Improvements for a stellar 81st winter season at Bogus Basin
The 2023 summer season was a busy one at Bogus Basin. In addition to operating through the summer and introducing the new Mineshaft Challenge Course, Bogus Basin crews worked hard on a wide range of capital improvements and terrain expansion in preparation for the 2023/24 winter season. Topping the list of improvements: a massive brush-cutting effort that cleared and re-established popular runs throughout the area. Facilitating these improvements fulfills our duty as a non-profit recreation area to enhance the guest experience while acting as responsible stewards of the land. Below is an overview of improvements for a stellar 2023/24 winter at Bogus Basin.
Slope Improvements for the 2023/24 Winter
Brush-cutting
Slope improvements via brush-cutting are part of an ongoing forest restoration project at Bogus Basin in partnership with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Health Initiative. Brush-cutting is a labor-intensive process that involves the removal of overgrown vegetation and underbrush using chainsaws and heavy equipment. Brush-cutting prevents the growth of obstacles that impede on rider safety and enjoyment while helping to preserve a healthy ecosystem. The goal of the U.S. Forest Service’s Healthy Forests Initiative is to reduce extreme wildfire risk and to “return forests and rangelands to a healthier state”. To read more about brush cutting at Bogus Basin this summer, and to view the full list of brush cut runs, visit the Brush-Cutting for The Winter 2023/24 Season Culture Article.
Improved Night Lighting
Bogus Basin replaced the night-skiing lights on Alpine and Showcase to improve visibility on both runs. Skiers and riders of all abilities will have the opportunity to explore a total of 200 lit acres from sunset to 10 pm at Bogus Basin.
Fleet and Technology Upgrades for the 2023/24 Winter
Grooming Equipment
Are you ready to carve some groomers? Bogus Basin added a brand-new PistenBully 600 winch cat to our fleet this year. The PistenBully 600 winch cat is the most powerful winch cat on the market, for boosted grooming on steep terrain. The snowcat is equipped with a SNOWsat measuring device, which provides exact snow depths on the slopes, making it easier for grooming crews to target the best grooming sites.
SNOWsat
Bogus Basin installed SNOWsat technology this summer. SNOWsat is a revolutionary technology that utilizes satellite data and GPS radar to accurately measure snow depth and density, allowing for more efficient snow management and grooming practices.
Infrastructure Improvements for the 2023/24 Winter
New Snowmaking Equipment
In 2018, Bogus Basin introduced twenty-four snowmaking machines to blow early season snow off the Deer Point, Morning Star, and Coach Chairlifts as well as the tubing hill. In 2022, Bogus Basin added top-to-bottom snowmaking on Sunshine Run, located off the Morning Star Chairlift. This year, Bogus Basin installed 4 automated snowmaking towers on the Morning Star trail.
Rental Shop Remodel
A complete remodel of the Rental Shop on the mountain provides an updated feel, and a smoother more seamless, guest experience. The renovation includes adding 5 new tech stations to the shop, 4 boot dryers, and 4 new ski and snowboard racks that hold 850+ pairs of skis and 300+ brand new snowboards.
Backup Generator
Bogus Basin acquired a large auxiliary generator that will power the snowmaking pumps. This generator will run the snowmaking system in the event of a power outage during a wildfire, and provide additional power during peak snowmaking operations.
Transportation for the 2023/24 Winter
Public Bus Route Expansion
Weekend/Holiday public bus service to the area will resume this season, with a new stop in Nampa being added to the current route. In line with our mission to make outdoor recreation affordable and accessible, Bogus Basin will continue to subsidize the cost for bus riders; a round trip or one-way bus ticket will cost $10 (including tax).
Lodge Improvements for the 2023/24 Winter
Along with the considerable rental shop remodel, Bogus Basin also modernized the restrooms on the first floor of the Pioneer Lodge. Crews installed a new HVAC system in the Pioneer Lodge, which will improve ventilation and heating. Finally, crews renovated the men’s room on the first floor of Simplot Lodge.
“From The Top” Mural
This summer, local artists at Sector Seventeen created a beautiful mural for the enjoyment of all from the Simplot Lodge Base Area. The “From the Top” mural is a colorful addition to Bogus Basin, and is sure to pop when surrounded by white snow!
Bogus Basin’s planned opening date for the 2023-24 winter season is Friday, November 24th. For more information, visit bogusbasin.org.
About Bogus Basin
Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin winter operations offer 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200+ acres for night skiing; eleven lifts – including four high-speed quads – and three people-mover surface lifts; an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails. Environmental education and community outreach programs serve over 20,000 individuals annually, primarily youth. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is one of the largest non-profit recreation areas in the country. It is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Bogus Basin summer activities include a challenge course, mountain coaster, summer tubing, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, gem panning station, The Basin Gravity Park, cross-country mountain biking and hiking, free community events and educational programs, chairlift service to access hiking and biking trails, and guided nature hikes.
