2021-01-15 05:37:05
The Perfect Winter Escape Winter in the Black Hills and Badlands is a snow-covered oasis. Sun-soaked skies, pristine powder-filled valleys and iconic snowcapped peaks beckon to be discovered. Feel the crunch of snow under your boots and breathe in the crisp air as you venture out to the parks, monuments and open spaces that transform into a winter wonderland. Experience for yourself how warm, lifelong memories are often forged from nature’s stunning sunsets and the hushed silence of winter. THINGS TO DO A visit to Western South Dakota is a thrilling experience any time of year. The region has over 80 attractions that are open year round, offering endless options for fun. As autumn dissolves into the powdery white of winter, local wildlife is easy to find as they become less shy and search for food. Spot bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and more. Come winter, lakes once teaming with boats transform into ice fishing villages where anglers set up houses, drill holes in the ice and wait for the fish to bite. Fast-flowing, spring-fed streams continue to run even in the coldest months, allowing flyfishing for cold-water trout year round. When the temperature dips, the region stays warm with magical parades, holiday markets, culinary celebrations and more. To learn more about winter, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/winter. Snow-filled Adventures Snowshoeing Get outside and explore the beauty of the Black Hills backcountry in the winter by snowshoe. All you need is a sense of adventure and good boots. Custer State Park and the Black Hills Trails Office offer free snowshoes available to checkout for a day or weekend, with youth to adult sizing. Cross-Country Skiing Get off the beaten path and spend a day gliding through snow on a cross-country skiing outing. Nearly 6,000 miles of abandoned railroad grades, logging roads and fire trails are open to cross-country skiing during the winter. Skiing & Snowboarding With a summit clocking in at 7,100 feet, Terry Peak Ski Area offers the highest lift service this side of the Rockies. The resort offers a full slate of services and amenities, including lessons and equipment rental, and is equipped to manufacture snow during the season. Terry Peak’s uncrowded slopes and million dollar views will keep you coming back for more. Snowmobiling The Black Hills offers endless sledding possibilities on 416 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in 1.2 million acres of national forest lands. Detailed trail maps and markers make exploring fun and safe for all skill levels. The trail system is open to ride Dec. 15 through March 31.
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