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Mammoth Mountain Hole in the Wall

Mammoth Mountain

A daring adventure through a natural lava chute

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
3 km
Ascent
74 m
Descent
811 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.6 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
37˚
Mammoth Mountain Hole in the Wall Map

Hole in the Wall is a backcountry ski route that will challenge even advanced skiers, located in the out of bounds area at the back of Mammoth Mountain. It’s a geological rock formation created from cooled lava, which through a process of natural erosion formed a chute in the cliff. So where lava once flowed, now intrepid backcountry skiers shoot down a rocky tunnel.

Description

Begin at the Gondola at the top of Mammoth Mountain California. Traverse down through the woods, being aware of hazards such as rocks and roots, as the route down is on the sunny south facing side of the mountain so tends to have patchier snow coverage than the rest of the resort. The entrance to the Hole in the Wall is extremely steep and prone to ice, so scout out the rough patches before whizzing down this awesome chute.

To get back you need to ski down in the direction of Twin Lakes and do a short spurt of cross country to get yourself back to Tamarack Lodge (1-760-934-2442) and catch the Orange line bus which departs every half hour during the day and will take you right back to the resort.

Difficulty

Difficult

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

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and March

Guidebooks in this area