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PROGRAMS

ENVIRONMENTAL EDucation

Talk about the best classroom ever. At Bogus, our environmental education programs are designed to educate all Idahoans about the science all around us. From Bogus Basin Discovery Camp to Bogus Basin’s SnowSchool science curriculum, our environmental education programs help everyone find their passion for the great outdoors.

2021 – 22 Fiscal Year Environmental Education Numbers at a glance

Total Environmental Education Participants
2,878
Total Environmental Education on Mountain Interactions
3,719
Total Hours ofEnvironmental Education
13,998
TotalVolunteers
121
Total Volunteer Hours
573

SUMMER PROGRAMS

MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY CAMP

Details

Sign your child up for a week of Mountain Discovery Camp and give them a summer they’ll never forget. This five day camp (M – F/9 am – 4 pm) takes youth on an adventure around the mountain exploring and learning about the alpine ecosystem through games and activities. Open for youth ages 9 to 12.

SCENIC TOURS

Details

Take a scenic chair ride to the top of Deer Point for a short walk where you’ll learn about Bogus Basin, the surrounding landscapes and the plant & animals that call this place home. Perfect for families with young children or those new to the area wanting a broad overview of what the mountain has to offer.

  • Meets on the patio in the ICCU Plaza in front of the mountain ticket office

Schedule

Saturdays & Sundays

  • Saturdays & Sundays
  • 11:30 am – 12:45 pm

Pricing

Ages 5 & Up$20/person

GUIDED NATURE HIKES

Details

Join Bogus Basin’s weekend nature guides for a hike on one of the mountain’s many multi-use trails. Come learn about the flora, fauna, ecology, geology and everything in between. All hikes will start with a ride up a chairlift with a foot decent back to the base area. Participants should expect to hike between 2 to 3.5 miles. Please come prepared for the outing with proper footwear, clothing, water, snacks and sunscreen.

  • Meets on the patio in the ICCU Plaza in front of the mountain ticket office

Schedule

Saturdays & Sundays

  • Saturdays & Sundays
  • 2 pm – 4:30 pm

Pricing

Ages 8 & Up$25/person

YOUTH DROP-OFF NATURE PROGRAM FREE!

Details

Bring your yoga mat and your child for our free weekend morning events. Drop off your child with Bogus Basin’s Nature Guides for an hour long youth program (nature bingo, nature art & more) while you hit the lawn for a peaceful morning of yoga with the folks from Yoga for Life.

  • Meets on the lawn at or near yoga check-in

Schedule

Saturdays & Sundays

  • Saturdays & Sundays
  • 10 am – 11 am

Pricing

Ages 5 – 10FREE

WINTER PROGRAMS

SNOWSCHOOL

Details

Did you know that Bogus Basin is the flagship site of the nationally run SnowSchool winter education program? Now in its 18th year, Bogus Basin’s SnowSchool fieldtrip program aims to get kids outside on snowshoes to learn about snow science and winter ecology in the Boise National Forest. Open to grades 3rd through 12th, Bogus Basin’s SnowSchool program serves up to 3,000 Treasure Valley students each winter season.

  • Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge

Schedule

  • Monday – Friday
  • 10 am – 2 pm

Pricing

Per student$6
  • *For every 10 students, 1 chaperone receives free admission.
  • *Student to chaperone ratios beyond 10:1 require a $6 fee.
  • *Scholarships are available upon request for Title I schools.
  • *Daily group sizes are limited to 60 participants

GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOURS AGES 14 & UP

Details

Hit the trail with one of Bogus Basin’s environmental education staff for a guided snowshoe tour and learn a little about the wonders of winter. These 1 ½ hour tours are a great intro into the world of winter recreation while you learn a little about the flora & fauna that call Bogus Basin home. Perfect for those new to the area or anyone interested in learning a little more about Bogus Basin and the mountain ecosystem. Private and group tours are available on a limited basis. To inquire about private groups email dirk@bogusbasin.org . Maximum of 12 people per tour.

  • Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge

Schedule

  • Saturdays & Sundays
  • 10 am – 11:30 am
  • 1:30 pm – 3 pm

*Starting December 11th


Pricing

Full Package (Rentals, Trail Pass, and Tour)$40
Tour & Rentals OR Trail Pass$30
Tour Only$20

*Advanced registration is recommended to ensure your spot in the group. Walk-ups welcome.

THEMED SNOWSHOE TOURS AGES 16 & UP

Details

Take a tour with a boost and hit the trails with Ray Vizgirdas, retired Wildlife Biologist and all around Naturalist. With over three decades of experience working for state and federal agencies, Ray knows a thing or two about the outdoors. Each week Ray will cover a new topic based off what the mountain conditions are best suited for. Topics could include the following: Snowpack Dynamics, Animal Tracking, Winter Specific Plant Adaptations, How to Make Emergency Snowshoes and so much more. To find out what the next tour will cover follow us on social media, sign up for our e-blast, or email dirk@bogusbasin.com . Topics will be decided 2-3 weeks in advance. Maximum of 12 people per tour.

  • Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge

Schedule

  • 1/21 – Exploring Winter Ecology
  • 1/28 –  Life Above & Below the Snow
  • 2/4 – Tracks Along the Trail: Winter Signs     
  • 2/11 – Masters of Camouflage: Snowshoe Hare
  • 2/25 – Winter Plant Identification & Adaptations
  • 3/4 – Winter Wildlife Tracking
  • 3/11 –  Snow Shelter Construction
  • 3/18 – How to Make Emergency Snowshoes
  • Saturdays
  • 1:30 pm – 3 pm

Pricing

Full Package (Rentals, Trail Pass, and Tour)$40
Tour & Rentals OR Trail Pass$30
Tour Only$20

*Advanced registration is recommended to ensure your spot in the group. Walk-ups welcome.

WINTER SURVIVAL WORKSHOP SERIES AGES 16 & UP

Details

Are you interested in learning about what it takes to survive the harsh winter environment? It may not seem like it but Bogus Basin has residents on the mountain that brave the elements year after year. Equipped with a wide range of adaptions the flora and fauna of our local recreation area are the definition of survival experts. Venture out onto the snowshoe trails with nature aficionado Ray Vizgirdas for a day of learning through stories and exploration. Attend one or all four of the workshops.  Maximum of 12 people per day.

  • Location – Frontier Point Nordic Lodge

Workshops

  • Workshop #1: Introduction to Snow and Snowpack Ecology (1/17)
  • Workshop #2: Plant and Animal Strategies for Winter (1/24)
  • Workshop #3: Humans and the Winter Environment (1/31)
  • Workshop #4: Snow Tracking Mammals: an in-depth analysis (2/7)

*Participants who attend all 4 Workshops will earn a Certificate in Winter Survival


Schedule

  • 1/17
  • 1/24
  • 1/31
  • 2/7
  • Tuesdays
  • 10 am – 12 pm

Pricing

Full Package (Rentals, Trail Pass, and Tour)$40
Tour & Rentals OR Trail Pass$30
Tour Only$20

*Advanced registration is recommended to ensure your spot in the group. Walk-ups welcome.

SPRING & FALL PROGRAMS COMING SOON

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SnowSchool Volunteer

Details

Are you passionate about nature and outdoor experiences? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? If so, the Bogus Basin SnowSchool program needs your help!

SnowSchool is only possible through the dedication of university students, interns, and community volunteers who engage students in this critically important environmental education program. Bogus Basin’s Environmental Education staff provide training to new volunteers prior to the field trip season. No prior teaching experience is required.


Schedule

  • Monday – Friday
  • 10 am – 2 pm

Benefits

  • Transportation to and from the mountain provided
  • Opportunity for hands-on application of knowledge
  • Receive professional environmental education training
  • Real world experience teaching students science in an outdoor setting
  • Learn marketable leadership skills
  • Network with local community organizations
  • Gain valuable references for your resume
  • Complimentary Bogus Basin Day Pass for each day of volunteering
  • Volunteer for 6 or more days and receive a complimentary Season Pass
  • Internship credit available to qualified students with 90+ hours commitment