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Emigrant Bowl Approach

Kirkwood

Lake Tahoe

The way into the Emigrant Bowl (known as West Side by the locals) now that the Covered Wagon lift has closed.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
2.3 km
Ascent
234 m
Descent
67 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.8 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
26˚
Emigrant Bowl Approach Map

The closure of the Covered Wagon lifts has made this approach slightly longer but it is still well worth the effort to reach these lines. The approach can be done on foot or skins and which option you choose will likely depend on what kit you have, and how deep the snow looks. If you don't have skins then a bit of clever micro route finding will minimise your uphill.

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 November and April