Square Bogus Basin Logo Light Blue

Safety

Guest safety is a priority at Bogus Basin. Mountain biking and hiking are adventurous and exhilarating outdoor recreational activities – please always recreate with caution and control.

Mountain Patrol

Bogus Basin provides a team of trained Mountain Patrollers to provide first aid, assess mountain safety, post warnings, and respond to incidents across the mountain during summer operations.

  • Mountain Patrollers are on duty during summer operating hours, including mountain biking operations and special events.
  • To summon Mountain Patrol, inform any employee or call the Patrol Room at 208-332-5350.
  • The Patrol First Aid Room is located in the base area nearest the parking lot and rental shop.

What we Do

Bogus Basin is committed to guest safety. While all resort personnel help identify, educate, monitor, reinforce, and respond to safety issues across the mountain, Mountain Patrol enhances safety by educating guests on safe trail use, monitoring trail conditions, responding to incidents, and reinforcing safe riding practices throughout the resort.

Mountain Patrol monitors high-traffic areas, bike trails, lift loading and unloading zones, hiking routes, and event spaces across the mountain. Patrollers also help increase guest and employee awareness of safety initiatives through on-mountain education, trail signage, community outreach, and guest interactions.

In addition, Mountain Patrol leads medical and safety incident response efforts, trail condition monitoring, hazard identification, trail closures, and emergency response coordination during summer operations and mountain biking activities.

Mountain Patrol works closely with Mountain Operations, Trail Crew, Bike School, Rentals, and Events staff to support safe and efficient mountain operations for all guests and employees.

Note: Any employee in uniform is available to assist with safety questions and is empowered to report unsafe behavior or hazardous conditions.

Know Before You Go

Bogus Basin encourages all guests to arrive prepared for changing mountain conditions and summer recreation activities. Check the daily conditions forecast before you visit and plan for sun exposure, changing weather, elevation, and varying trail or activity conditions throughout the day.

Use properly maintained equipment and follow all posted rules, instructions, and staff guidance for each activity. Guests participating in mountain biking should inspect their bikes before riding, including brakes, tires, suspension, and drivetrain components. Riders should wear a properly fitted helmet at all times and are encouraged to use additional protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and knee and elbow pads.

Guests participating in activities such as the mountain coaster, summer tubing, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, yoga, and other attractions should carefully review all safety instructions before participating. Follow all loading, unloading, height, weight, and rider eligibility requirements. Remain seated and properly positioned on rides and attractions unless instructed otherwise by staff.

Dress appropriately for outdoor recreation and changing mountain conditions. Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing is recommended in warmer temperatures, while layers may still be necessary on cooler mornings, in evenings, or in changing weather. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are strongly recommended for hiking trails, biking areas, base area walking surfaces, and most summer activities.

Protect yourself from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and appropriate eye protection. Hydration is especially important at elevation during summer operations. Guests are encouraged to carry and regularly drink water throughout the day.

Know your physical limits and participate in activities appropriate for your ability level. Mountain terrain, trails, and attractions may include uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, loose gravel, steep grades, moving equipment, and changing environmental conditions. Use caution when walking through parking lots, base areas, trail systems, and activity zones.

Bogus Basin encourages guests of all ages and ability levels to participate in lessons, clinics, or guided programs when available. Professional instruction can improve safety, confidence, and overall enjoyment for activities such as mountain biking and outdoor recreation.


For equipment, apparel, supplies, or additional information, visit the Retail Shop or Guest Services upon arrival.

Know the COde

The National Ski Areas Association Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code is a 10-point safety code designed to help riders understand their responsibilities while using lift-served and trail-network mountain bike facilities.

NSAA Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code

  1. Stay in Control
    You’re responsible for avoiding objects and people.
  2. Know Your Limits
    Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
  3. Protect Yourself
    Use an appropriate bike, helmet, and protective equipment.
  4. Inspect and Maintain Your Equipment
    Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
  5. Be Lift Smart
    Know how to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.
  6. Inspect the Trails and Features
    Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
  7. Obey Signs and Warnings
    Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
  8. Be Visible
    Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing, or are not visible.
  9. Look and Yield to Others
    Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
  10. Cooperate
    If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff.

“Know and Follow the Code. It is your responsibility.”

Trail Markings

Riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at other resorts or bike parks. The system is a relative rating of trails at each area and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts or parks.

Trail Signage for Mountain Bike Trails

Below are examples of trail signs that you may find at Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park. There may be other variations in signs that our area has chosen to use. These signs indicate the relative difficulty of trails and features within the Gravity Park trail network.

Be aware that the easiest trail in one area may still be more difficult than the trails you have previously ridden elsewhere. If you are unsure about which trail is appropriate for your ability level, begin with green circle trails until you become familiar with the terrain, trail conditions, and riding environment at Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park. Choosing a trail beyond your ability level may expose you to terrain or features that you are not prepared to ride safely. Riders should inspect trails, features, jumps, drops, berms, and technical elements before attempting them. Start small and progress gradually as skills improve.

The green circle, blue square, black diamond, and double-black diamond indicate varying degrees of difficulty for the trails at Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park.

  • Green Circle: Easier
  • Blue Square: More Difficult
  • Black Diamond: Most Difficult
  • Double-Black Diamond: Extremely Difficult – Use Extra Caution

Technical Trails

Technical Trails are often relatively narrow and contain naturally occurring terrain and features found throughout the mountain environment, including roots, gravel, rocks, logs, uneven surfaces, loose dirt, water crossings, steep grades, jumps, drops, and other natural characteristics and obstacles. Technical Trails may also include man-made obstacles, bridges, ladders, and trail enhancements. These trails may be hand-built and/or machine-built and generally maintain a natural appearance.

Technical Trails within Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park may be designated for one-way or bi-directional travel and may also be shared with hikers, maintenance personnel, emergency responders, or other authorized trail users. Riders should remain alert, maintain control, and operate within their ability level and visibility limits at all times.

Technical Trails are identified by their degree-of-difficulty symbol – green circle, blue square, single black diamond, or double-black diamond. Additional enhancements to these symbols may include horizontal lines, vertical lines, or the use of the letters “DH” or “XC.”

Freeride Trails

Freeride Trails are often wider than Technical Trails and may include constructed or enhanced terrain, obstacles, and features such as jumps, berms, rollers, banks, wall rides, bridges, drops, gaps, and other elements made of dirt, wood, rock, or other materials. Freeride Trails may also incorporate Technical Trail characteristics and designs.

Freeride Trails at Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park may be hand-built and/or machine-built and are commonly designed for downhill-oriented riding. These trails may be accessed via chairlift, climbing trails, or connecting trail systems from within or outside of the Gravity Park boundary.

Freeride Trails are distinguished from Technical Trails by the use of an orange oval combined with their difficulty symbol – green circle, blue square, black diamond, or double-black diamond inside the orange oval.

Other Trail Signs

Beyond Expert or Professional-Level Trails are intended only for riders with advanced or competition-level skills and experience. These trails may contain large mandatory features, high-speed terrain, severe exposure, significant consequences for mistakes, or highly technical riding conditions. Riders may be required to sign specific releases, attend orientation or training sessions, or meet additional requirements prior to accessing these trails. Consult Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park staff before attempting these trails for the first time.

Mountain biking involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, trail surface variations, collisions, natural obstacles, constructed features, mechanical failures, and rider error. Riders are responsible for using good judgment, riding within their abilities, maintaining control of their bicycle at all times, and complying with all posted signage, closures, and instructions from Bogus Basin and The Basin Gravity Park staff.

BE ADVISED THAT ALL FENCING, PADS, EQUIPMENT COVERS, POLES, SIGNAGE, AND OTHER MARKING DEVICES ARE IN PLACE TO INFORM YOU AND TO INDICATE A POTENTIAL OBSTACLE OR HAZARD. THESE MARKERS WILL NOT PROTECT YOU FROM INJURY. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO STAY AWAY FROM MARKED OBJECTS AND AREAS. MAINTENANCE VEHICLES, ATVs, UTVs, AND OTHER AUTHORIZED VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT THE AREA AT ANY TIME.

Helmet Use

A properly fitted mountain biking helmet may reduce the risk of certain head injuries. For your safety, helmets are required for all bicycle users utilizing Bogus Basin chairlifts.

Bogus Basin strongly recommends using helmets for all summer mountain activities and requires them for all mountain biking participants, including guests using downhill trails, skills areas, terrain features, when lift-accessed, or participating in lessons or scheduled biking events.

Helmets help protect your head and brain and may reduce the severity of traumatic injuries during falls or collisions. They can also improve rider comfort and confidence while navigating varying terrain and trail conditions.

Please remember that helmets have limitations and cannot prevent all injuries. Serious head injuries may still occur, especially when helmets are worn improperly, damaged, or when unsafe or reckless behavior is involved. Riders should always ride within their ability level, remain in control at all times, inspect trails and features before use, and follow all posted signs, warnings, and staff instructions.

For more information about helmet use, read our article on TBI prevention!

Summer Chairlift Safety and Bike Park Requirements

It is important to know how to safely load, ride, and unload all chairlifts during summer operations. Guests participating in mountain biking and other summer activities at Bogus Basin must follow all posted instructions and directions from lift attendants and patrol staff.

General Chairlift Restrictions

  • Children must be able to access the chairlift on their own accord, demonstrate the ability to follow directions, and safely load, ride, and unload the lift.
  • No children are permitted in backpacks, wraps, chest packs, in arms, or on laps while riding lifts.
  • Passengers shall lower the restraint device once seated.
  • Coolers are prohibited on chairlifts.
  • Strollers are prohibited on chairlifts.
  • Backpacks, purses, hydration packs, and similar items must be removed and placed on the passenger’s lap while riding lifts.
  • Animals are prohibited on chairlifts unless otherwise authorized by Bogus Basin.
  • Liability waivers are required for participation in summer activities. A parent or legal guardian must sign for minors.

Mountain Bike Park Requirements

  • Helmets are required while participating in mountain biking activities. Additional protective equipment such as pads is strongly encouraged.
  • Mountain bike rental equipment is not included with ticket purchase unless otherwise specified.
  • Bikes must have pedals and a dedicated braking system. Coaster brake or backpedal-only bikes are prohibited.
  • Bike trailers, child carriers, tow devices, and additional seats of any model are prohibited. Only one rider is permitted per bike.
  • Bikes must be designed and manufactured for off-road use.
  • Children under 54 inches in height must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Liability waivers are required for all participants. A parent or legal guardian must sign for minors.
  • Adaptive bikes must safely fit within the designated lift carrier system and loading envelope to be transported on lifts.
  • Mountain unicycles, mountain boards, mountain scooters, one wheels, and similar devices are prohibited unless specifically authorized by Bogus Basin.
  • Electric motorcycles, Surron-style bikes, and similar motorized devices are prohibited.
  • Bogus Basin reserves the right to prohibit any device deemed incompatible with lift systems, trail conditions, carrier systems, or operational safety requirements.

E-bike and Carrier Restrictions

  • E-bikes may be subject to operational restrictions based on size, weight, carrier compatibility, or lift operating conditions.
  • Bogus Basin reserves the right to limit the number of e-bikes loaded on any carrier.
  • E-bikes may count as two bicycles for carrier loading purposes depending on the weight and configuration of the bike.
  • Removal of an e-bike battery does not automatically permit transport if the bike otherwise exceeds operational limitations or carrier compatibility requirements.
  • Final determination regarding allowable equipment rests solely with Bogus Basin operations staff.

Passenger Responsibilities

  • Passengers are responsible for understanding and following all posted and verbal instructions regarding lift loading, riding, and unloading procedures.
  • Guests shall participate in all activities in a manner that reduces risk to themselves, employees, and other guests.
  • Passengers must follow all instructions from lift operators and patrol personnel.
  • Passengers must maintain control of equipment while loading and unloading.
  • Passengers must refrain from horseplay or reckless conduct.
  • Passengers must keep loose clothing and equipment secured.
  • Passengers must immediately report unsafe conditions or incidents to Bogus Basin staff.
  • Bogus Basin reserves the right to deny lift access or revoke privileges for unsafe behavior, non-compliant equipment, or failure to follow operational policies and procedures.

Resort Premises

When visiting Bogus Basin during summer operations, the premises are not limited to mountain bike trails and chairlifts. The resort also includes parking lots, lodges, restaurants, hiking trails, the mountain coaster, summer tubing area, event venues, walkways, access roads, maintenance areas, and other recreational facilities.

You will see signage throughout Bogus Basin that is important to understand and respect. Please pay close attention to all posted signs, warnings, closures, and staff instructions. Signage is present for the safety of both guests and employees. Failure to follow posted signs, closures, or safety instructions may result in the loss of lift, trail, or activity privileges. Guests are responsible for remaining aware of all mountain signage and changing conditions.

Remember – Fires are strictly prohibited!

Safe Summer Driving Practices

Summer operations at Bogus Basin bring increased traffic from mountain bikers, hikers, maintenance crews, event guests, construction activity, and recreational users. Help keep our mountain community safe by practicing courteous and defensive driving at all times.

  • Always wear a seat belt while operating or riding in a vehicle.
  • Be well-rested before driving.
  • Avoid medications or substances that may impair your ability to drive safely.
  • Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, wildlife, maintenance equipment, and changing road conditions.
  • Be especially alert for mountain bikers traveling on or crossing roadways near trailheads, parking areas, and resort facilities.

Share the road

  • Give cyclists plenty of space when passing and slow down when necessary.
  • Expect cyclists on Bogus Basin Road, Pioneer Road, parking lots, and access roads throughout summer operations.
  • Use caution around blind corners and high-traffic recreation areas where cyclists or pedestrians may appear unexpectedly.
  • Yield appropriately and help create a safe environment for all road users.

Stay focused & Courteous

  • Driving requires your full attention. Avoid distractions such as phones, radios, food, or other activities while driving.
  • Stay alert and continually scan the roadway for changing conditions or hazards.
  • Be patient and courteous to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Maintain safe following distances and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
  • Do not take other drivers’ actions personally or respond aggressively.

Remember

  • Respect the double yellow line at all times.
  • Bogus Basin Road speed limit is 35 MPH. Pioneer Road speed limit is 25 MPH.
  • Bogus Basin parking lot speed limits are 15 MPH.
  • Use slow vehicle turnouts when appropriate.
  • Expect increased summer traffic associated with mountain biking, hiking, events, and other recreational activities.

Bogus Basin Guest Behavior & Safety Guidelines

Bogus Basin takes the safety of our guests and employees seriously. All guests are responsible for acting responsibly, following posted signs and warnings, complying with resort policies, and avoiding actions that may endanger themselves or others during summer operations.

Bogus Basin may suspend or revoke guest privileges for reasons including, but not limited to, the actions listed below:

Careless or Reckless Activity

  • Riding mountain bikes or participating in activities in a dangerous or irresponsible manner
  • Excessive speed or failure to remain in control
  • Failure to follow posted signs, trail designations, closures, or staff instructions
  • Operating equipment or participating in activities beyond one’s ability level
  • Causing a collision resulting in injury or property damage
  • Violating federal, state, or local law

Inappropriate Behavior

Including, but not limited to, vulgar language or gestures, harassment, verbal altercations, throwing objects, deliberate destruction of barriers or signage, spitting on guests or employees, or disruptive conduct toward guests or staff.

Destruction of Bogus Basin Property

Damage to trails, features, facilities, equipment, signage, landscaping, lifts, rental equipment, or other resort property.

Entering Closed or Restricted Areas

Including closed bike trails, hiking trails, maintenance areas, construction zones, coaster areas, unmarked terrain, or any area identified as closed by signs, fencing, rope lines, or employee direction.

Violation of Activity or Resort Policies

Including misuse of chairlifts, mountain coaster, tubing facilities, hiking areas, bike park features, or failure to comply with posted safety requirements and employee instructions.

Failure to Present a Valid Ticket, Pass, or Activity Access

Guests must present a valid ticket, pass, waiver confirmation, or activity access credential when requested by resort staff.

Failure to Stop or Yield to Resort Personnel

Guests must comply with directions provided by Mountain Patrol, Lift Operations, Security, Bike Patrol, or other authorized personnel.

Impairment by Alcohol or Drugs

Operating a mountain bike or participating in resort activities while impaired by alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

Unauthorized Commercial Activity or Instruction

Including unauthorized lessons, guiding, coaching, camps, photography sessions, or commercial operations conducted on resort property without approval.

Violent, Intentionally Harmful, or Destructive Acts

Any act that threatens the safety or well-being of guests, employees, or resort property.

Egregious Behavior or Repeated Safety Violations

Multiple infractions or severe violations of resort safety standards may result in immediate suspension or revocation of privileges.

 Reckless Driving

Unsafe operation of vehicles in parking lots, access roads, or resort roadways, including unsafe behavior around cyclists and pedestrians.

Pass Fraud or Misuse

Using another guest’s pass or ticket, altering passes, sharing access products, or other fraudulent activity.

Unauthorized Trail or Feature Construction

Building, modifying, or altering trails, jumps, bike features, hiking features, or other terrain without authorization from Bogus Basin.


Any of these infractions, or any other unsafe act, may result in suspension or revocation of resort privileges for a specified period or for the remainder of the season.

For first-time infractions, guests may be required to complete any suspension period and meet with a member of the Bogus Basin Management Team before privileges are reinstated. Repeated or severe violations may result in longer suspensions, season-long revocation of privileges, or permanent trespass from resort property.

Bogus Basin reserves the right to pursue recovery of damages or other remedies, including legal action when appropriate.

Assumption of Risk

Participation in summer recreational activities at Bogus Basin Recreation Area involves inherent and unavoidable risks that may result in personal injury, illness, property damage, permanent disability, or death. By participating in activities at Bogus Basin, guests acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with summer operations and mountain recreation activities.

Summer activities at Bogus Basin may include, but are not limited to, mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, mountain coaster use, summer tubing, bungee trampoline activities, special events, walking on uneven terrain, yoga, nature hikes, and other recreational uses of the resort premises. These activities take place in a natural mountain environment where hazards and conditions may change rapidly and without warning.

Inherent risks include, but are not limited to: changing weather conditions; lightning; rain; mud; loose gravel; rocks; roots; erosion; steep or uneven terrain; natural and man-made obstacles; trail features; jumps; bridges; drops; collisions with other guests, employees, vehicles, or objects; mechanical failures; variations in trail conditions; reduced visibility; wildlife encounters; falling trees or branches; construction and maintenance activity; lift loading and unloading; wild fire; and the actions or negligence of other guests or participants.

Mountain biking and downhill riding involve increased speed, technical terrain, and elevated risk of serious injury. Guests are responsible for selecting terrain appropriate for their skill level, maintaining control at all times, and inspecting trails and features before use. Riders should understand that trail conditions may vary throughout the day due to weather, traffic, maintenance activity, or other operational factors.

Guests are responsible for using appropriate equipment and protective gear for their chosen activity. Helmets are required for all riders on all Bogus Basin chairlifts and bike park trails during mountain biking operations. Protective equipment does not eliminate the risk of injury.

Guests are responsible for obeying all posted signs, warnings, closures, and instructions from Bogus Basin employees. Entering closed areas, using facilities in an unsafe manner, or participating while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of injury and may result in loss of privileges or removal from the property.

By participating in summer activities at Bogus Basin, guests acknowledge these risks, accept personal responsibility for their actions and decisions, and voluntarily assume all inherent and other risks associated with participation and use of resort facilities and premises.