The Black Hills average about 150 inches of snow a year, but according to the ski slopes and lodges in the higher elevations, there’s already been 156 inches of the white stuff since the end of October.
Pete Torino at Deer Mountain Ski Resort talked to the Black Hills Pioneer on Tuesday about the good news. “It’s about two or three times every week we get 4 to 8 inches or more,” he told the newspaper. Conditions at Terry Peak Ski Area, just next door and at a slightly higher elevation, are even a little better. They’re reporting a 32-inch average maximum base on their website.
And it’s not just the ski areas. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are doing pretty well, too. There are 350 miles of groomed trails in the Black Hills, though the bulk of them are concentrated up north near Deadwood, Lead and Spearfish. Linda Ahlers up at Spearfish Canyon Lodge said in the news article that she estimates a 4-foot base on the trails near her, with even more at O’Neill Pass and Cheyenne Crossing near the Wyoming border.
After a couple of years of so-so snow conditions, skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers are thrilled. Torino said in the article that he expects to be open at least until April, if not longer. If you’re interested in heading out this way, NWA WorldVacations offers complete packages to the Black Hills. The folks over at Black Hills Vacations can give you more information and help you book.
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