Sioux Falls State Theatre Will Premiere Ski Documentary
The film More than a Hill chronicles the 60-year history of the Great Bear Ski Valley.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Documentary
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The documentary More than a Hill will debut at the Sioux Falls State Theatre on November 9 and 10, 2026. The film celebrates the 60th season of the Great Bear Ski Valley by showcasing its history from 1966 to the present.
Why it matters
This documentary preserves the legacy of a local landmark that has served the community since 1966. By documenting its evolution, including its period of management by the City of Sioux Falls in the 1980s and 1990s, the film captures the history of outdoor recreation in the area.
The documentary celebrates 60 years of operation since the facility began in 1966. Tickets for the premiere screenings are priced at $24, with proceeds dedicated to the expansion of bike trails at the site.
The players
Ron Clofford
He is the founder of the Great Bear Ski Valley.
Dennis Fink
He is a former owner of the Great Bear Ski Valley.
Great Bear Ski Valley
This is a regional outdoor recreation facility that has operated in Sioux Falls for 60 years.
Sioux Falls State Theatre
This historic venue is hosting the premiere of the new documentary.
The details
More than a Hill utilizes a combination of historical records, recent footage, and interviews with key figures like founder Ron Clofford and former owner Dennis Fink to chronicle the venue's past. The project serves as a comprehensive look at the evolution of the park from its founding to its current operations.
Timeline
Great Bear Ski Valley began operations in 1966.
The City of Sioux Falls managed the facility during the 1980s and 1990s.
Premiere screenings take place at 7:00 pm on November 9, 2026.
The final premiere screening occurs at 7:00 pm on November 10, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This documentary highlights the trend of local institutions leveraging archival film to build community engagement around landmark anniversaries. It follows in the footsteps of similar community-focused media projects that preserve regional history for future generations.
Residents can attend the premiere at the Sioux Falls State Theatre for $24 per ticket. Ticket proceeds directly support the local community by funding the addition of new bike trails at the facility.
The takeaway
Preserving the history of local recreational spaces helps reinforce the identity of the community for newer generations. Residents interested in local history can support ongoing site improvements by purchasing tickets for these upcoming premiere screenings.
Further reading
Learn more about local film projects and regional stories in the Documentary section.
More information
For more information on the film and the facility, visit the Great Bear Ski Valley official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dakotanewsnow.
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