BOISE, Idaho — With the final weekend of summer operations over, Bogus Basin has announced plans for the upcoming winter.
The 2020-21 winter season is expected to begin at the nonprofit recreation area on November 27; earlier if snow conditions allow. Bogus Basin’s downtown sales office will open for the season on October 7 at 10 a.m.
At that time, Bogus Basin’s Ski & Snowboard School employees will begin taking telephone reservations for private and semi-private lessons. Seasonal ski and snowboard leases will also be open, by appointment only. Season passes will go on sale and will be available for purchase online, by phone or in-person.
Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can look forward to a number of improvements at the area. Snowmaking capacity has expanded, doubling the number of runs with top-to-bottom coverage. Bogus Basin also leveraged an opportunity to brush cut areas logged over the summer as part of the Forest Health Initiative, expanding the skiable terrain.
The Simplot Lodge has a new look, with new paint and flooring throughout.
Over the summer, Bogus Basin officials worked closely with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), and Idaho Ski Areas Association (ISAA) to develop and adopt a standard set of ski industry best practices for COVID-19 in winter. The area will closely follow these practices as well as state and CDC guidelines to protect staff and guests.
“Our experiences over the summer are informing our decisions as we move forward,” said General Manager Brad Wilson. “We now know we can provide a safe environment for our employees and guests. We’re excited for the season, and appreciate the community’s willingness to adapt to a few changes and respect our guidelines. NOAA just estimated a 75% chance of a La Nina winter, our best weather pattern for snow!”
What to Expect at Bogus Basin for the 2020-21 Winter Season
Using NSAA’s Ski Well, Be Well platform as a guide, the team at Bogus Basin has carefully developed specific safe operating scenarios in which area capacity levels are adjusted for each stage of COVID-19. Below is an overview of Bogus Basin’s 2020-21 winter season operating plan, which is subject to change.
GENERAL COVID-19 SAFETY
Face coverings will be required in most areas when not skiing or riding. Guests will be required to maintain physical distancing and practice regular hand sanitizing/disinfecting.
DOWNTOWN SALES OFFICE HOURS
The Downtown Sales Office will open Wednesday, October 7. Fall hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Guests are encouraged to contact the area by phone (208)332-5162 or email (pass@bogusbasin.org) when possible. Guest capacity inside the lobby will be limited, physical distancing and face coverings will be required.
EXPANDED NIGHT SKIING
To encourage visitation during off-peak times, night skiing hours will now be 3 pm – 10 pm, providing seven hours of access to the mountain. Adult night skiing tickets will cost $34 (plus tax). Night Only season passes will be available for purchase beginning October 7. The cost for a Night Only season pass will be $99 (plus tax) through November 30, and $129 (plus tax) starting December 1.
SEASON PASSES ON SALE
Winter 2020-21 season passes will be available for purchase online, by phone, or in-person at the downtown sales office. Sales will continue while inventory is available. For the best rate, purchase before December 1st.
SEASON PASS HOLDER PRIORITY
Bogus Basin anticipates that pass holders will retain full access to the area throughout the season. Capacity levels will be continually evaluated to sustain safe operations.
LIMITED TICKET SALES ON PEAK DAYS
On peak winter weekends and holidays, the number of day lift tickets available for purchase will be limited until 3:00 pm. The number of lift tickets available will be determined by an analysis of historical visitation numbers, as well as current conditions. Advance, online purchase is recommended and the only way to guarantee access. Bogus Basin will communicate with guests once advance tickets are available for purchase for the season.
GUESTS COMMUNICATIONS / ELECTRONIC SIGNS
Electronic signage will be placed near the bottom of Bogus Basin Road to communicate area and parking status, road conditions, and other key information. Bogus Basin will provide ongoing updates via social media and on the Bogus Basin website.
CHAIRLIFT LINES/LOADING
Chairlift lines will be optimized for physical distancing, in accordance with NSAA’s Ski Well, Be Well guidelines. Guests will be asked to self-group and load the chair with their traveling party. Lift attendants will not ask guests to ride a chairlift with people they do not know when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings will be required while loading and unloading chairlifts.
ADJUSTED LODGE & FACILITY ACCESS
Occupancy inside facilities will be limited. Gear storage and outside food and beverage items will not be allowed inside the lodges or tents. Guests should consider their cars as their base lodge and leave all personal gear in their vehicles. Guests will be expected to limit time spent inside facilities. Additional outdoor restroom facilities will be available.
INCREASED CLEANING & DISINFECTION
Additional staff members will be hired to continually sanitize surfaces.
ADDITIONAL COVERED SEATING
Bogus Basin has added four large tents, providing 8,000 additional square feet of covered seating. The tents will be placed in the base areas near Simplot and Pioneer Lodges. No outside food and beverage items will be allowed in the tents. Guests will be expected to limit time spent inside the tents.
NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLETS
With the goal of spreading people out, reducing lines, and meeting demand, four additional food & beverage outlets are planned throughout the area. All points of sale will have Plexiglas.
SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL
Private lessons (ages 3+) and semi-private lessons (2-5 people, ages 7+) will be available. Reservations are only available by phone, call (208)332-5340. Daily group and multi-week lessons (i.e. Passport, Mouse Tracks, Mogul Mouse) will not initially be offered for the 2020-21 winter season. We will continue to assess the situation with COVID-19 and evaluate group and multi-week lessons. During peak times, ski and snowboard lessons will be offered to season pass holders only. Pricing and additional information will be available on the Bogus Basin website after October 7.
GLADE RUNNER MOUNTAIN COASTER
The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster will not operate during the 2020-21 winter season.
TUBING HILL
The tubing hill will operate through the winter holiday. Following the winter holiday, operations will be reevaluated.
SKI & SNOWBOARD SEASONAL LEASES
Season lease packages will be available, by appointment only, at the downtown sales office. To schedule an appointment, call (208)332-5171.
PARKING / PARKING LOT SHUTTLE
Preferred parking will be provided on peak weekends and holidays in a “Families Only” lot (3+ passengers). A parking lot shuttle will operate seven-days-a-week, with service between base area lots 1 – 3 and Simplot Lodge. The daily shuttle service will end at 7 pm.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation will not be available.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING
Overnight camping will not be allowed at the area on Friday and Saturday nights during the season.
FRONTIER POINT NORDIC CENTER
A new service window and fence will be installed in front of the lodge to manage inside capacity. Hours for skiing will be 10 am – 5 pm weekdays and 9 am -5 pm on weekends with lighted skiing lasting until midnight for season pass holders and day ticket purchasers. Occupancy inside facilities will be limited. Gear storage and outside food and beverage items will not be allowed inside the lodges or tents. Guests should consider their cars as their base lodge and leave all personal gear in their vehicles. Restroom access will be available 24/7. Guided snowshoe hikes are planned to help familiarize new guests with the Nordic trail system.
