Bogus Basin parking lots hit capacity thanks to 13 inches of fresh weekend snow
Both days this weekend, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area found all seven of its parking lots full as skiers and snowboarders flocked there to ride on fresh powder.
By 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, officials posted on Bogus Basin’s Facebook page that parking at the Boise-area mountain was temporarily full. Signs were also set up at the intersection of Bogus Basin Road and Curling Drive.
“We suggest you wait until the afternoon (1pm)to come up as parking will be temporarily full until guests begin to leave,” the Facebook post said.
There are roughly 3,500 parking spots on the mountain across seven lots. According to Bogus’ website, shortly after 1 p.m., some parking spaces were available.
The rush of skiers and snowboarders came as Bogus added 13 inches of snow on Saturday, with even more snow falling through the day on Sunday. The National Weather Service’s Boise branch predicted Bogus could add another two to three feet of snow through Tuesday.
In its post, Bogus said it “will not be turning guests away” and encouraged people to try evening or night skiing.
“Please remember that we are open until 10pm every day of the week and as the day goes on parking will become even more available,” the post said.
It’s not the first time Bogus’ parking has been bursting at the seams. Last February, Bogus saw a similar “perfect storm” and encouraged skiers and snowboarders to hold off on heading up the mountain. At the time, general manager Brad Wilson told the Statesman Bogus Basin had “never told people not to come.” He said more parking could be in the recreation area’s future.
Not only were parking spaces full, heavy snow on the mountain (and eager powderhounds) meant traffic jams along Bogus Basin Road on Saturday and Sunday, too. On social media, Bogus Basin attributed some of the issues to ill-equipped drivers, snowy road conditions and slideoffs. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office did not have slideoff numbers immediately available on Sunday.
Some on social media were understanding of the influx of people, while others blamed it on the Treasure Valley’s booming growth. Last year, Bogus Basin saw record visitation numbers.
Despite the crowded parking lots, officials on social media said lift lines remained manageable.
