For 76 years, Bogus Basin Recreation Area near Boise, Idaho, has been a non-profit recreation area specializing in skiing. "[Bogus Basin] was built by the community, for the community," Susan Saad, Director of Community and Customer Relations at the rec area says. "Our mission is to engage the community in accessible, engaging and affordable recreation opportunities." Having an affordable place to ski for 75 years translates to 3 generations learning at Bogus Basin. "My husband learned how to ski from his dad here and he taught our kids how to ski here, too. My daughter eventually became a ski instructor here," Saad recalls.
So, first, how did that peculiar name come about? It most likely comes from some miners during the gold rush in the area that made fake, or "bogus", gold by mixing a small amount of real gold with lead. The crooks were caught and it seems that the name stuck, and the area has been known as Bogus Basin ever since. The history of how the area became a ski area is interesting, too, and is told very well in this Vimeo video.During the great depression, folks from Boise were introduced to skiing. The area fell in love with the sport and the junior chamber of commerce brought together skiers, the state of Idaho, the Federal Government, and city government to try and find a piece of land that could be developed into a community ski area. They searched in a 150 mile radius and eventually settled on what is now Bogus Basin, 16 miles outside Boise.
Tubing Rescue Mission event for the youth at Bogus Basin. [Photo/Bogus Basin Recreation Area]
Since then, it has been enjoyed by all. The prices reflect the mission to make it affordable, as well. "An adult season pass is $329," Saad tells The Buzz, "On a recent survey of costs of resorts in the West, the average season pass is $836, so it is pretty significant." They also have night skiing at the resort and offer a night pass during the season for only $99. A kid’s season pass is only $29. This pricing strategy encourages families of all strata of society to come enjoy skiing and it reflects in the vibe of the place. "We don't have marble floors in the bathrooms," chuckles Saad, "but it is a comfortable, warm, and welcoming environment." She says there is no VIP parking or lines, but a place where everyone is equal and welcomed. "We have some people here that are extremely wealthy, seasoned skiers that like to come, as well as beginners in jeans and borrowed gear," she says. The lodge, she states plainly, is comfortable but not fancy.
The recreation area is not small, either. In fact, it is the largest non-profit recreation area in the country. On 2,600 skiable acres, there are 7 chairlifts and 91 runs, ranging from beginner level to expert level. The average snowfall in the basin is 200-250 inches, but some years it varies, which was once a concern for the non-profit. "We get the most people during Christmas vacation so we need to be open before then," Saad says, "And this year we easily could be, but sometimes it might not happen." During their 75th anniversary celebration last year, they started a fundraising campaign that raised 6.5 million dollars in 8 months, which was very touching to the non-profit to see that much community support. A large portion of this money was used to purchase snow-making equipment for years when Mother Nature is not cooperating.
The other parts of the money are being spent on making Bogus Basin a year round destination. "This area is growing at one of the fastest rates in the country," Saad explains, "And we are trying to adapt to meet the needs." Last year was the first year they were open 7 days a week, year round. During the summer, there are a lot of fun recreational activities to do. "Here in Boise, people ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer," Saad says, "And we have some of the best trails in the state here at Bogus Basin." The non-profit put in a lawn and landscaped the area in order to host things like Music on the Mountain, a free reoccurring event that has live music and people set out on the lawn for a picnic. They also have the only mountain roller coaster in Idaho, open year round. On it, people are placed in single cars or tandem cars and glide down the mountain, controlling their own speed with levers on the car. They have tubing in summer and winter, as well as a climbing wall, disc golf, and more.
The goal of Bogus Basin Recreation Area is to offer skiing and outdoor recreation to all. Saad, who has worked at Bogus Basin for 2 years and before that spent many years at United Way, is particularly passionate about bringing the youth to try skiing and enjoy nature. They are drawing folks to Bogus Basin in creative ways. One is the Junior High Race Program. "Students from about 60 schools come and race at the ski hill," Saad informs us. "It has been going on for 59 years. What's fun is, if students participate in 3 of the 6 weekends, they get to skip a day of school and come skiing with us!" Another unique aspect to the ski area is the chair rider program. "We hire young kids, about 14 years old, and, for a lot of them, it's their first job," Saad explains. "These 14-year-olds are paid to sit on the chair lifts and accompany little kids that are riding the chair lift to make them feel more comfortable. It's so fun to watch!"
They also have a passport package, for anyone over 12, to introduce skiing. It includes 4 lessons, equipment rental for the whole season, and a season pass. All for the same price as a regular $329 season pass. Saad loves being able to see young and old learn how to ski and enjoy being outside. "We have a new HR rep from St. Louis that came about 3-4 months ago and started skiing when she got here with her family," Saad recalls. "Now all of them love it and it is great to see." She also enjoys seeing the same young kids just starting out on the beginner hill, eventually growing up to be 11 or 12 years old and being able to explore the mountain and runs they know so well on their own with their friends. "We can hear them laughing and having fun on the chair lifts and while skiing," Saad says.
With creative programs, exciting recreation, and beautiful nature, Bogus Basin Recreation Area is a great place to visit. Add to that welcoming and friendly faces, as well as a staff that works hard and believes in its mission to give everyone a chance to experience the skiing and mountain culture, it’s a place that can’t be beat.