The Mountain

Terry Peak Ski Area is positioned geographically to receive a substantial amount of snowfall throughout the winter months. With elevations ranging from 5,900 feet to over 7,000 feet, more snow can fall on Terry Peak than anywhere else in the region.

Commonly, snowfall exceeds predictions by up to three times. Even when no snow is predicted, elevations of 5,500-ft and higher can receive ample snowfall. Additionally, the efficient, high-tech Terry Peak snowmaking system covers 60% of the mountain, so good conditions are assured from the beginning to the end of the season. Check our weather updates and live mountain trail cams for up-to-date surface and weather conditions.

Terry Peak was open 111 days during the 2012-2013 Season. Over 132 inches blanketed the mountain from December to early April. “Opening Day” is tentatively scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving (conditions permitting), and traditionally snowmaking will begin on November 1st, temperatures permitting.  Please check our About Terry Peak page regularly for a full season schedules and other important dates.

Season Passes are available for half-price only in October. The half-price online store is CLOSED. Full priced season passes maybe purchased at the Guest Service Building on Stewart Slope, or by phone 605-584-2165, or by mail - 21120 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754

Rental Information

• Skis
• Snowboards
• Helmets
• Boots
• Poles

We also have fun in the summer! Check out our biking page to see the downhill events we offer.

Interesting Terry Peak Ski Area Facts:

• Terry Peak is home to South Dakota's only three high-speed detachable quad chairlifts
• Black Hills Chairlift Company, d.b.a. Terry Peak Ski Area was established in 1952
• Terry Peak offered Summer Chairlift Rides in 1952 & 1953, Winter operations did not begin until December 1954.  
• Terry Peak Ski Area is the highest lift-served area east of the Rockies
• Terry Peak is located in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota and is the third highest point east of the Rockies in the continental U.S. The top two highest points are in the Black Hills too!)
• Terry Peak is 8 miles from the historic town of Deadwood – the same Deadwood featured in the HBO series
• Terry Peak is 5 miles from the historic town of Lead (pronounced LEED), home of the former Homestake Gold Mine, now the Sanford Underground Laboratory
• Terry Peak Ski Area is just 15 miles off Interstate 90 (take Deadwood Exit 17 or Sturgis Exit 30)
• The closest major airport to Terry Peak is Rapid City Regional Airport (a one-hour drive)