2024 'Media One FunSki' is Friday and Saturday at Great Bear

One of the most anticipated events of the winter months in Sioux Falls is happening this Friday and Saturday, it's the annual Media One FunSki at Great Bear Ski Valley.

While the weather might be unusually warm this weekend for the 2024 version of FunSki, the skiing, snowboarding, and tubing will be fine.

The two-day event benefits The Children's Home Shelter For Family Safety in Sioux Falls. The shelter provides free services for women, children, and men who are victims of family violence, elder abuse, child abuse, neglect, or sexual assault.

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The festivities kick off Friday morning (February 2) at 9:00 AM with the snow sculpture contest. The FunSki staff has been busy the past few days preparing the sculpture blocks for this weekend's events.

Director of Mountain Operations at Great Bear Kyle Vanderberg, told Dakota News Now, “They’re actually cement forms for building houses and whatnot. We keep those on for about 24 hours, give or take a couple of hours. That gives us enough time to set up, freeze, insulate themselves, and then we take them apart, move to the next set, and start filling them again.”

According to Dakota News Now, a total of nine different ice blocks will be on hand this weekend for snow sculptor artists to work their creative magic on.

In addition to the snow sculpture contest, FunSki goers can participate in various other events like the Rail Jam, Cross Country Ski Race, Fat Bike Race, the Snowboard Giant Slalom, Ziphy Sled Races, and more both days.

What's really cool about FunSki is the skiing, snowboarding and other events have Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced categories so everyone is welcome to attend.

Award ceremonies for each event take place in the bar area of the chalet about 15 minutes after each event concludes.

Get registered for the 2024 Media One FunSki and learn more about all the events here.

Source: Dakota News Now/Media One FunSki

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

Gallery Credit: RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

Gallery Credit: Patty D