We’ve all had our fill of the downside of the winter weather we’ve been having. So how about enjoying one of the upsides?

The snow is great for the Media One Funski to benefit Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety! Come out to Great Bear Ski Valley on January 20-21 where there is something for everyone!

Funski has become the premier outdoor winter event in eastern South Dakota, raising more than $1 million in support for Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety in the past 34 years!

“We’d love to see more CHS staff participating in Funski,” says CEO Michelle Lavallee. “Many of the events call for teams—so grab a few co-workers, family or friends and show us your stuff!”

“There’s no shortage of snow this year, so you can get in plenty of practice before you obliterate the competition,” she adds.

This year we have a railjam contest and snow sculpting on Friday, in addition to a Family Tubing night. Please note that your tubing tickets must be purchase online at greatbearpark.com (there is a limited quantity of tickets available).

Saturday will bring a cross-country ski race, fat bike race and a new, fun event called Liquid Lap! If you can ski or snowboard, we’ve got an event for you! The afternoon will bring back a lineup of events with the ski and snowboard races and the day will close with the fan favorite Zipfy sled race.

If you would rather watch the event from inside the cozy, warm lodge it’s a great spectator event! And the hot chocolate is pretty delicious, too! Make sure to follow social media pages so you can vote for your favorite snow sculpture online.

Register today at funski.org

FUNSKI 2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, January 20, 2023
Snow Sculpture Contest: 9am–8pm
Family Safety Tubing Night: 4pm–9:30pm
Rail Jam for Skiers & Snowboarders–7pm
Live Music in the Chalet, TBD

Saturday, January 21, 2023
Cross Country Ski Race 5K: 8am
Fat Bike Race: 10am
Liquid Lap: 11am
Downhill Ski Race: 1pm
Snowboard Giant Slalom: 3pm
Zipfy Sled Races: 4pm

Most skiing and boarding events have Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced categories, so everyone can participate! Awards ceremonies generally take place about 15 minutes after each event ends, in the Great Bear chalet.

If you prefer to volunteer, call Staci Kropuenske at the Foundation office 605. 330.7387. Spots are available to help with registration, course navigation and other duties.