Looking for a ski/snowboard area close to a major airport, where you can fill your hours lapping run after run instead of waiting in lines? Then you should consider Bogus Basin, Idaho. Located a 45 minute drive from Boise, ID, Bogus Basin boasts 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, more than Sun Valley, Idaho, without forfeiting a feel-good atmosphere more characteristic of the smaller local ski areas.

Bogus Basin is also included in a unique subset of ski resorts that are non-profit owned and operated. Maybe this is why you feel at home immediately. You won’t find the impressive infrastructure of large scale hotels and full service lodges, but rather a ski and snowboard area designed to serve the needs of its users – namely everyday folks like you and me that love to slide around on snow.

Bogus Basin, Idaho

Bogus Basin is

dedicated to our mission of providing accessible, affordable and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. 100% of the profits go back into equipment, facilities, education, outreach and more. So that season pass you purchased, those rentals, lessons, burgers, hot chocolates – all of that translates into real good.

And it seems they are meeting this goal with some of the most affordable day ticket prices I’ve seen. Try $29 for a child lift ticket! Wow. This is game changing for those of us with multiple children.

The trail map seems deceptively small – don’t let it fool you. We skied hard all day and barely scratched the surface of what this mountain has to offer. An easy to access beginner hill for young families, wide ranging glades for more adventurous tween and teens, and a variety of parking lots (many with ski-in-ski-out) options, make this a fantastic place for all families. I left Bogus Basin, truly impressed by the vast terrain, amazing views, and hassle free experience.

Bogus Basin Ski Area facts: Non-profit
Larger than Sun Valley, ID
Major Airport and city amenities 26 miles away!

Our Insider Tips:

The ICCU Base Area Plaza is the main base area at Bogus Basin and is where you can find access to food, drink, rentals, the ski school, ticket sales and patio seating.

Bogus Basin Main Base Area

Parking:

• • The Main Lot is best for families and skiers who want to access the beginner area.
  • Priority carpool parking is in effect for weekends and holidays throughout the 2021/22 Winter Season for vehicles with 3 or more passengers. The Carpool Parking Lot occupies a section of the Main Lot (Lot 1) outside of the Simplot Lodge.
  • Parking Lots 3, 4, Buttercup, Silver Queen, and Pioneer remain open to guests who do not carpool. (Parking Lot 2 is closed to the public.)
  • Butter Cup, Silver Queen and Pioneer are ski-in ski-out lots, but don’t have beginner terrain easily accessible from them.
  • For complete information on parking, shuttle service and bus service visit : Bogus Basin Parking.

Yup, that is the ski hill right behind me. Parking is super close!

Eating:

Simplot Lodge

The Simplot Lodge has a variety of food options including:

JOJO BEANS – coffee and pastries

JR’s T-BAR – Beer and cocktails

BOGUS CREEK GRILL – Cafeteria Style eating with grab-n-go snacks as well as heartier lunches.

PIONEER LODGE

Pioneer Lodge is located off the Morning Star lift and also has a variety of eating options:

LA CUMBRE TAQUERIA: located on the third floor of the Pioneer Lodge, serving Mexican inspired cuisine.

THE DRIFT (21+)]: Beer and Cocktails

FIREWATER SALOON: The Firewater Saloon is located on the second floor of the Pioneer Lodge and is a place where guests can warm up and enjoy a drink between runs.

PIONEER GRILL: Lunch and food options for everyone.

Lodging:

Bogus Basin Mountain is a 45 minutes drive from Boise, ID. With a decent sized airport, and/or major interstates crossing through the city, Boise is easily assessible for tourists traveling by car or air and has a number of amazing hotels, fine dining, and a cute downtown district.

Bogus Basin Parking and Diablo and Sons for dinner.

I stayed at Hotel 43 for my stay, nestled right in the heart of downtown Boise. Hotel 43 has the Metro Cafe downstairs for coffee and grab-n-go breakfast, as well as a number of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Two restaurants I’d highly recommend are the Bardenay and Diablo & Sons Saloon.

Night Skiing:

Night riding options have been expanding at ski resorts across the west and Bogus Basin is not behind. Offering a Twilight Season Pass for as low as $129, guests can ride 175 acres of illuminated terrain till 10 p.m., December – March.

Non-Ski or Snowboard Activites:

Bogus has a host of non-ski and snowboard activities including a Mountain Coaster, tubing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.

Terrain for everyone

Bogus Basin is truly an Idaho gem. If you are looking to plan that next ski vacation but want to save money and avoid huge crowds at the mainstream resorts, put Bogus Basin on your list!

Are you looking for more ideas for your family spring break? Check out Grand Targhee.