Three Ideal Towns Near Mountain Resorts in Minnesota and South Dakota

Terry Peak Ski Area | Image credit: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

From ice fishing to skating, winter is a time for unique activities defined by the snow and frosty temperatures of the season. But skiing might be the winter sport that causes the most excitement across the country. In Minnesota and South Dakota, two states with cold temperatures and dense snowfall, ski season brings thousands looking to enjoy the ideal, unparalleled conditions of the many slopes in the region.

Let’s look at three cities in Minnesota and South Dakota that are convenient to incredible ski and snowboard destinations.

Lead, SD

Lead, known for its history as an important gold mining city, has been transformed into a tourist destination due to its natural beauty and charming downtown. Its proximity to prime skiing destinations in the Black Hills is one of the main reasons this small South Dakota community attracts so many visitors.

The Terry Peak Ski Area is just a 10-minute drive outside of Lead. This is a massive resort with incredible ski runs and a terrain park. Set in the Black Hills mountain range, its highest peak is 7,100 feet tall and boasts the highest lift service between the Rockies and the Alps. Terry Peak has trails suited for every experience level and offers lessons and rustic, chalet-style lodging. To enjoy breathtaking views of the slopes, grab a drink and enjoy live music at the Dark Horse Saloon, a lively lounge located atop Terry Peak. 

Sturgis, SD

Sturgis is a city that has become synonymous with motorcycling due to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and its Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. However, for adrenaline junkies, this is far from the only sport that defines this small city. Sturgis has excellent proximity to some of the best skiing in the state, including the above-mentioned Terry Peak Ski Area, just a 35-minute drive away. Its dense winter snowfalls and rugged environment, including neighboring forests and mountains, create the ideal setting for skiing.

Deer Mountain is a ski option that Sturgis residents will soon have access to once again. This iconic resort, a 35-minute drive from Sturgis, closed in 2017 after more than 50 years in operation. But it was recently purchased and renovated and is set to re-open shortly with improved amenities. 

Sabin, MN

Sabin is a tiny community in Minnesota situated near its border with North Dakota. This little city may not have a large population, but with a welcoming community and beautiful natural surroundings, there is much to love about life here. One of the primary ways to enjoy a Sabin winter is to strap on some skis or a snowboard and head to the nearby slopes that provide dynamic runs and challenging options. 

Less than an hour’s drive from Sabin is one of Minnesota’s best-known ski options, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. This large winter recreation hub includes skiing, tubing, fat biking, and other exciting winter sports. Detroit Mountain includes a range of courses designed for everyone from beginners to highly experienced skiers and also provides an adrenaline-inducing terrain park. It draws thousands of visitors every year and is a popular family attraction with ski lessons and discounted rates for children.

Maplelag Resort, just an hour’s drive from Sabin, is for cross-country skiing and includes numerous trails. It is a small, family-owned ski area with a conference center and lodging. It has a family-centric feel and is another perfect destination to explore Minnesota’s winter nature.