When most people hear the term “South Lake” they probably think of the Super Pipe at Sierra Tahoe or the parks at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe. There is however another South Lake about an hour south of Mammoth Mountain near the small town of Bishop, California.

The major difference between the two is that there’s no resorts at this South Lake or magic carpet rides to take you to the top. There’s no park maintenance crew to build you the perfect jump and the terrain features are they type that only Mother Nature could create. Here you’ll find everything from big peaks and steep chutes to bowls and windlips. There’s enough sick terrain to keep you busy for days.

At this South Lake you can drive to 9,800ft which is almost 1000ft higher than the top of Sierra Tahoe and just a couple hundred feet shy of Heavenly’s top elevation. From the parking lot you’ll work your way along the west shore of South Lake to the snow-line and hit whatever looks good. If you’re into late season riding and don’t mind a little effort you should check it out for sure.

Here’s some recent pics from the beginning of May, enjoy.

pics by danmingoriphotography.com

The view from the parking lot.

Skinning up to the goods.

Booting the last few steps to a random chute.

Riding.

Back up for another run.

Doubles.

Looking back.

Take a load off.

To see more pics from this TR or to learn more about splitboarding, check out www.splitboard.com