Bogus Basin

Boise's mountain, 16 miles from downtown

Bogus Basin is a nonprofit, community-run mountain recreation area in the Boise National Forest, 16 miles north of Boise, Idaho. It has been operating since 1942, and it offers alpine skiing and snowboarding with night skiing, snow tubing, and Nordic trails in winter, plus lift-served mountain biking, Idaho's only mountain coaster, and hiking in summer.

Visit Bogus Basin

Skiing and Riding at Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of alpine terrain with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet and about 250 inches of average annual snowfall. Ten lifts, including four high-speed quads, serve about 90 named runs, with a terrain mix of 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 10% expert.

Night skiing is a signature of the mountain. Bogus Basin lights 26 runs across 200 acres and runs seven night lifts, with more than 100 nights of night skiing in an average season.

More Winter Fun

• Snow tubing: An 800-foot tubing hill for individuals, families, and groups.
• Nordic skiing and snowshoeing: More than 37 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking at the Frontier Point Nordic Trail System, with free guided snowshoe tours offered throughout the winter.
• Adaptive skiing: Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE) offers lessons for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

Lessons and Kids' Programs

Bogus Basin offers alpine lessons for all ages and abilities, with group programs including Mogul Mouse, Mountain Explorers, Mountain Adventure, Extreme Team, and Backside Bashers, plus private alpine and Nordic lessons. Donations also fund learn-to-ski scholarships for low-income kids.

5th and 6th graders can also ski 18 mountains in Idaho with the Peak Season Passport offered exclusively through Ski Idaho.

Summer at Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin opens for summer with activities for all ages:

• Mountain biking: Basin Gravity Park has 10 free-ride and 9 technical trails, and there are over 20 miles of cross-country single-track.
• The Glade Runner: A 4,330-foot mountain coaster, the only one in Idaho.
• The Mineshaft: A ropes challenge course 55 feet tall with three levels of challenges.
• Base area fun: Rock climbing, summer tubing, and a bungee trampoline.
• Hiking and disc golf: Hiking trails for solo outings or family trips, plus the 18-hole Two Deer Disc Golf course.
• Events: More than 60 free community events through Labor Day weekend, including concerts, yoga, and guided nature programs.

Lodging and Dining

Bogus Basin does not operate its own lodging. The privately owned Pioneer Condominiums, open year-round near the mid-mountain Pioneer Lodge, offer ski-in/ski-out access and are booked through Vacasa. Bogus Basin also lists Treasure Valley hotel partners, including The Grove Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Inn & Suites, and Hotel43, that offer lift ticket packages. See Bogus Basin's lodging page for details.

Getting to Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin is 16 miles north of Boise, about 40 to 45 minutes from downtown, and about 20 miles from the Boise Airport. Bogus Basin Road is plowed and sanded in winter, but snow tires, 4WD or AWD, or traction devices are recommended. A $10 public bus runs from Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, and Boise on winter weekends and holidays. Check Bogus Basin's directions and bus schedule before you go.

Bogus Basin FAQs

How far is Bogus Basin from Boise?

Bogus Basin is about 16 miles and 40 to 45 minutes from downtown Boise, making it the closest Idaho ski area to the state capital. Drive times vary with weather and road conditions.

Does Bogus Basin offer night skiing?

Yes. Regular-season hours are 9 am to 9 pm, extended to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Bogus Basin lights 26 runs across 200 acres, and the night skiing season averages more than 100 nights.

Is Bogus Basin a nonprofit?

Yes. Bogus Basin has been community-run since 1942 and is operated by the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreational Association under a Special Use Permit from the Boise National Forest. It describes itself as the largest nonprofit recreation area in the United States.

Is there lodging at Bogus Basin?

Bogus Basin does not run its own lodging, but the privately owned Pioneer Condominiums near the mid-mountain Pioneer Lodge are available year-round with ski-in/ski-out access. Treasure Valley hotels also partner with Bogus Basin on lift ticket packages.

What is there to do at Bogus Basin in summer?

Summer activities include lift-served mountain biking at Basin Gravity Park, Idaho's only mountain coaster, a ropes challenge course, rock climbing, summer tubing, hiking, disc golf, and more than 60 free community events through Labor Day weekend.

Is there a bus from Boise to Bogus Basin?

Yes. A public bus runs on winter weekends and holidays from Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, and Boise for $10, cash only. Seats are first come, first served, and riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Check Bogus Basin's website for the current season's dates and times.

Looking for more? Compare Bogus Basin with every Idaho ski area on our compare tool, check the latest snow conditions, or browse the Idaho ski areas FAQ.