South Idaho Skiers Say It’s Bad Luck To Not Carpool With Troll

Now that central and southern Idaho mountains have accumulated enough snow to enjoy an afternoon on the slopes, a Boise area legend has been resurrected for the 2024-25 winter ski season. If you're heading up to Bogus Basin soon, don't forget to leave an empty seat for the roadway troll, or you might suffer bad luck while skiing or boarding.

I'm no skier. There was just something about having five feet of wood and fiberglass strapped to each leg that made me not want to pursue the hobby/sport. Growing up a skateboarder, I found snowboarding much more to my liking. I haven't been on a chairlift in over 25 years, but many people in southern Idaho head to Bogus Basin each week to enjoy time on the slopes with friends and family.

Locals say it's bad luck to not offer the mile four troll that lives under the road grate a lift up the mountain.

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Bogus Basin is a popular ski resort located 19 miles northeast of Boise. In the winter, it'll take just under an hour to navigate the nearly 40-mile commute. A two-lane road takes commuters up the final 16 miles to the resort, and once they hit the fourth mile sometimes drivers will appear to slow down and crack a door for unknown reasons.

Locals say it's bad luck to not offer the mile four troll that lives under the road grate a lift up the mountain. The Bogus Basin troll lore has been discussed on both Reddit and in a 2023 feature by The Idaho Statesman. Some believe the troll can even help with bringing more snowfall to the region.

Have fun next time you're up the mountain, and try not to break a leg.