a deck with a gas grill, a washer and dryer, and a lot more that you will have to see for yourself.
Terry Peak Chalets
Address: 21150 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754, United States
Website: Terry Peak Chalets
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: 425 USD - 900 USD
Custom Terry Peak Lodge with a hot tub; Lead (from USD 315)
Having a whole house to yourself sounds fun, right? That’s because it is! If you are the kind of person who likes to be surrounded by nature, then this is definitely a place for you. Beautiful on the inside and out, the cabin is only 300 yards (274.3 meters) away from the ski lodge and snowmobile trails and is close to all hiking trails. It is also in close proximity to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Custom Terry Peak Lodge offers an excellent host of amenities like a hot tub for you to relax, free parking on the premises, a hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a carbon monoxide alarm because it has an indoor fireplace, kitchen if you like to prepare your own meals in the comfort of your home.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.73 km (22.2 mi) from Black Hills National ForestSuperhost
Accommodates: 14
Top guest reviews
Host:
kirk was great to deal with informative and always responded quickly the overall value was greatthis is definitely a family friendly cabinLocation:
great location just minutes away from deadwoodgood location for skiing and a spacious house for a large familyit is a great central location for any day trips you may want to planbeautiful cabin in great location nice hot tub plenty of room for large familiesgreat place for affordable priceCleanliness:
the cabin was beautiful clean and spaciousthe cabin was very cleanclean and well kept with everything needed for a great stayawesome cabin in a really cool spot everything was very clean and taken carethe hot tub was so nice and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we were able to sleep 13 people quite comfortably and there would have been room for morethere was enough room for three families and very relaxingthe beds were extremely comfortablegreat space it had enough room for all 9 of our guestswe appreciated having a nice variety of kitchen utensils cook/bakeware spices and storage
Deer Pass Lodge (from USD 175)
Located in the hills of Terry Peak, the Deer Pass Lodge has close proximity to skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking trails, just how you like it. Big enough to accommodate six people, this cozy log cabin, surrounded by nature and pure adventure, is ideal for trips with friends or family.
Some of the amenities that they offer are a dishwasher, washer and dryer, hot tub just a few steps from the living room, gas grill, satellite TV, and free parking for up to three cars. Due to the higher elevation of the cabin, many of the properties don’t have air conditioning.
35.41 km (22.0 mi) from Black Hills National ForestAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the place was incredible the cabin feel as well as the location were everything we had hoped for
Cozy ski retreat with a hot tub and indoor fireplace; Lead (from USD 300)
Cozy Ski Retreat feels like a home away from home where they make sure that you have everything you need. It is located just a few minutes away from the snowmobile and ATV trails, hiking trails, and last but not least, the historic Deadwood.
This Airbnb vacation rental in South Dakota also has great amenities here like central heating, house essentials like bed sheets, towels, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, cable TV, as well as an indoor fireplace, a hot tub, free parking, a kitchen with cooking basics, and appliances, and a lot more! A BBQ grill lies on the covered outdoor porch where you can grill up some delicious meals.
Lead, South Dakota, United States
35.88 km (22.3 mi) from Black Hills National ForestAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Host:
we enjoyed working with the owners they were friendly and responsivefabulous hosts and a great place to stayLocation:
it was a great location to terry peakit’s location was great and easy to find and parking for your vehicle and trailer if neededRead more reviewsCleanliness:
clean and family friendlythe house was clean big cozy and had everything we needed and moremarc and chala's place was clean cute and had a superb location
Enjoy a fun ski holiday in South Dakota
Can you imagine a place better than this? It is the perfect locale for a winter vacation with friends or family where you can enjoy the refreshing mountain breeze and gape at the scenic landscapes that fill our souls to the brim. That feeling of being young, wild, and free permeates through you as you’re snowboarding or skiing through the beautiful mountains.
For your next visit to this winter wonderland, keep in mind this list of some of the best ski resorts in South Dakota, USA. On the other hand, if you want to be in an environment that is peaceful and quiet, there are a plethora of secluded cabins in South Dakota that you could choose from.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data