Bogus Basin to Close Weeks Early Due to Heat Wave

Ski area plans to shut down winter operations on March 22 as temperatures in Boise reach 20 degrees above average.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:49pm

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Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area in Idaho has announced it will close its winter operations several weeks earlier than usual due to an upcoming heat wave. Temperatures in the Boise area are forecasted to reach around 20 degrees higher than average for mid-March, leading the ski area to plan a March 22 closure date, weeks earlier than its typical mid-April closing.

Why it matters

Bogus Basin's early closure highlights the challenges ski areas in the western U.S. are facing this season due to record warm temperatures and snow drought. The early shutdown will impact the local economy and disappoint skiers and snowboarders who were hoping for a longer season.

The details

Bogus Basin officials said they expect snow conditions will be impacted by a heat wave forecasted to hit the Treasure Valley on Monday, with highs reaching 65 degrees, 77 degrees, and 80 degrees on the following days. Typical mid-March high temperatures in Boise are in the mid-50s. Certain operations and parts of the mountain will close even earlier, with access to the back side of the mountain and some chairlifts shutting down after this weekend. Pioneer Lodge will also close by the end of the weekend, and night operations will end on March 21.

  • On Monday, March 18, temperatures in Boise are forecasted to reach 65 degrees.
  • On Tuesday, March 19, temperatures in Boise are forecasted to reach 77 degrees.
  • On Wednesday, March 20, temperatures in Boise are forecasted to reach 80 degrees.
  • Bogus Basin plans to close its winter operations on March 22.
  • Bogus Basin typically closes in mid-April, but the 2022-23 season saw the latest closing date in the 84-year-old ski area's history on May 6.

The players

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area

A ski area located near Boise, Idaho that has been in operation for 84 years.

Susan Saad

A spokesperson for Bogus Basin.

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What they’re saying

“Certain operations and parts of the mountain will close even earlier. According to Bogus' news release, access to the back side of the mountain will close after this weekend as operations shut down at the Bitterroot, Pine Creek Express and Superior Express chairlifts. Pioneer Lodge will also close by the end of the weekend. Night operations end March 21.”

— Bogus Basin

“Bogus Basin spokesperson Susan Saad told the Idaho Statesman recently that the ski area opened two-thirds of its terrain this season, and the nonprofit also froze season pass sale prices for next year in an unusual move.”

— Susan Saad, Bogus Basin spokesperson

What’s next

Bogus Basin officials will continue to monitor conditions and may keep the ski area open longer if the weather allows.

The takeaway

This early closure at Bogus Basin is yet another example of the challenges facing ski areas in the western U.S. due to climate change and its impact on snowpack and winter weather patterns. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for the ski industry to adapt to these changing conditions.