Trail Lighting Project 

The Bogus Basin Foundation Nordic Group Trail Lighting Project has illuminated 5 Kilometers (3.1 miles) of Bogus Basin's Nordic Center cross-country trails with solar-powered lights.  The project provides a visible application of renewable energy and provides night time nordic activities to the growing Boise metropolitan area for the first time.

In 2004, The Nordic Group worked with the BSU Electrical Engineering Department to design a durable  alternative energy lighting system for Red Tail and Sapper's Return Trails. In September 2004, the last 1.2 km of Red Tail Trail (beyond the Lower Loop) was built with the approval of the U.S. Forest Service and the assistance of Bogus Basin Mountain Operations. In late autumn 2004, volunteers installed a prototype system of lights and collectors on 300 meters of trail. During the spring of 2005 the remaining sections of the system was erected.

The system has seven sections, each powered by a photovoltaic panel, controller and battery bank providing low voltage power to 13 light poles.  The poles each hold four durable light fixtures containing LED lights. Interpretive signs and public outreach help explain the solar application and efficiency of the system.

The system lights the Red Tail and Sappers Return Trails for night skiing and snowshoeing.  Additionally, 0.3 mile of the Nordic Highway trail has 7 light poles on flat terrain suitable for beginners and lessons. While Bogus Basin pioneered night skiing over four decades ago on its downhill runs, until now, cross country skiers have not been able to practice their sport after the early sunset in winter. According to Jeff Fereday, Nordic Group President, "The solar lighting provides working people with a great way to stay fit on winter evenings and allows the junior racing team to finish their practices safely."

Many partners assisted the project, including in-kind donors Idaho Power, Nelson Construction, SolarCascade and Landmark Impressions.  Generous grants came from Edwards Mother Earth, Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation, Recreational Equipment Inc., Key Bank and the Bogus Basin Lifetime Sports Education Foundation.  The Nordic Group's dedicated board members supplied leadership and administration, while over 230 volunteers from the community assisted with muscle and time.  The Nordic Group also raised funds from individuals and through its annual Banff Mountain Film Festival, which takes place each February at the Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise.

In 2007, we hope illuminate 1.2 more trail on the Nordic Highway to provide more beginner lesson terrain at night.

For more information, contact Kay Hummel, Project Coordinator, kayhum@velocitus.net.