FATMAP by Strava

Lower Cirque

Lake Tahoe

Mellower Part of Lochan's Cirque; still quite challenging

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
985 m
Ascent
40 m
Descent
224 m
Low Point
2.5 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
31˚
Lower Cirque Map

Lower Cirque can be found by traversing skiers' left from the bottom of Carrie's Run. Traverse about the small lake and sidestep up a short ramp to the start of the run. Lower Cirque is a great run as it offers advanced skiers a big mountain feeling run with limited technicalities. There is a chute that you can straightline in the middle of the run, but this is totally avoidable by doing a traverse around it. The run remains pretty wide open and the exposure is limited unless you take the traverse around the straightline path. After this section, enjoy some really fun turns all the way to the bottom of Backside Bowl.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between February and March

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area