Exterior Renovation Underway On Bogus Basin’s Pioneer Lodge

Bogus Basin announced today that work has begun on an exterior remodel of the 12,000-square-foot Pioneer Lodge. The project includes significant upgrades to the east-, north-, and west-facing walls, new windows, and a reoriented entry with a new vestibule.

Additional updates include the installation of a fully accessible elevator connecting all three floors, renovated restrooms, enhanced landscaping, and heated pavers. Phase one will complete these exterior improvements, with phase two, planned for next summer, focusing on further interior upgrades.

“We’re excited to see these much-needed updates to the exterior of Pioneer Lodge coming to life. The space will feel more welcoming, and the new elevator will improve access for everyone.” said Susan Saad, Director of Community & Customer Relations at Bogus Basin

Architectural renderings were provided by Boise-based erstad ARCHITECTS. The remodel is being managed by VERTICAL Construction.

Work began on April 14th, following the lodge’s seasonal closure, and crews have already made significant progress.

Originally built in 1973, the Pioneer Lodge played a key role in a period of significant expansion and development at Bogus Basin. That same year, the Bitterroot Chairlift was installed, opening access to new terrain and paving the way for continued growth. The installation of the chairlift coincided with the acquisition of 640 acres of surrounding land from the state, including the Bitterroot Basin, Morning Star terrain, and the future site of the Pioneer Inn Condominiums, as well as key infrastructure like a water treatment facility and parking lot.

After more than five decades of service, the Bitterroot Chairlift was replaced in the summer of 2024 with a state-of-the-art, four-person Skytrac fixed-grip chairlift. The area has also seen the addition of new mountain biking trails in recent years.

Since its original construction, the Pioneer Lodge has undergone several remodels to improve functionality and enhance the guest experience. The most recent upgrades took place in 2019 and included an exterior refresh on the south side, roof repairs, and the addition of a new kitchen and bar on the third floor. In 2023, the first-floor restrooms were renovated, and a new HVAC system was installed to improve ventilation and heating throughout the building.

“VERTICAL is honored to be part of this project, bringing a fresh, modern functionality to a place that holds so much history for our community.” said Todd Weltner, President of VERTICAL Construction

The newly renovated Pioneer Lodge is expected to open at the start of the 2025/26 winter season.

Mountain officials ask that mountain bikers and hikers avoid any closed areas during construction this summer.

Between 2014 and 2024, Bogus Basin invested approximately $60 million in mountain and infrastructure improvements, including expanded snowmaking, daily summer operations, and more. These upgrades are part of ongoing guest-focused investments that have helped transform the nonprofit into a year-round mountain destination, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors annually.