RAPID CITY, S.D. – Terry Peak Ski Area has officially closed its lifts for the 2025-2026 season, ending a year that relied more on human ingenuity than help from the clouds.
While the Black Hills near Rapid City saw just 71 inches of natural snow – less than half the usual average – the mountain stayed open longer than expected. Managers credited a high-tech, upgraded snowmaking system for keeping the runs white despite a winter defined by unseasonably warm days.
“Thanks to the upgraded snowmaking system, Terry Peak was able to maintain excellent conditions for most of the season and remain open later than many others,” the ski area shared in a message to its community.
The struggle with natural powder has become a familiar story for local skiers. Over the last decade, Terry Peak has seen a wide range of snowfall totals:
- 2024-2025: 56 inches
- 2023-2024: 38 inches
- 2022-2023: 129 inches
- 2021-2022: 57 inches
- 2020-2021: 65 inches
- 2019-2020: 116 inches
- 2018-2019: 91 inches
- 2017-2018: 99 inches
- 2016-2017: 96 inches
- 2015-2016: 101 inches
Staff noted that while the weather was a challenge, the season was defined by the people who showed up. “But more than anything, it was all of you who made this season so memorable,” the resort stated. Terry Peak is now closed for the year as the region transitions into spring.
