01-03-2025
Saddle up for SnirtFest this Sunday
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — This weekend is the season finale at a popular winter recreation spot in Sioux Falls.
Great Bear is hosting its annual SnirtFest Sunday, an event marking the end of ski season.
Snow and dirt add up to fun at Great Bear Ski Valley.
This year's SnirtFest will include the traditional pond skimming, where skiers and snowboarders try to glide across water.
'Some make it, some don't, but it's a good time,' Great Bear Director of Communications Alexa Jerstad said.
The bash marks the end of what General Manager Dan Grider calls an odd year.
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'It was just so unusual with no natural snow until a couple of weeks ago,' Grider said.
That meant hard work for the Great Bear crew who had to make a lot of snow.
'And actually it was one of the better snow-making seasons we've had. The temperatures were right for it. The winds were calm, so that was pretty good, but it does take a lot of work. Our crew did a great job,' Grider said.
Despite the not-so-snowy winter, Great Brear staff is pleased with the season that will end with over 70 operational days.
'We had over 40,000 visits for the year,' Grider said.
And now, it's time to saddle up for SnirtFest.
This year's theme is Wild West.
'Get your cowboy hat on and your boots and come on out,' Grider said.
'It's always sad to say goodbye to the winter season, so it's bittersweet, but it's a really fun way to say goodbye,' Jerstad said.
Other events on Sunday include an invitational race and a Zipfy sled race.
Great Bear will also be open for regular skiing and snowboarding.
For a closer look at the schedule, click here.
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