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Smoothie

Lake Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe

A spring classic

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
1.9 km
Ascent
28 m
Descent
348 m
Low Point
2.3 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
33˚
Smoothie Map

This run involves a long traverse that ends with a fun "side country" type of run. This run is only open in the spring, usually only for a few hours in the morning. Check with Ski Patrol at the top of Granite Chief chair for current status. From the top of Granite Chief Chair, traverse above Hidden Bowl, staying as high as possible. You will have to sidestep or push at times. You will be on the ridge line above Granite Glades and then proceed through the ski area boundary rope line. After a few hundred yards more traversing you can choose your descent along the south facing slope on your right. It would be very wise to go with someone who knows the terrain for your first few visits. There are rocks, cliffs and trees throughout this area and even a couple of hollows to be aware of. You will see the Silverado chair line as you get lower; link up with Oregon Trail towards the bottom of Smoothie and follow Oregon Trail to the base of Silverado. Watch for the secondary ski area boundary signs on skiers left and don't go past them. Be aware of etiquette while traversing and don't stop in the traverse track and block other skiers behind you. You need to be a strong skier to make the long traverse and to enjoy and be safe on the actual run. It's easy to get cliffed out and this is a huge area, so if you fall in a hollow, you may not be seen.

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

3 out of 4

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

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

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Guidebooks in this area