Bogus Basin Ski Area in Idaho and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1782ft/543m, total trails 91, closest airport 25mi/40km, lifts 10, and more.

The ski area is located in the north-northeast, high above the city of Boise, Idaho in the Boise National Forest. Long before winter recreation came to this area, prospecting, mining, and gold were the key staples of the economy in the area. It is believed that Bogus Basin was given its name as a result of mineral claims in the area that did not pan out.

Fast Forward to the 1930’s, when the Boise Chamber of Commerce wanted to bring winter recreation to the area, so it sought the services of Alf Engen, a Norwegian born skier who had moved to the United States. He was tasked with finding the perfect place to create a downhill ski and winter recreation area somewhere above the treasure valley in the Bosie mountain range.

Once the perfect spot was chosen, the Bogus Basin Ski Club was formed, and the group of volunteers helped clear runs. With a rope tow installed and two trails cut, Bogus Basin Ski Area opened to the public on December 20, 1942. The ski area became a hit with the locals and in 1946 expansion occurred when the first T-bar was installed.

Bogus Basin Ski Area was quickly becoming known as a hometown ski area and through the efforts of volunteer manager Bill Everts in the 1950s, the first chairlift was installed for the 1959 winter season on Deer Point Mountain.

In 1965, the ski area expanded again with the addition of a chairlift on Shafer Butte, which provided much needed advanced terrain and in 1975 the mid-mountain Pioneer Condominiums opened at the top of Bitterroot Basin.

Today, Bogus Basin Ski Area features skiing and snowboarding on Deer Point, Shafer Butte, on both sides, where you will find Pine Creek Bowl and also the Bitterroot Basin section. There is also a vast selection of mixed glades and tree skiing on the backside of Shafer Butte.

Over the years the ski area has seen many changes that have resulted in increased visitors and expansion. The area is operated as a Non-profit organization by the Bogus Basin Recreation Association and takes pride in providing a place for families to get close to nature while enjoying all that the ski area has to offer.

On the Slopes

• Bogus Basin Ski Area has awesome intermediate terrain on Deer Point Mountain on runs like Alpine, Showcase and Upper Ridge. A dedicated beginner area is located near chairlift 7 with several trails to make your day a fun experience.
• Shafer Butte Peak has skiing and snowboarding on both sides of its peak. The front side features all expert terrain on trails such as Liberty and Last Chance. The back side serviced by the Pine Creek and Superior Express chairlifts is home to the Pine Creek Bowl, and black diamond and double black runs of Night Hawk, Mark’s Ridge, Lucky Friday, and Tempest.
• Bogus Basin Ski Area has been providing night skiing on the Deer Point area since 1964 when lights were added to give visitors with even more time on the slopes. There are 165 acres and several chairlifts available seven nights per week from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
• Bogus Basin Ski Area provides several terrain parks that are suitable for all ability levels to enjoy. The beginner park is located near the base area conveyor lift and provides rails, boxes, and small jumps. The larger park has access via Deer Point #1 and Showcase #4 chairlifts and features more challenges.
• The Snow School at Bogus Basin Ski Area has a dedicated team of qualified instructors to help first-timers or those who want to improve their skiing, snowboarding and Telemark skills through various lessons and programs. There are adult, group, and private lessons and for children, there is Mogul Mouse, Mountain Mite, and more. Also, there are multi-week programs available.

Off the Slopes

• Bogus Basin Ski Area has been providing on-mountain lodging since 1975, in the Pioneer Condominiums that are positioned at the top of the Bitterfoot Basin where you can walk out your door and go skiing or snowboarding immediately.
• The JR Simplot Lodge located near the Deer Point area of the mountain is the main lodge that contains all the necessary amenities, including ticket sales, childcare, snowsports school, retail, and food and beverage. The Black Diamond Sports Rental Shop is located next to the JR Simplot Lodge. The Pioneer Lodge and The Beach, located on the backside are open on weekends and holidays for food and beverage.
• The City of Boise located in Treasure Valley has a vast selection of lodging, ranging from hotels and motels, as well as, shopping and dining options throughout the city. The Boise Towne Square Mall has over 140 outlets that include, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• The Pepsi Goldrush Tubing hill is an 800ft/242m long slide along with a lift to get you to the top again, and again. It is a great place for families and individuals to have fun. Tickets are sold with a time limit and tubes are included in the price. Call 208-332-5493 for more info.
• Other off slopes activities include Nordic Skiing along with snowshoeing on the 23mi/37km trail system. There is also Nordic at night, 4mi/7km of lit trails. The Frontier Point Nordic Lodge is where you can book lessons, get rentals, and take a break.
• The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster is an exciting 4330ft/1320m long high-speed course with twists and turns located next to the JR Simplot Lodge. Open in Winter and Summer.
• The Daycare Center at Bogus Basin is available on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Located in the JR Simplot Lodge, there are games, toys and other fun activities for ages 4 months to 6 years old. The staff are first-aid and CPR trained. Call 208-332-5340 for more info.
• Parking lot shuttles operate on weekends and holidays at approximately 20 minutes intervals. This is a free service that continuously loops from the JR Simplot Lodge, past the Tubing Hill to the Nordic Center.
• Valley Regional Transit provides service to Bogus Basin Ski Area on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays through March for a fee. Cash only. Click on the link below to see the cost and pick-up points that include free parking in the Park & Ride lot at Shoreline Drive & 14th Street.