When Craig Brewer started working at Bogus Basin in 1975, snowcats looked a little different, lift tickets cost $7.50 per day, and the ski area was still finding its footing as a community non-profit. Over the next five decades, Craig became one of the most respected and dependable figures on the mountain, someone who – literally, helped shape Bogus Basin into what it is today.
After 50 years of service, Craig retired in May 2025 as Director of Slope Engineering — a role that put him at the helm of a critical mountain operations team. Overseeing a crew of 12 winter employees and a grooming fleet that included three winch cats and seven free groomers, Craig’s leadership helped ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality conditions for skiers and riders, season after season.
Craig’s impact didn’t stop when the snow melted. Throughout the summer months, he continued to lead vital infrastructure projects across the mountain. Most notably, he played a key role in the construction of the large retention pond that now serves as the foundation of Bogus Basin’s snowmaking system — one of the most important improvements in the area’s history. His steady presence, technical know-how, and deep knowledge of the terrain made him an indispensable part of the mountain year-round.
“Craig is the guy we’ve always counted on when something needs to get done. He’s seen a lot on the mountain and knows how to help when you need it.”
Nate Shake, Director of Mountain Operations
Beyond the equipment and infrastructure, Craig’s legacy lives on in the people he worked with. He mentored generations of staff, navigated everything from blizzards to breakdowns with calm expertise, and approached each day with quiet dedication and deep pride in the mountain. His career is a testament to what’s possible when someone commits not just to a job — but to a mission.
Craig’s retirement is a milestone in more ways than one — it’s a reminder of something that sets Bogus Basin apart: people stay. Craig is part of a long tradition of employees whose careers have grown alongside the mountain.
Today, Mountain Operations Director Nate Shake is in his 36th year with the mountain. His father, Steve Shake, worked full-time at Bogus Basin for 35 years and still contributes seasonally. Director of Lifts, Matt Fritz, oversees both lift maintenance and lift operations and has given the company 38 years of committed effort. Director of Skier Services, Jamie, Zolber started as a ski instructor at age 16 and now oversees a large team of both seasonal and full time employees. This dedicated group continues the legacy, bringing years of experience and institutional knowledge to their roles.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the incredible people behind Bogus Basin — and celebrate the commitment that keeps this non-profit mountain thriving.
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
