Let’s be real. Most "secret stashes" people brag about are just tracked-out low-angle tree runs they found by accident. But the Eastern Sierra plays by different rules. A snowboarder recently dropped a clip slashing picture-perfect powder turns before threading the needle through Mammoth Lakes' legendary "Hole in the Wall," and it’s a solid reminder of why we ride volcanoes.
The Geology of the Send
This isn't a man-made tunnel or a lucky rockfall. It’s a legitimate ancient lava tube. You are literally riding through the frozen esophagus of the mountain. Located in the sidecountry off Mammoth Mountain—which sits at a respectable 73.1/100 on ShredIndex—this feature is a geological oddity that lures in the brave and the stupid in equal measure.
The recent footage shows the dream scenario: soft snow, filled-in coverage, and a clean exit. But don't let the wide-angle lens fool you. This line is high-consequence terrain.
Why It’s Not For Jerrys
"Hole in the Wall" is sidecountry. That means it is out-of-bounds, unpatrolled, and uncontrolled. There is no ski patrol to sled your broken femur out if you tomahawk inside the cave.
- The Entry: Depending on the snowpack, getting into the tube often requires a mandatory air over sharks (hidden rocks). If you hesitate, you crash. If you crash, you're sliding into a rock funnel.
- The Terrain Trap: It's a chute. If the slope above releases, the tube becomes a firehose of snow, rock, and debris. You do not want to be inside when the mountain decides to clear its throat.
- The Exit: It dumps you out toward Twin Lakes, often requiring a traverse or a hike. If you don't know where you're going, you're in for a long, miserable walk.
Respect the Backcountry
If you're looking to tick this off your list, treat it with the respect it demands. This isn't a park lap. You need to be competent in variable conditions—ice, chunder, and rock are common inside the tube even when the apron is powder.
Before you even think about ducking the rope to find this arch, get your gear dialed. If you are riding sidecountry without a beacon, shovel, and probe, you are a liability to yourself and everyone else on the mountain.
Mandatory Kit:
- Beacon: BCA Tracker 4 Avalanche Beacon - Don't cheap out on your life insurance.
- Shovel: Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel - Moves snow fast when seconds count.
- Probe: Mammut Carbon Probe - Stiff and reliable.
If you're planning a trip to hunt down these lines, you can book your stay in Mammoth Lakes near the base. Just remember: the mountain doesn't care how many Instagram followers you have. Ride smart, ride steep, and come home.
Source: Unofficial Networks
