And during World War II, multitudes of airmen trained at Gowen Field, Boise's major airbase. Today, Boise is still the largest metropolitan community in the state. Numerous world, national, regional and state corporations have their headquarters in Boise. Boise is the hub of commerce, banking and government for the state and is located mid-way between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. During the winter snow storms may blanket the nearby mountains but bring only rain to the valley.
Snow does enter the valley but the typical winter day is cold with blue skies.
Summer raises the temperature into the mid 90's. The average summer temperature is 90.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures average 29.1 degrees Fahrenheit. The city has grown to an approximate population of 168,300. It is also home to the state's largest university, Boise State University. The university, with enrollment over 15,000, became a part of the State System of Higher Education in 1969 and offers six schools of instruction.