March 7, 2017 (BOISE, ID)– After two years of planning, a strong season pass sale, and momentum from two snowy winters, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area announced today plans to invest $4.3 million in improvements and additions throughout the Simplot Base area this summer. The funding was approved by the Board of Directors in late February, and will be paid for in cash generated during the last two seasons.
The nonprofit has been studying options and opportunities for how to generate new revenue to offset its dependency on variable winter conditions. “The plans represent an exciting new addition to the great palette of summertime activities available in the Treasure Valley,” said Brad Wilson, General Manager. “We look forward to expanding our popular network of trails, and adding a range of new and enhanced activities geared toward getting individuals and families of all ages and abilities up to the mountain.”
A May 2015 Feasibility Study indicated strong community interest in expanding current summer offerings at Bogus Basin. Planned improvements will address a growing demand for outdoor recreational opportunities and crate a new source of revenue for the recreation area. “The summer plan will pay for some of our deferred maintenance as well as replacement of some of the old assets,” said Brian Ellsworth, chairman of the Board of Directors. Many of the features will be ready for a 75th Anniversary Summer Kickoff Celebration event, scheduled for Saturday, July 1st. These include a summer tubing hill, outdoor seating plaza and dining area, and a fun zone that includes a rock climbing feature, gold panning station, and bungee trampoline.
A key element of the plans is a 3,500 Mountain Coaster– a gravity-driven amusement ride with bobsled like cars on elevated tracks. The coaster, which will load near the front (slope-facing) entrance to Simplot Lodge, will operate in both summer and winter. Construction on the feature will begin as soon as conditions allow. The planned opening of the Mountain Coaster is August 1st.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area– Summer 2017 Improvements:
- Landscaped/enhanced base area, including a new heated patio paver area and “great lawn”
- Mountain Coaster (anticipated opening date: August 1)
- Summer tubing
- Expanded outdoor seating & food and beverage outlet near Simplot Lodge
- Family Fun Zone, including gold panning, bungee jump, 32-foot climbing wall
- Installation of a 70-foot conveyor lift and regrading to create a small beginner slope
The summer investments represent the first phase in a series of planned improvements detailed in a year-round master development plan, which was approved by Bogus Basin’s Board of Directors in July 2016. Further developments in the base area and throughout the mountain are planned in the coming years.
