When you think of South Dakota, your mind probably doesn’t immediately head toward skiing or snowboarding. However the state is home to three ski areas, including the tallest in between Colorado and New York. If you’re looking for a unique ski experience in the middle of the United States, Terry Peak Ski Area is a good option. PeakRankings visited the area and gave an honest review of what it has to offer.
When you first arrive at Terry Peak, what immediately stands out is the influence of mining in the area. The nearby town of Lead—pronounced “leed,” not like the mineral—is home to the Homestake Mine, once the most profitable gold mine in U.S. history. Even today, active open-pit operations nearly surround the ski area. Parts of the mountain are marked off-limits for good reason: crossing those boundaries could mean stumbling into a mine shaft or dropping off a cliff into a railroad cut. Some of these hazards sit alarmingly close to beginner terrain, so it pays to stay alert no matter where you are on the mountain. At first glance, Terry Peak’s vertical drop of just over 1,000 feet might not look impressive. But it’s actually the tallest ski area between Colorado and New York. Its base elevation of 5,900 feet is higher than the summits of every ski mountain east of it, which also gives it lighter snow, reliably windy weather, and genuine mountain views. Though technically a Midwestern resort, Terry Peak feels much closer in character to Wyoming’s ski areas than to the “big hills” common across the Midwest. The terrain layout is a little unusual. The main lodge sits at mid-mountain, with longer lifts starting below it. On the plus side, if the lines are long at the main lifts, you can ski down to another chair. On the downside, the cat track connecting them flattens out in places. Almost all lifts converge at the peak, just below the mountain’s true summit, which is topped by large communications towers. The most isolated pod of terrain only spins on weekends. While the mountain’s layout is distinct, the same can’t always be said of the runs. Aside from a few trails bordering the mines, most follow similar fall lines, and the differences between them feel subtle as you work your way around the cone-shaped peak. #peakrankings#werankpeaks#skiemidwest#midwestvacation#skivacation#mountains#winter#skitrip#travel#landscape#snowboarding#wintertrip#skiusa#skiingisfun#powder#terrypeak
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Terry Peak stretches to 7,100 feet tall and has a total vertical rise of 1,100 feet. 30 trails and one terrain park are spread across the mountain, with snowmaking abilities on approximately 60% of the mountain. Five lifts, including one surface lift, provide access to the slopes.
As PeakRankings points out, one of the most unique aspects of Terry Peak is its relation to mining. Several areas around the mountain are blocked off due to their proximity to mines or train tracks, so don’t even think about ducking ropes.
Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work...
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