Winter Activities & Events in South Dakota

Delight in a frosty frolic during winter in South Dakota, where magical, snow-covered landscapes offer endless winter adventures.

Whether you're carving through powdery slopes while skiing or snowboarding at Terry Peak or Great Bear Ski Valley, exploring tranquil trails on snowshoes, or gliding gracefully across ice rinks while ice skating, there's something for everyone. Or for a more relaxed experience, try your hand at ice fishing. If you're a fan of snowmobiling, South Dakota boasts more than 1,500 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through breathtaking scenery, making it one of the nation's premier snowmobiling destinations.

No matter your winter sport of choice, South Dakota provides a stunning snowy backdrop, perfect for creating unforgettable winter memories.

Featured Events

South Dakota snowmobile trail season is a must for winter sports fans. Explore South Dakota’s incredible landscapes over 1,500-plus miles of snowmobile trails across the state. The season runs from Dec. 15–March 31, based on trail conditions.

Plan your visit to Rapid City around the annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. The region’s largest trade show features livestock and cattle sales, competitions and an indoor ranch rodeo. Get in the holiday spirit at Winter Wonderland in Sioux Falls. Filled with fabulous light displays and holiday tunes, Falls Park transforms into a winter escape with more than 200 decorated trees, 300,000-plus lights, over a mile of garland and hundreds of decorated light poles.

Looking for more holiday cheer? Visit Pierre for Christmas at the Capitol, when the state capitol building comes to life with elaborate holiday decorations and festive live music, or explore Frontier Christmas at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park to enjoy hands-on activities, sleigh rides, carols and historical reenactments.