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Bald Mountain Chute

Lake Tahoe

A Moderate Chute on Bald Mountain that takes quite a lengthy hike to get to

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
3 km
Ascent
184 m
Descent
124 m
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
23˚
Bald Mountain Chute Map

As you drive into Northstar Ski Resort, you'll see a perfectly cut run off Bald Mountain in the distance. Turn right instead of left at one of the round-a-bouts heading to Northstar and follow the path on the map until you reach the trailhead of the Perimeter Trail located right below the summit of Bald Mountain. This path (like some of the Bushwhacking paths) winds up the front face of Bald Mountain (meaning, you'll get a great view of your run). If you want, you can even walk to the foot of the Chute itself and hike up to the summit (though this is not advisable as it might ruin the snow quality). If you stick with the Perimeter trail, it'll continue to wind up Bald Mountain until you crest over its shoulder. At this point instead of bushwhacking straight up to the summit from the shoulder, make the smart decision to walk a bit further down the Perimeter trail. Eventually, make a quick Bushwhack to join the Bald Mountain Motorcycle trail and join with the main trail on the backside of the mountain. This trail is actually a perfectly cut trail and goes straight up Bald Mountain's backside, hence why it's advisable to traverse over to it. Eventually after you continue straight up this trail you'll get to the summit of Bald Mountain and to the top of the Bald Mountain Chute.

Description

The chute itself usually holds snow very well, however, since it's at an extremely low elevation, it'll need quite a bit for it to be worth skiing. In terms of difficulty and length, this is comparable to some of the runs off East Ridge at Northstar (Powder Bowl, Crosscut, Tonini's, The Chute. Dutchman, Delight, etc...), yet it's a lot more enjoyable than those due to it not being nearly as trafficked. It's definitely worth a try on a powder day!

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between February and April

Features

  • Trees
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area