Skis whispering through untouched snow, fog drifting in and out, snow falling lightly but persistently, the delighted whoop of a happy skier – that was me, actually. Bogus Basin did something today that granted a holiday wish for lots of area skiers and snowboarders: It opened up the backside of the mountain. The Pine Creek (Chair 6) and Bitterroot chairs both opened for the first time this season today, nearly doubling the available skiing terrain at Boise’s nonprofit ski resort. The tubing hill also opened today, and night skiing began; that means lift tickets are up to regular-season rates of $49.

The No. 3 Superior chair isn’t open yet, nor is the Paradise area off Pine Creek, as more snow is awaited, and there are still early-season conditions, especially off-trail. But things are up and running in time for the holidays, and plenty of people are having plenty of fun up there. Take it easy on the often-slick road up, and enjoy! I’m off for the next week, and will do the same.