LEFT TO RIGHT Evan Bowers frontside 360 Melon on a stormy day at Bogus. The classic little popper can go a long way in these parts. Photo: Luke Tokunaga Julian Gluck late night front blunt on the iconic El Toro rail, which lives at Bogus Basin after being retired from High Cascade Snowboard Camp. Photo: Luke Tokunaga YOU’LL HEAR A LOT OF HOOTING AND HOLLERING FROM THE LIFTS HERE, BECAUSE FOLKS ARE HAPPY TO SEE EVERYBODY GET THEIRS... It’s worth noting the natural terrain, too. A lot of locals, includ-ing Corey and Jeff, will tell you that’s the real lure of Bogus Basin. While it’s certainly not the steepest inbounds terrain you’ll find west of the Mississippi, the playful undulations offer countless side hits. With the willingness to explore the boarding never gets bor-ing. Tracking the wind from the night before can give you a good idea of where to try first. Bogus Basin’s 2,600 acres of rideable terrain is spread out across all aspects, a layout that lends to folks spreading out across the mountain, which keeps lines at its 10 chairs down on weekends and makes them practically nonexistent during the typical workweek. On occasions when Bogus is busy, patrons generally stay positive. Rather than competing for every pow turn, people treat it like there’s enough to go around. You’ll hear a lot of hooting and hollering from the lifts here, because folks are happy to see everybody get theirs—a testament to the supportive, fun-loving community. And the positivity surround-ing Bogus trickles down the mountain into town. Head out to just about any bar in Boise and you’re bound to hear a few folks singing praise of the hill, a hotspot for persistent powder hounds and the more casual weekend warriors alike. Being only 16 miles from the city, people can spend a full day or take a few laps starting at noon and still be home in time for supper. For those who’d like to stay past dark, there’s night riding. Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a growing, boisterous scene playing out under the lights. “The trajectory of Bogus Basin is clear, showcasing a deliberate and strategic approach to winter readiness that minimizes stress, regardless of the season’s challenges,” Corey says. “The investment made into mountain preparation for winter is a cornerstone of their approach. This dedication ensures that Bogus Basin is per-petually evolving, growing, and enhancing the experience for all.” There’s something to be said for a non-profit ski area that, by longstanding locals’ margins, is consistently headed in the right direction. It’s a rare example of resort investment in the commu-nity. And that’s what snowboarding needs now, more than ever. BOGUS BASIN 055
The Snowboarder's Journal The Snowboarder's Journal 21.2: Page 55
