In August, Bogus Basin’s Volunteer Ski Patrol and Mountain Hosts received national recognition for their commitment, professionalism, and care for our community during the 2023/24 winter season. Your Local Mountain is proud to have an outstanding Patrol team, that ensures guest safety on the slopes all winter long.
Your Mountain, Your Patrol
Bogus Basin Ski Patrol operates as an umbrella non-profit organization encompassing three groups: Paid Patrol, Volunteer Patrol, and Mountain Hosts. Each group are members of the National Ski Patrol (NSP). Together, they keep the mountain safe by clearly marking boundaries and obstacles, posting signage, responding to emergencies, and engaging with guests to answer questions, offer directions, and ensure everyone enjoys their time on the slopes.
Paid Patrol Staff
Last season, Bogus Basin had 71 Paid Patrollers on the team. Paid Patrol typically works Monday – Friday and are required to have Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor Emergency Transport (OET) certificates, as well as attend an on-mountain training that covers general mountain safety procedures, including life evacuation.
- Paid Staff
- 71
- Volunteer Patrollers
- 120
- MountainHosts
- 80
Volunteer Patrol
Volunteer Patrol, also members of the National Ski Patrol (NSP), is the nation’s leading authority on volunteer mountain safety, with more than 600 patrol units across the country. While Paid Patrol and Volunteer Patrol share the same responsibilities, they tend to work on different schedules.
Most of our weekend patrollers are volunteers who dedicate at least 14 full days each winter season, often balancing this commitment while juggling full-time jobs and busy schedules. Volunteer Patrollers must also have Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) and Outdoor Emergency Transport (OET) certificates.
Mountain Hosts
The Mountain Hosts are a subgroup within National Ski Patrol. Led by Don Reiman, the Mountain Hosts serve as ambassadors for safety and hospitality. You’ll find them greeting guests, giving directions, and assisting with minor incidents around the mountain. They also organize free tours of the mountain!
“Our Hosts are very valuable members of the community that are there to help people have a great day at Bogus Basin.”
Devon Haire, Patrol Manager
Volunteer Awards
The National Ski Patrol’s (NSP) Awards and Recognition Program honors members who provide exceptional service to the organization, the outdoor recreation community, and the public through a rigorous, multi-level nomination process. At this year’s Pacific Northwest Division National Ski Patrol Convention, Bogus Basin’s Volunteer Patrol was honored as the Outstanding Large Patrol in the Nation, while the Mountain Hosts earned national recognition as the Most Outstanding Host Program in the Nation.
There are 11 Divisions within the National Ski Patrol – including Professional and International Divisions. Beginning at the local division, and advancing to regional and national review, each candidate/group is carefully vetted, anonymized, and scored to ensure only the most outstanding patrollers earn top honors. Bogus Basin Volunteer Patrollers first competed within our home region, Southern Idaho, and then advanced to the division level. At the division competition, patrollers from all five regions in the division participated, including patrollers from Mt. Hood, Western Oregon, and two regions from Washington State.
“These awards reflect volunteer dedication and professionalism, ensuring safe experiences for our guests.”
Devon Haire, Patrol Manager
In an extraordinary accomplishment, Bogus Basin Ski Patrol has received seven National Outstanding Awards in just three years — a record achievement spanning both individual and group categories.
National Outstanding Award Recipients:
- Bogus Basin Volunteer Ski Patrol – Large Alpine Patrol (2025)
- Patrick Arnold – Volunteer Patrol Representative/Leader (2025)
- Bogus Basin Mountain Host Unit (2025)
- Don Reiman – Mountain Host Unit Director (2025)
- Pete Muskat – Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor (2024)
- Carol Peterson – Alumni (2024)
- Pam Carson – Alpine Patroller (2023)
At the Pacific Northwest Division level, Bogus Basin continues to excel, with two winners this year: Susan Hawke – Outstanding Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor, and David Simantel – Outstanding Mountain Host. Both will be going forward for National consideration in 2026.
Additional recent distinctions include a Meritorious Service Award for Kelley Creamer (2025) for his contributions as awards advisor at the Southern Idaho Region level and National Appointments — the NSP’s highest leadership recognition — for Pam Carson (#12326, in 2023) and Patrick Arnold (#12415, in 2025).
We’ve always known how outstanding our volunteers are — and these awards are a testament to their dedication and service.
Thank You Patrol!
The safety and enjoyment of Bogus Basin relies on the combined efforts of patrollers, hosts, and all who give their time and expertise to the mountain. At Bogus, your community is volunteering for your community mountain. When you see a patroller, take a moment to thank them, both in words and actions, by respecting boundary lines and following mountain safety guidelines. See you on the snow!
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
