SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Hopes of extended Great Bear ski season teased with $3M boost

This week in South Dakota history: Oct. 18-24

Photo: Argus Leader

Durations of the snow recreation season in eastern South Dakota swing with the temperament of Old Man Winter and Mother Nature. But a quarter century ago, optimism peaked for snow sport enthusiasts.

The Oct. 22, 1999, edition of the Argus Leader reported Great Bear Ski Valley management was expecting a record season. Completing the first of several major phases of a multi-million dollar overhaul, the city-owned winter recreation attraction saw the opening of a tubing hill, additional ski runs and paved parking. With new snow making equipment included in the renovations, the season wouldn’t be quite as reliant on the whims of year’s weather after decades of highs and lows.

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