singletrack cominG soon TO Great Bear

Get ready for an adventure like no other right in our backyard! Falls Area SingleTrack (FAST), in collaboration with Great Bear Ski Valley, is thrilled to announce plans to carve out 13 exhilarating miles of trails at Great Bear. Designed for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike, this trail system promises to elevate your outdoor experience with progressive paths that enhance skills and expand fun!

Imagine a trail network that turns our city into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. These trails will provide countless hours of adventure, health benefits, and recreational opportunities—all while having the potential of boosting our local economy with minimal cost compared to other municipal projects.

DIVE INTO The Project

FAST and IMBA Trail Solutions Surveying the Great Bear Property.

How it started

In November 2021, we marked a milestone as the city of Sioux Falls extended FAST’s capacity through an updated usage agreement, empowering us to enhance and maintain the trail network within Great Bear Park. This pivotal move opens up new opportunities for our trail-loving community to enjoy and contribute to the growth of our local trails.

Fast forward to December 2022, and FAST's commitment to excellence in trail development was recognized on a global scale. We were thrilled to receive grant funding from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Trail Accelerator Grant program. This funding is a game-changer, enabling us to bring trail concept and design plans to life at Great Bear, ensuring our trails are not only fun but also strategically and sustainably developed to enrich your outdoor experiences.

Want to learn more about the IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant Program?

Check out our press release: “Falls Area Singletrack (FAST) Awarded Grant Funding for the Development of Trails at Great Bear”

The Concept

Our conceptual trail plan, crafted in collaboration with IMBA Trail Solutions, harnesses the unique assets of the park—such as its location, topography, and native vegetation—to enhance the experience for all users. This concept thoughtfully integrates the history of past usage while aligning with our community’s future aspirations. With eight distinct zones slated for trail expansion, each area is designed to offer a unique adventure, fulfilling the park’s ambitious goals. These include improved connectivity, skills progression, increased trail mileage, and a deeper connection with nature, all aimed at unlocking the full potential of the park for everyone to enjoy.

Want a closer look?

What’s NExt?

Get ready for Phase 1 of our trail expansion at Great Bear! This exciting first step will introduce 5 miles of brand-new trails, seamlessly integrated with the existing paths to create an even richer outdoor experience. In this phase, we're not just expanding; we're enhancing. Our focus is on sustainability—improving the durability and environmental harmony of the current trails to ensure they're here for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned biker, an avid runner, or a weekend hiker, these upgrades are designed to elevate your adventure and deepen your connection with the great outdoors at Great Bear.


Want a closer look?

Download our Phase 1 map.

What’s happened so far…

Scroll to browse through our project milestones so far.

donate today

As Sioux Falls continues to grow and our love for the outdoors deepens, we invite everyone from seasoned Great Bear Ski Valley patrons to the broader community to support this transformative project. Together, we can make Great Bear a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and adventure. Join us in bringing this exciting vision to life for our community!

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