With winter quickly approaching, Terry Peak, a local ski resort located in Lead, S.D., has begunpreparing for the winter sports
season. With the recent cold spell, Terry Peak’s staff started making snow to create a base layer for the mountain. Typically, the ski area opens during the first week in December.

Skiers and snowboarders across the Northern Black Hills looking forward to the winter sports season will not have to wait much
longer. Linda Derosier, marketing director at Terry Peak, said preparation for their busiest season is a non-stop endeavor.

“Our process for preparing for the season goes years round. It is kind of a progressive process,” Derosier said. “Our snowmaking system is up and running.”

Getting the slopes ready is completely weather-dependent. Temperatures need to stay below 28 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the base layer being created.

“We start on our beginner’s slope,” Derosier said. “We want to get the beginner’s slope opened first.”

Terry Peak initially starts making snow for its beginner’s slope before gradually moving to their other slopes. The beginner slope
is necessary for the ski school to begin, which will be available when Terry Peak is opened for the season. Although all of the slopes
may not be available during the initial season opening, throughout the month of December Terry Peak makes an effort to get every
slope opened.

“Our goal is we like to have everything open for the Christmas holiday,” Derosier said. “That’s kind of our huge push, it doesn’t
always happen, but we really try to do that because we have a pretty big holiday [season].”

The Christmas break will begin December 21 for local schools this year. In 2022, Terry Peak was able to open up during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“That was the first time in 20 years we have been able to open that early.” Derosier said. “It all depends on our temperatures.”

Skiers and snowboarders can be hopeful for a longer season, although it is all weather permitting. Customers holding season passes will be able to access the mountain during open hours throughout the entire season. This year Terry Peak customers will be able to purchase tickets, passes and rental packages online. This change automates ticket management and helps keep lines down.

In addition to the season opening soon, Terry Peak also offers several seasonal positions that provide a variety of jobs both indoors and outdoors. They plan to host job fair on Nov. 11, which is an event for anyone interested in working at the ski resort. The fair
will help potential employees gain a better idea of the different positions available and to answer any questions.

Terry Peak employees will get a discount on season passes. The job fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Stewart Lodge at
Terry Peak. Anyone interested in working at Terry Peak can apply online or in person. The resort will have several events over the winter sports season in addition to the job fair.