There’s more to winter in the Black Hills than downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Explore snow-covered trails by snowshoe or cross-country ski, try fat biking, take the kids sledding, lace up your ice skates or bundle up for a winter walk through the pines.
Snowfall and trail conditions vary throughout the season, so always check current conditions before heading out.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to explore the Black Hills during winter, with options ranging from gentle forest trails to longer backcountry adventures.
Big Hill Trail System
Location: Near Spearfish, SD
A favorite Northern Hills winter recreation area with designated routes for snowshoeing as well as groomed cross-country ski trails.
Eagle Cliff Trails
Location: Near Lead, SD
An extensive winter trail system south of Lead offering beautiful terrain for cross-country skiing and designated snowshoe routes through meadows and ponderosa pine forest.
George S. Mickelson Trail
Location: Multiple Black Hills Trailheads
The 109-mile Mickelson Trail remains open during winter and provides an approachable option for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with numerous trailheads throughout the Black Hills.
Spearfish Canyon
Location: Spearfish Canyon, SD
Snow-covered trails and frozen waterfalls make the canyon especially beautiful during winter. Popular areas include Roughlock Falls and the surrounding Spearfish Canyon Nature Area.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
For a quieter day on the snow, the Black Hills offer miles of Nordic skiing through forests, open meadows and mountain terrain.
Eagle Cliff Trails
Location: Near Lead, SD
One of the Northern Black Hills’ best-known cross-country ski areas, with an interconnected network of trails offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels.
Big Hill Trail System
Location: Near Spearfish, SD
Big Hill offers groomed cross-country ski trails through ponderosa pine and aspen forest, along with a warming shelter near the trailhead.
George S. Mickelson Trail
Location: Multiple Black Hills Trailheads
The trail’s gentle railroad grade makes portions of the Mickelson Trail a good option for a relaxed winter outing when snow conditions allow.
FAT BIKING
Wide tires and packed snow make it possible to keep exploring the Black Hills by bike even after winter arrives.
Big Hill Trail System
Location: Near Spearfish, SD
Big Hill is a popular Northern Hills destination for winter fat biking, with forested trails shared among several types of winter recreation.
George S. Mickelson Trail
Location: Multiple Black Hills Trailheads
Portions of the Mickelson Trail can also be explored by fat bike when snow and trail conditions allow.
Always follow posted winter trail-use guidelines and avoid riding when conditions could damage the trail.
SLEDDING & TUBING
Grab a sled and enjoy one of the simplest ways to make the most of a snowy Black Hills day. Natural snowfall determines when local sledding hills are usable, so conditions can vary throughout the winter.
Pageant Hill
Location: Custer, SD
One of the Black Hills’ best-known community sledding hills, Pageant Hill is a favorite for a classic winter afternoon when snow conditions cooperate. Bring your own sled or tube and dress for the weather.
Deer Mountain Village — Coming Soon
Location: Lead, SD
Black Hills Adventure Lodging is excited to offer select vacation homes within Deer Mountain Village, where eligible guests will have access to the community’s private winter amenities. Deer Mountain features a private tubing hill with multiple lanes and a tow to bring riders back to the top.
Black Hills Adventure Lodging properties at Deer Mountain Village are currently under construction — coming soon.
ICE SKATING
Main Street Square
Location: Downtown Rapid City, SD
Lace up your skates in the heart of Downtown Rapid City at Main Street Square’s seasonal outdoor ice rink. Enjoy an afternoon or evening on the ice with downtown restaurants and shops just steps away.
Skate rentals are available on site, making this an easy winter activity even if you didn't bring your own equipment. Hours and availability are weather dependent.
Website: https://www.visitrapidcity.com/downtown-rapid-city/main-street-square/ice-rink/
Outlaw Square
Location: Deadwood, SD
Historic Deadwood offers another fun outdoor skating experience at Outlaw Square. The seasonal rink is located right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to combine skating with dining, shopping and exploring Deadwood.
Operating dates and hours vary throughout the winter and may be affected by weather and special events.
Website: https://www.outlawsquare.com/
WINTER HIKING
Many familiar Black Hills trails take on an entirely different character once they're covered in snow.
Spearfish Canyon
Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered cliffs and quieter trails make Spearfish Canyon especially beautiful in winter. Shorter walks around Roughlock Falls and other accessible areas are great options when conditions allow.
George S. Mickelson Trail
The gentle grade and numerous trailheads make portions of the Mickelson Trail an approachable option for winter walking and hiking.
Black Hills National Forest Trails
Many forest trails remain accessible throughout winter, but conditions can vary considerably with elevation, snowfall and recent weather.
Winter hikers should expect snow, ice and rapidly changing conditions. Traction devices, warm layers and appropriate winter footwear are recommended.
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
Winter conditions in the Black Hills can change quickly. Trail grooming, snow depth, ice conditions and accessibility vary throughout the season.
Check current weather and trail conditions before leaving, dress in layers, carry water and appropriate emergency supplies, and remember that cell service can be limited in many forest areas.
Please respect designated trail uses. In particular, avoid walking or snowshoeing directly on groomed cross-country ski tracks.