Riding the White Waves: Epic Snowboarding Experiences by IndoIdaho Families!

By : Meylisa Hadi



From Jakarta to the Slopes: Kak Cecil’s Journey into the World of Skiing

Skiing is one of those experiences that many wouldn’t expect to embrace when growing up in a tropical, bustling city like Jakarta. The idea of gliding down snowy mountains feels worlds away when you live in a place where the sun blazes year-round. But for Kak Cecil, that changed the moment she moved to Alaska. The first time she witnessed snowfall, she knew—deep down—she was a winter person at heart.

Despite loving winter, skiing wasn’t something she had considered until about five years ago. It was her husband, who had been skiing since childhood, who challenged her and their kids to give it a try. What started as a simple challenge quickly turned into a family tradition. They signed up for lessons, learned the basics, and soon enough, everyone was hooked.

But let’s be honest—learning to ski as an adult is no easy feat. Imagine standing at the top of a hill, skis strapped to your feet, and attempting to slide down gracefully. Your mind races with instructions: “Chest down the mountain, press your shins against the tongue of the boots, lean forward, forward…” And then panic hits: “Oh no, I’m going too fast! How do I slow down again?!”

The struggle was real, but the determination was stronger. By their second winter season, after spending almost every weekend practicing, the whole family was skilled enough to tackle blue (intermediate) runs. That’s when the real fun began! The kids eagerly challenged themselves with little jumps and adventurous paths through the trees. Kak Cecil, however, preferred to stick to the trails—because, let’s be real, no one wants to risk broken bones as an adult!

Out of all the places they’ve skied, Bogus Basin remains their favorite. Just an hour away from downtown Boise, this local non-profit ski resort reinvests all its revenue back into improving the mountain for the community. It’s not just a place to ski—it’s a place that brings people together.

For Kak Cecil, skiing isn’t just about the sport; it’s about the quality time spent as a family. In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, escaping into nature, even for just a few hours, feels like a treasure. Watching her kids grow, sharing new adventures, and making memories in the snow—it all makes time slow down, if only for a little while.

And that’s the magic of skiing as a family.

Falling, Flying, and Feeling Alive: Kak Aulia’s Winter Sports Story

For Kak Aulia, her first experience with winter sports wasn’t exactly love at first glide. She first tried skiing in 2018 during a trip to Montreal with her husband. He wanted to experience a winter sport, so they headed to Quebec and gave skiing a shot. But with a raging winter storm, temperatures plunging to -20°C, and ski boots that felt unbearably heavy, skiing did not make the best first impression.



Back home in Raleigh, North Carolina, everything changed when she watched the Winter Olympics. A teenage snowboarder, Chloe Kim, was making history with jaw-dropping tricks, and that’s when it hit her—women can snowboard too! Inspired by Chloe’s performance, she decided to give snowboarding a try.

In March 2018, Kak Aulia and her husband drove four hours to Wintergreen in Virginia for their first snowboarding lesson. This time, things felt completely different. The boots were comfortable, the weather was much kinder, and despite the inevitable falls and bruises, she actually enjoyed it! The thrill of snowboarding kept her coming back for more, and her husband fell in love with it even more than she did.

Their passion for snowboarding eventually led them to make a big decision—they moved to Boise, Idaho. Now, instead of a four-hour drive, they only need an hour to reach Bogus Basin, their new winter playground.

To improve her skills, Kak Aulia dedicated herself to practice, watching countless tutorial videos and investing in full safety gear to cushion the falls. Among the many ski resorts she has visited, Tamarack stands out as her favorite. With its wide, long trails and breathtaking mountain views, it’s the perfect spot for snowboarding adventures.

Of course, every snowboarder has their fair share of wipeouts, and Kak Aulia is no exception. One of her funniest moments happened when she misjudged the speed of a chair lift. She fell so hard getting off that she couldn’t sit properly for a month—yes, she even had to use a doughnut pillow to ease the pain!

Looking back, Kak Aulia is beyond grateful that she gave winter sports another chance. What started as a discouraging skiing experience has turned into a deep love for snowboarding. Now, hitting the slopes has become one of her favorite things to do!

Bogus Basin : Idaho's Winter Wonderland

Picture Source : https://fromboise.com/posts/the-history-of-bogus-basin



After sharing Kak Cecil and Kak Aulia's exciting winter sport journeys, let's explore the magic of Bogus Basin, Idaho—a winter wonderland perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and environmental learning.

Nestled just 16 miles from Boise, Idaho, Bogus Basin has been a cherished winter destination since its establishment in 1942. As one of the nation's largest nonprofit ski areas, it offers 2,600 skiable acres and a plethora of activities for all ages.

Beyond recreation, Bogus Basin is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship. The resort's SnowSchool program, now in its 20th year, introduces students from 3rd to 12th grade to snow science and winter ecology through hands-on snowshoe field trips. Serving up to 3,000 Treasure Valley students each winter, the program emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving our natural world.

Kak Arin recently participated in in the snow shoe guided hike tour, facilitated by the Everwild Green  Forest School at Bogus Basin, led by Josie Meyer, the Environmental Education Coordinator. During the snow shoe guided hike tour, Josie guided participants through the snowy terrain, sharing insights into the local ecosystem, snow science, and the significance of environmental conservation. This immersive experience not only deepened participants' appreciation for nature but also highlighted Bogus Basin's role in promoting environmental education.

As they moved through the silent, glistening forest, Josie introduced them to the hidden world beneath the snow. She explained the insulating properties of the snowpack, how small animals like snowshoe hares and voles tunnel underneath to survive the harsh winter, and how tree species adapt to the cold.

At one point, Josie demonstrated how to measure snow depth and analyze snow crystals—an essential skill in understanding avalanche risks and climate change impacts. Kak Arin was fascinated by how much the snow could tell about the environment. The trek wasn’t just about enjoying nature; it was a lesson in ecological balance and conservation.

By the end of the tour, Kak Arin felt a newfound appreciation for the winter ecosystem. Snowshoeing at Bogus Basin wasn’t just a fun outdoor activity; it was an immersive educational experience that deepened her connection to nature.

Why Bogus Basin is the Perfect Winter Destination

Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker or someone who prefers a peaceful walk through snow-covered forests, Bogus Basin has it all:

• Skiing & Snowboarding – With a variety of runs for all skill levels.
• Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing – A great way to explore the mountain at a slower pace.
• Snow School Programs – An educational adventure for students and nature enthusiasts.
• Stunning Views – Experience breathtaking panoramic sights from the mountain peaks.

Bogus Basin is more than just a ski resort—it’s a community-driven mountain that brings people together through adventure, education, and appreciation for nature. Here is the link to explore.

This wraps up our winter journey through skiing, snowboarding, and exploring the beauty of Bogus Basin. Have you ever had a memorable winter experience? Share it with us!