Bogus Basin History Project

The histories of Boise and Bogus Basin are intertwined, sharing more than 60 years of growth, vision, and change.

Generations of families have many memories and stories about skiing at - and driving to - the remarkable recreational area in "Boise's backyard". What started as a little ski hill with one rope tow has grown into a mountain with 7 chairlfits, 3 lodges, Nordic trails, night skiing, and approximately 300,000 skier visits each season. And every skier or snowboarder has a story to share.

Bogus Basin was created by a group of energetic and involved volunteers. Over the years, thousands of locals have worked and played on the snowy slopes north of Boise. Sadly, some of the earliest founders are passing away, their stories and memories lost to the rest of us.

A spark of an idea from Dick Vandenburg has grown quickly into a volunteer-driven “History Project” for Bogus Basin. The immediate goal is to identify individuals who were involved in Bogus Basin’s earliest years (1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s); to gather their written and oral histories, photo’s and memorabilia; and to document the information. The long-term goal is to publish a book about the amazing history of Bogus Basin as well as the people who have loved and nurtured the area.

If you are interested in sharing your stories and photo's for posterity, please contact history@bogusbasin.com or call Jenifer Johnson, Bogus Basin Marketing Director, at (208) 332-5144. A volunteer will then contact you regarding a personal interview.

We are searching for photographs of:

• Housewives Holiday
• The inside of the old lodge built in 1940
• The old barracks
• Fentress Kuhn

1. What is your first memory of Bogus Basin?
2. When did you begin skiing at Bogus Basin? How old were you and what was the year?
3. Describe how Bogus Basin looked when you started skiing.
4. Describe how Bogus Basin developed and changed over the years.
5. Who were the people who skied at Bogus Basin then?
6. How did people learn to ski?
7. What type of equipment was used for skiing?
8. Have you worked for Bogus Basin and what jobs did you hold? What years?
9. What has Bogus Basin meant for you and your family?
10. Share your favorite stories about Bogus Basin (2000 words or less)