The slopes offer a ski school, equipment rentals, and food for everyone to enjoy, new or pro!

LEAD, S.D. – Terry Peak Ski Area has officially opened for the 2024-25 season. Opening day is typically the first weekend in December, but due to unseasonably warm weather, the date had to be pushed back. Nevertheless, skiers and snowboarders alike were eager to get back on the slopes.

Opened today was Stewart Slope, and the upper portions of Little Phil Slope and Welcome Slope. The Stewart Lift, Snow Carpet Lift, and Surprise Express Lift were also opened today to help skiers get to the top of the mountain. Stewart Lodge is also fully open, providing guests with amenities such as food, ski/snowboard rentals, and a gift shop.

Terry Peak will be open daily from 9am to 4pm and is hoping, weather permitting, to be open until the first Sunday of April.

Getting the slopes ready was no easy task. New this year is Terry Peak’s state-of the-art snow maker which can only operate when the temperature is below 28°. Crews worked diligently to make sure it was a safe and fun opening day.

"What we have new this season is our snowmaking system," said Linda Derosier, Marketing Director at Terry Peak. "We've made quite an investment in our snowmaking system, so we're excited about that."

The mountain was crowded as winter sports lovers were itching to get back on the slopes. While many locals were there, Terry Peak also highlights tourism in the Black Hills. Robert Williams, an avid lover of water sports, came all the way from Pensacola, Florida to give snowboarding a go.

"Just testing out snowboarding, man. Never done it before," said Williams. "This is my first run, actually. It's definitely not for the weak heart, that's for sure."

Terry Peak aims to open more terrain as soon as the weather gets colder. Lift passes and season passes can be purchased in advance and will be available at the Guest Services building near the Stewart Lodge. They also offer ski and snowboard lessons for those wanting to get into the sport. For more information, click here to head to their website .