Bogus Basin
4.5(700)google
3.6(103)yelp
SkiingMountainHikingWinter SnowFamily
Overview
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a ski area in the western United States, located in Boise County, Idaho, sixteen road miles (26 km) north-northeast of the city of Boise. Bogus is operated by the Bogus Basin Recreation Association, a non-profit organization, on private and leased land in the Boise National Forest. Ski season generally runs from Thanksgiving weekend until the weekend preceding April 15, depending on snow conditions.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration4-8 hours
Best TimeA premier year-round mountain resort: winter (December to March) features exceptional alpine skiing and night lighting, while summer (July to August) offers mountain biking and a mountain coaster. In summer, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM is best; ride the chairlift to the summit to watch the sun drop behind the vast Boise National Forest.
Getting TherePerched 16 miles north of Boise at the mountain summit. The mountain road contains dozens of sharp switchbacks and has no public transit, requiring a car. From the North End, follow Bogus Basin Road straight up to the ski lodge. In winter, snow tires, AWD, or chains are strictly mandatory; the mountain offers massive, free gravel lots.
Travel Tips
- The 16-mile mountain mountain road features nearly 200 severe switchbacks; winter conditions legally mandate continuous winter snow tires or traction chains.
- The mountain coaster and summer chairlifts halt operations instantly during high-altitude lightning storms; inspect online webcams before ascending.
- Peak winter ski parking lots hit maximum capacity by 08:30 on Saturdays; late arrivals are diverted to lower distant turnouts servicing slow shuttle loops.
Reviews
Positive
- As a premier mountain resort, the sweeping snow-covered alpine vistas offer mind-blowing visuals and superb powder snow.
- The Glencoe mountain coaster twisting through towering pines offers incredible year-round recreational fun for all ages.
- The lift networks are modern and efficient, backed by peak lodges featuring plentiful restrooms and massive warm fireplaces.
- Operating as a non-profit resort keeps tickets, rental gear, and dining prices vastly cheaper than commercial mega-resorts.
Heads up
- The 16-mile mountain access road is incredibly windy and steep, turning treacherous and icy during winter snowstorms.
- Serving as Boise's backyard playground means a sunny winter weekend will gridlock the parking lots, forcing crowd limits.
- Rental counters and beginner lift windows experience massive bottlenecks early in the morning, slowing down your day.
- Certain summer scenic chairlifts and high wilderness trails close early in the afternoon, cutting off late-day alpine hikes.