Touring with snowshoes and a snowboard attached to a backpack is rather dated now. The new trend is hiking uphill with little weight and much more comfort, whether in a ski resort next to the slopes or in open terrain. Splitboarders who time should definitely enlist an experienced qualified guide.
Make sure you check the current in the area where you want to go splitboarding.
What exactly is a splitboard?
A splitboard is a snowboard that, as the name suggests, can be split in half down the middle. Ski edge tools on all sides provide both parts of the splitboard with sufficient grip on the mountain, giving it the properties of touring skis.
Special mounting and a sophisticated binding system perfectly equip the splitboard for the ascent. Of course, climbing skins are needed, too, which are easily attached.
Once the splitboarders have arrived at the peak, the skins are removed, the board is assembled with just a few simple actions and the binding for the descent is attached. This may require some effort in cold or bad weather, so it’s worth practising the assembly process at home where it’s warm to make sure each step can be carried out without spending too much time on it.
What kind of equipment do I need for splitboarding?
In order to enjoy the freedom and to be able to go splitboarding safely and independently in open terrain, you’ll need the right equipment. The following are must-haves in the backcountry that you can’t do without during splitboarding.
Splitboard
Find the right board for you. Its size and weight, the terrain as well as your skills are key aspects. In open terrain, the board can be a little bigger, providing you with increased stability when you’re facing more demanding turns and greater speeds.
Based on different shapes, whether Freestyle or Freeride, this can vary quite a bit and depends on your own preferences as well as where you want to go splitboarding. But in general, not much can go wrong with the length between nose and tail.
Binding
In order to complement your kit, you also need the appropriate binding. Binding for splitboarding is lighter in weight and can be individually adjusted.
For steeper ascents, the binding features climbing bars which can easily be flipped up and down with the pole. If you want to use the usual binding, which is possible, you’ll need a special interface and adapters.
Climbing skins
When going uphill, climbing skins are attached under the splitboard halves. Ready-made, matching skins are available for most boards.
Otherwise, the skins are cut to size and adapted.
Tip: The important thing is that the ski edge tools must remain free.
Boots
Special boots for splitboarding are perfectly adapted to the splitboarder’s needs. During an ascent, in particular, they offer greater freedom of movement and are often suitable for crampons.
Splitboarders who would like to save some cash can use conventional snowboard boots. To guarantee ideal support and stability, the boots should be a bit more rigid and fit perfectly.
Folding poles
You should be able to fold the poles and make them small enough so that they fit in your backpack or can be securely attached to the outside.
Avalanche airbags
A comfortable, perfectly fitting backpack is a must, of course. In addition to airbag, shovel and probe, you also need space for snacks, energy bars and plenty of fluids.
Beacon
A beacon is indispensable in the backcountry. Make sure you’re ALWAYS wearing your beacon right on your body, even during an ascent, and check that it’s set for transmitting.
Before you leave your accommodation, have a look at the battery charge and do a partner check ahead of the tour.
Of course, the usual snowboarding equipment, such as a helmet, gloves etc. are also needed for splitboarding. For a complete list of what to pack for backcountry tours, see our Base Camp Blog.
But where will you go?
Splitboarding in a ski resort
Splitboarders looking for a sporting challenge but want to play it safe and don’t want to be without their creature comforts and their well-deserved Kaiserschmarren pancakes, can’t go wrong with piste touring in a ski resort. The ascent takes place next to or on the edge of the piste and the descent on perfectly prepared slopes.
For safety reasons, however, you should always ask if that’s allowed and which slopes are suitable. Many ski resorts offer certain times of the day or days of the week when this isn’t a problem. Don’t diverge from routes listed on the piste plan to avoid endangering yourself as well as skiers and snowboarders on the slopes.
Splitboarding in open terrain
Crowded ski resorts, never-ending queues for the ski lift and loud, annoying music from countless bars along the piste. Get away from the hustle and bustle and escape into the heights of a delightful winter wonderland where the snow grouse and the chamois buck roam free. The splitboard helps snowboarders climb into the wonderful world of mountains and nature.
Through snow-covered woods and out into the open, ideally along a designated route, to the peak of the mountain. Establishing a route yourself isn’t easy and requires experience and expertise.
As soon as the terrain becomes steeper, kick turns are implemented. But this turning manoeuvre is quite tricky. It’s best to practise this method of ascending in easy terrain ahead of the first proper tour.
Before venturing out, safety must be your top priority. An avalanche awareness course is indispensable ahead of your first time splitboarding in open terrain. How to act in the backcountry and how to use your beacon, probe, shovel etc. should be refreshed every year and practised regularly. Before each trip, make sure to check the avalanche warning levels and snow conditions.
Be careful! Avalanches don’t stop for anyone.
