Got your ski goggles, Boise? Surprise! Bogus Basin to open on earliest date in 28 years

Start waxing those skis and snowboards — like, pronto.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Bogus Basin will launch winter operations sooner than expected. Firing up three chairlifts and three conveyor lifts, Bogus will open Saturday, Nov. 19 — its earliest date in 28 years — and continue on Sunday, Nov. 20. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Calling it a “soft opening,” the not-for-profit recreation area will offer action on seven trails: Alpine, Showcase, Bogus Creek, Upper and Lower Ridge, Sourdough, Stewart’s Bowl and Coach. The terrain park and 20 kilometers of Nordic trails also will be available.

But be aware: “The opening is limited to eligible season pass holders,” according to the Bogus website. “A restricted quantity of 100 reduced price lift tickets is available online, advance purchase only.”

“Our team remains committed to bringing the winter experience to the community as soon as it is safe to do so,” General Manager Brad Wilson said in a prepared statement. “With snow-making, we now have more control over our opening date.”

Boise powder hounds also can thank Mother Nature.

“Earlier this month, a series of storms dumped over three feet of snow at the area,” according to Bogus. “More recently, cold and dry conditions that are ideal for snow-making set in, allowing enough snow to accumulate to open top-to-bottom runs served by the Deerpoint Express, Showcase and Coach chairlifts, and all three conveyer lifts.”

Located 16 miles north of Boise, Bogus Basin is massively popular on weekends and holidays. Without question, opening weekend will be no exception.

After the two-day soft preview, Bogus Basin will close Monday through Wednesday, then reopen Thanksgiving Day for the four-day holiday weekend.

This story was originally published November 16, 2022 at 5:46 PM.