Writer Alexa Giebink released her first book, Phoenix: Rising From Addiction, in 2015. After working at the Argus Leader covering the Sioux Falls entertainment scene, she transitioned to work at Great Bear Ski Valley. Now, as she works as their director of communications, Giebink hopes to complete a second book soon.
The lover of words gave 605 a peek into her life when she’s not hitting the slopes.
Suburban Strikes
You can often find me and my family battling it out at GreatLIFE Suburban Lanes. My dad grew up bowling there, I bowled there as part of the Lincoln High School team, and now my husband and I have a healthy competition on the lanes.
Great Escape
One of my favorite things is to escape to the outdoors at Great Bear Ski Valley, going hiking in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter.
Chow Down on Chinese
I’m a sucker for Golden Bowl Chinese Restaurant. I’d eat Moo Shu Chicken and Crab Rangoon any day of the week.
Carpenter Cocktails
I’ve fallen in love with the Carpenter Bar’s Sidecar cocktail. Whenever I bring visiting friends there, they’re always amazed to find a place like it in South Dakota.
Ricotta and Red Wine
My husband and I are obsessed with the [Ricotta appetizer] from R Wine Bar & Kitchen, and their delicious selection of Italian red wine.
5 Random Facts
+ I just got married. After 10 years of dating, fellow Lincoln alumni Adam Jerstad and I finally got hitched at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown in August. The day was perfect.
+ I worked as a groundskeeper for the Parks Department at the Great Plains Zoo [& Delbridge Museum of Natural History] for five years. [I] loved mowing and hanging out with the animals. [It was] one of my favorite jobs.
+ I have my B.A. in history from Gustavus Adolphus College. I also studied Latin.
+ I wrote a memoir about my mom’s battle with addiction titled Phoenix: Rising From Addiction. She’s nine years sober now.
+ I’ve been called the “Godmother of Chislic” after I wrote an article about the history of chislic for the Argus Leader, which sort of led to it being voted the official state nosh. Being a judge for the inaugural South Dakota Chislic Festival in Freeman is one of my greatest accomplishments.
Experience Winter at Great Bear
While Great Bear Ski Valley offers outdoor and indoor activities year-round, these are a few can’t-miss activities on the trails for the winter season.
Skiing Downhill or Cross Country // Full Day $31 // Half Day $27
Snowboarding // Full Day $31 // Half Day $27
Snow Tubing // Tuesday $6 // Wednesday-Friday $12
SnowSports Lessons // Private $60 // Semi-Private $25 // Group $12
Must-Have Meals
My go-to fast, casual lunch options are anything from Bagel Boy or the Gyro Plate with fries from Nick’s Gyros.
Crossing Off The Bucket List
I love to travel and go on adventurous dates with our friends. Locally we’ve learned how to scuba dive from Landshark Scuba & Snorkel, have gone horseback riding at Destiny Youth Ranch, have kayaked down the Big Sioux River, and have jumped out of an airplane with Skydiving Adventures in Luverne, MN.
Ski Swap & Open House
Head out to Great Bear Ski Valley on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. for deals on skiing supplies, snowboards, boots, clothing, and more.
Admiring Local Artists
I enjoy decorating our house with local art. Some artists gracing our walls include Jennifer White, Rodger Ellingson, Shaine Schroeder, and my dad, Brad Giebink.
Partners on Projects
At our house we’re always in the middle of some kind of project, whether that’s restoring a 1954 GMC truck or building a camper. My husband and I probably spend way too much time (and money) at Ace Hardware and Menards.
Follow Great Bear Ski Valley
Facebook: /GreatBearSkiValley
Instagram: @greatbearskivalley
Twitter: @GreatBearSF
