This is a paid piece from Great Bear Ski Valley.

Simplified: Great Bear Ski Valley isn't just a ski hill. With expanded trails, event space, and a summer calendar full of fun events, here's why you should add Great Bear to your summer (and fall, and winter, and spring) bucket list.

Why it matters

  • In recent years, Great Bear has seen an increase in visitors, especially outside of the winter sports season. That's thanks in part to its hiking trails and regular summer events like the weekly Chill at the Hill series.
  • In addition, Great Bear is seeing increasing popularity as a wedding venue. More couples are tying the knot at the hill, which is a "one-stop shop" for wedding planning, Sales Manager Jayne Vanderberg said.
  • The park also recently completed phase one of new bike trails, with programming – including competitive races – planned in partnership with Falls Area Single Track. That's just one of many community partnerships bringing fun year-round events to Great Bear.
"We’re trying to support the community mission of getting people outside and in this beautiful area that’s in their back yard," Vanderberg said.

Tell me more

In addition to weddings Great Bear also hosts a wide range of events from graduation parties to bingo to corporate events.

There's also the weekly Chill at the Hill event, which is free to attend with live music, activities, and food and beverage available for purchase.

  • The first Chill at the Hill kicks off Wednesday night with local musician Todd Casilli and the Southern Perfection BBQ food truck. Details here.
  • Then, next week, you can find food from 605 Island Guy and music from Blue Moon Rhythm.
  • See the full list of summer events on the Great Bear website.

What about the trails?

Great Bear has four miles of hiking trails and four miles of mountain biking trails in partnership with Falls Area Single Track – with plans to have 10 miles of biking trails when the project is complete.

  • All trails are open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and are free to the public.

You can see a full map of the hiking and mountain biking trails on the Great Bear website.