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Bogus Basin announces a slew of new improvements

Bogus Basin announces a slew of new improvements
Posted at 4:32 PM, Oct 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-11 18:32:15-04

With the 2017-18 winter season about to start, Bogus Basin officials say they’re putting the finishing touches on a host of improvements on the mountain.  

Guests at the nonprofit recreation area will discover a range of new programs, amenities and activities this season. “Back to back great snow years has allowed us to fund these improvements, which will be a welcome surprise for our season-pass holders and also attract an entirely new audience to the mountain,” said Bogus Basin General Manager Brad Wilson.  

Over the past few months, Bogus Basin has invested over $5 million in a number of improvements.
Construction is nearly complete on the “Glade Runner” Mountain Coaster –- a 4,100 foot gravity-driven ride with bobsled-like cars on elevated tracks. Operating in both summer and winter,  the coaster will load near the front (slope facing) entrance to Simplot Lodge, and wind its way up through the trees toward Pioneer Lodge, before returning on a downhill track to the base area. It should be open this fall.

In the improved/expanded Beginner Terrain, the EZ Rider Magic Carpet has been relocated -- and two new conveyor lifts have been installed near the Simplot base area, tripling uphill capacity for first-time skiers and boarders, Bogus Basin officials said.

The area between the Deerpoint and Coach chairlifts has been regraded, making it desirable terrain for beginners.  A “Children’s Only” zone -- located in the newly-regraded base area -- now offers gentle slopes for first-time skiers.  

The resort is again offering a $69 beginner lesson package, which includes a lesson, equipment rental and Coach-area lift ticket.

The restrooms on the plaza level and main floor of Simplot Lodge have been remodeled, and new tile has been added in the foyer in the back entrance of the building. A family restroom has also been added.  

In the Outdoor Plaza/Double R Ranch BBQ and Smokehouse, a 12,000 square-foot heated plaza area -- complete with new furniture and gas fire pits -- has been built in front of Simplot Lodge.  

Construction is underway on the Double R Ranch BBQ and Smokehouse, a permanent outdoor food kiosk located on the plaza that will feature smoked meats, full bar, and other offerings.    
The larger drop-off area behind the Simplot Lodge has also been expanded, which will help reduce traffic congestion and make turning around easier, officials said. 

A paved walkway, extending from the main parking lot to the plaza level of Simplot Lodge, will improve access to the base area.  

Bogus officials also say a new conveyor lift at the tubing hill will reduce lines at the bottom of the hill and double capacity.  New evening sessions on Friday and Saturday will be added this year.  
Bogus Basin also has a new addition to its fleet of snowcats -- a Pisten Bully Park Pro 400. It will increase the number of snowcats available each night, and enable one cat to be dedicated to daily grooming in the terrain parks.  

Bogus Basin is now a member of the Powder Alliance, giving 2017-2018 Bogus Basin season pass holders access to an additional 42 free days of skiing to fifteen other participating resorts.  This expands the number of resort partnerships beyond those included in the President’s Day season pass sale to 23 resorts.  

Black Diamond Sports rental shop has purchased forty-five new pairs of freeride and all-mountain Demo skis from Rossignol and Volkl. 250 new Rossignol snowboards will be available for rent this season. 

Many of the improvements are included in a year-round master plan adopted by Bogus Basin’s Board of Directors in July 2016.  The plan was created to reduce the area’s dependency upon variable winter conditions.  

Future projects include additional winter amenity improvements and snowmaking, officials pointed out.