Bogus Basin to Replace Superior Lift with High Speed Quad
On the heels of one of its best winter seasons, Bogus Basin is happy to announce, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the current Superior chairlift (#3) will be replaced this summer with a new Doppelmayr high speed, detachable quad (four seats) chairlift. “We are thrilled to make this announcement,” said Mike Shirley, general manager. “We’ve been able to obtain guaranteed financing for 80% of what the new installation will cost,” added Shirley. Bogus Basin has raised contributed equity for most of the remainder and hopes to raise the small balance of the near $5 million total cost, within the skiing, snowboarding and local community. Home Federal Bank, with the assistance of the USDA Rural Development Loan Guarantee program, is making the financing possible. "Bogus Basin is a popular family entertainment destination serving the entire region," commented Len Williams, president and chief executive officer of Home Federal Bank. "Not only is the high speed quad a significant upgrade for the mountain, it will also allow Bogus Basin to better serve its patrons and improve the enjoyment and quality of life for all of Treasure Valley. Home Federal Bank is pleased to partner with Bogus Basin on this great project." Additionally, significant lead gifts have already come from various community partners including the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, George and Bev Harad, the Harry W. Morrison Foundation and many others. Another $250-thousand is needed to close the equity gap, and to avoid sacrificing other needed capital spending this summer.
Converting the Superior lift to a high speed quad has been part of the area’s Master Development Plan, approved by the Forest Service in 1996. The timing is such that Bogus Basin is able to begin construction this spring. Countless Idahoans who use the mountain have offered to help raise the funds to replace the old, 1960s era, double chairlift. “We know we can go to our guests and the business community to help fund this big project,” said Gretchen Anderson, spokeswoman. “The fact that we are a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) charitable organization allows donors to make tax deductable contributions. Improvements on the mountain add so much to the quality of life in the Treasure Valley, and there isn’t a local marketing piece out there that doesn’t boast about Bogus Basin’s accessibility to Idaho’s capital city.” Additionally, there will be a modest increase in the season pass pricing beginning with the 2012-13 season, which will cover principal and interest for the new lift.
Bogus Basin is accepting donations through the bogusbasin.org website, in person (through April 30th) at 2600 Bogus Basin Road, by mail or by phone at 332-5100. Bogus Basin will also launch a text-to-donate program to complement the campaign.