Bogus Basin is so close to Boise, yet feels so far away. Just 16 miles away from the bustle of the city, this recreation area is completely surrounded by mountains and wilderness. It’s most famous for skiing, but has activities for every season. Shafer Butte and the surrounding landscape are what make up Bogus Basin. The resort is open year-round and has been hosting Idahoans for nearly 80 years. Check out live webcams here.
What you can do at Bogus
Bogus literally has something for everyone, all year long, from skiing to summer tubing. Whether you want an adrenaline-pumping afternoon or leisurely stroll along a mountain trail, Bogus has what you’re looking for. So come on up for some fresh air.
Snow Activities
- Snowboarding & skiing
- Winter tubing
- Nordic skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Mountain coaster
- Lessons
- Food and beverage area
Activities for Warmer Weather – unlimited day passes available
- Mountain biking
- Mountain coaster
- Scenic chairlift rides
- Horseback riding trails
- Summer tubing
- Bungee trampoline
- Climbing wall
- Shafer Butte Mining Company
- Hiking
- Frisbee golf
- Community Race series
- Music on the mountain
- Yoga on the mountain
Bogus By The Numbers
- Miles from Boise: 16
- Vertical: 1,790 ft
- Top elevation: 7,582 ft
- Snowfall: 200 in
- Night skiing: 5 chairlifts until 10 pm, 7 nights a week
- Base elevation: 5,790 ft; Pine Creek – (Chair 6); 6,150 ft; main base area – (Chair 1)
- Number of trails: 66
- Skiable acres: 2,600
- Ski season: Generally December through March
Recommended Hiking Trails Bogus Basin/Shafer Butte
Here are some great trails around Bogus Basin. The Bogus Basin/Shafer Butte trail system has about 27 trails in all. Go here for more trails and details.
Around the Mountain
Intermediate – 7.0 mile loop
Sappers Return
Easy – 1.2 mi out and back
Mahalo
Intermediate – 3.4 mile out and back / loop via fire road
Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail
Intermediate – 8 mile – out and back
Take a Lesson
Bogus offers private and group ski lessons for Alpine and Nordic skiing, multi-week group lessons available.
Call (208) 332-5100 or (800) 367-4397.
Rent Your Gear
You can rent the following at Bogus Basin:
- Alpine ski equipment
- Nordic ski equipment
- Mountain bikes
Call (208) 332-5100 or (800) 367-4397.
Summer Eats
In summer, the Double R Ranch BBQ Smokehouse is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., depending on the weather. It features premiere Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch meats smoked in-house every day. They also offer rotating draft beers, a full-service bar and many other foods. See their menu here.
Winter Grub
The Double R Ranch BBQ Smokehouse is also open in winter. In addition, you’ll find many other eateries in the J.R. Simplot Lodge and also at the Pioneer Lodge, along with the Beach Food Trailer. Go here to learn more about all the places to eat in winter.
Contact Info
Address: 2600 North Bogus Basin Road
Website: bogusbasin.org
Phone: (208) 332-5100 or (800) 367-4397
Email: info@bogusbasin.org
Snow report: (208) 342-2100 or (800) 696-4511
Activities for Families in Spring and Summer
Go take a hike: Boise area’s 10 best Hikes
How to Float the Boise River
Spring and Summer Activities for Couples & Friends
