4 m away
Sawtooth Ridge
The best hike-to terrain at Northstar when conditions permit
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Ascent
- 41 m
- Descent
- 266 m
Northstar Backcountry Chutes
Lake Tahoe
Northstar California
A set of chutes far beyond the backside of northstar
Freeride Skiing Severe
- Distance
- 6 km
- Ascent
- 527 m
- Descent
- 756 m
- Low Point
- 2 km
- High Point
- 2.4 km
- Gradient
- 39˚
This is a popular freeride skiing route which is generally considered to be severe. It's very remote, it features medium exposure (e2) and is typically done between January and March. From a low point of 2 km to the maximum altitude of 2.4 km, the route covers 6 km, 527 vertical metres of ascent and 756 vertical metres of descent. It's graded 4.1 and Labande grade 5. You'll need skins to complete it safely.
Description
A series of chutes on a peak located not too far from Northstar's Sawtooth Ridge. Looks to be about a double black diamond difficulty. Might take a long hike to make it all the way back here!
Difficulty
Severe
Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.
Medium Exposure (E2)
As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Face
- Cliffs
- Walk Required
Equipment required
- Skins
Similar routes nearby
489 m away
Bloody Mary
A popular locals spot on Sawtooth Ridge
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 472 m
- Ascent
- 7 m
- Descent
- 121 m
643 m away
Cornice
A large Cornice atop Sawtooth Ridge
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 650 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 180 m
973 m away
The Drops
Drop after drop after drop
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 244 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 90 m
2.7 km away
White Rabbit
Great views of Lake Tahoe and large boulders to drop off of.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Ascent
- 7 m
- Descent
- 371 m
2.7 km away
The Boulders
A perfect spot for powder photoshoots
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 363 m
2.7 km away
Cookie Drop
Large boulder/cliff drop area
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Ascent
- 1 m
- Descent
- 364 m
2.7 km away
The View
Great Views of Lake Tahoe Basin on the Mountain
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Ascent
- 3 m
- Descent
- 367 m
9.3 km away
The Fingers at Tahoe
One of the "Squallywood" zones
Extreme Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 421 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 214 m
9.8 km away
Chute 75 Alternate
A nice option for Chute 75
Severe Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 274 m
- Ascent
- 0 m
- Descent
- 161 m
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Guidebooks in this area
8 routes · Freeride Skiing
Sun and Fresh Pow: Top Freerides near Lake Tahoe
3 routes · Freeride Skiing
The Stuff of Legends: Palisades Tahoe's Most Iconic Lines
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