Snowboarder Falls To Death Just Outside Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA Yesterday

A 31-year-old snowboarder fell to his death just outside of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area boundary yesterday.

Authorities received a call at 3:50pm on Tuesday from an individual that witnessed a snowboarder fall from the cliffs above Twin Lakes.

Local authorities made their way up the mountain to the victim. Sadly, 31-year-old Justin Khoshnevis passed away as a result of the fall.

At the time of the fall, he was alone and came across the ridgeline from “Dragons Tail.” It was determined that he was likely trying to access “Hole In The Wall,” but it isn’t accessible from that route.

Mono County Sheriff’s Department Press Release:

On March 19, 2019, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Mono County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call reporting that a person was seen falling from the cliffs above Twin Lakes, across from Tamarack Lodge and north of “Hole in the Wall.”

Our Dispatch immediately sent personnel from Mono County Paramedics, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department and Mammoth Lakes Police Department. Paramedic and firefighter personnel hiked up to the location of the fall and determined that the individual died as a result of the fall.

Mono County Sheriff’s Office responded to handle the Coroner’s Investigation.

The deceased was identified as Justin Khoshnevis, 31 years old, of Los Alamitos, California. His next of kin was notified shortly after his body was recovered.

It appears that Khoshnevis, who was alone, came across the ridgeline from “Dragon’s Tail,” which is out of bounds from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. He was possibly attempting to ride “Hole in the Wall,” a popular backcountry chute, but it is not accessible from that approach. Khoshnevis’ snowboard was found along the path of his descent.

This tragic incident is a reminder that ski area boundaries are established for your safety. Anything outside the ski area boundary is considered backcountry, and the decision to enter the backcountry should be made with great care. Always ride with a partner; have a plan; know your route; and carry the proper equipment.