Following a winter season characterized by rain, high-pressure systems, and a lack of consistent snowmaking temperatures, Bogus Basin in Idaho officially shuttered its lifts on March 22, 2026. According to reporting by SnowBrains, the season was widely considered a failure, with snowpack levels failing to reach even half of the historical average for the majority of the winter.
However, the narrative shifted significantly throughout April. Despite the early closure, the Boise backcountry community—a group known for maximizing the season’s final remnants—found their patience rewarded. A series of storms, including an April 13 event that brought nearly 19 inches of light snow and another 18 inches shortly thereafter, effectively reanimated the mountain. This phenomenon has been dubbed the "Zombie Snowpack" by locals, as it brought fresh life to terrain that had previously been stripped bare.
Data from the Bogus Basin Snotel site indicates that this late-season surge accounted for nearly 30% of the total precipitation recorded for the entire winter season. This sudden influx of moisture allowed for a "post-season" period where skiers could skin up the mountain and access terrain off the Superior Chair, despite the lack of lift support.
The current state of the mountain remains "sporty," as described by SnowBrains. Skiers navigating the Comeback Trail have reported needing to perform tactical maneuvers to avoid exposed creek holes and lingering terrain hazards. Meanwhile, the community has taken a DIY approach to the mountain, constructing homemade rails and booters to keep the stoke alive. As warmer temperatures begin to forecast the return of mountain biking season, the window for this unique spring skiing opportunity is closing, yet the resilience of the Boise ski community remains a highlight of an otherwise difficult winter.
