Pioneer Lodge at Bogus Basin was designed by Joseph LaMarche in 1973. These photos show the lodge while under construction before the exterior wood was stained. The architectural model hand-built to show how the building would interact with the mountain’s topography are also included. The last image is of the Bogus Creek Lodge as it appeared in 1973.

“In 1973, General Manager Bob Loughrey authorized the purchase of 640 acres of state land, a parcel known as Shafer Park. On this land, the Bitterroot Chair, the Pioneer Lodge, and the Pioneer Condominiums were built.

The construction of a second lodge was Phase II of Bogus Basin’s long-term development plan. Architect Joseph LaMarche was hired to design the lodge, and Galey Construction was hired to complete the project. It was built in 1973. The cost for the Phase II Development Project, which included the lodge, parking lot, and sewage and water systems, was $1,516,000. The lodge alone cost $224,000. It was built to cost as little as possible, since Bogus Basin never has had much money in its 70 year history. It was also built to be as easy as possible to construct, since Galey Construction was only given 160 days to complete it. Finally, the lodge was built not to interfere with the natural environment. It was built on an open ridge, where trees wouldn’t have to be cleared and skiing would not be impeded. The development plan concluded that “construction design will minimize the developmental impact upon the existing vegetation and mature trees will be preserved to maintain a high quality environment.” The development plan also stressed that drainage patterns would not be disrupted by the construction of the lodge, condominiums, and road.