Contact:
Susan Saad
Director, Community & Customer Relations
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
susan@bogusbasin.org
Bogus Basin General Manager Brad Wilson Awarded Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Recognition for Contributions to Recreation and Tourism
Boise, Idaho – October 24th, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke presented Brad Wilson, General Manager of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, with the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award during an evening reception at the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism (ICORT) on Tuesday. The Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development, management, or conservation of Idaho’s recreation resources, and/or to the development, management, or promotion of tourism within the state.
Brad Wilson is the seventh General Manager at Bogus Basin, a beloved recreation hub for the Treasure Valley since 1942. In the last decade, Bogus Basin has undergone a remarkable transformation, with $70 million reinvested into the mountain.
“[Brad Wilson is] a testament to unwavering dedication. He’s an exceptional leader, and has made many invaluable contributions to our state… We are in the presence of a remarkable leader.”
Lieutenant Governor, Scott Bedke
Significant capital improvement projects include installing Idaho’s second-largest snowmaking system, replacing the Morning Star, Coach, and Bitterroot chairlifts with updated quad chairlifts, and a major exterior remodel of Pioneer Lodge, set to open this winter. In 2017, Bogus Basin broadened its year-round appeal with attractions like The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Basin Gravity Park — the Treasure Valley’s only lift-served bike park – The Explorer Basecamp, and most recently, The Mineshaft Challenge Course, which opened in 2023.
Bogus Basin’s continued growth has made positive impacts on the Idaho community, from increased employment opportunities to expanded environmental education and youth outreach programs that engage and support the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
“I saved the best for last in my career. Idaho is remarkable, the Treasure Valley is really a treasure, and I am surrounded by a group of individuals every day that are absolutely incredible.”
Brad Wilson, General Manager
In his speech, Brad touched on the challenges facing the outdoor recreation industry, including unpredictable weather patterns, variable snowpacks, wildfire threats and the soaring insurance costs associated, liability protection and skier statutes, and the sale of Federal Lands. Bogus Basin leases 2,800 acres of public land from the U.S. Forest Service, and works closely with the agency to responsibly care for the Boise National Forest.
“Challenges are nothing new to outdoor recreation, and they are surely not anything new to the ski industry. I know that we can beat these challenges.”
Brad Wilson, General Manager
Wilson’s career reflects a deep commitment to outdoor recreation, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the landscapes and experiences that make Idaho special. For more information, please visit Bogus Basin’s website at bogusbasin.org.
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
