Snowboarding is an exciting sport that attracts thrill-seekers to mountains all around the world. Traditional snowboarding involves descending slopes on a single, solid snowboard, but there is a variation of the sport that’s growing in popularity: splitboarding. This type of snowboarding is designed for riders who want to explore the backcountry, venture beyond ski resort boundaries, and access untracked, untouched powder. If you’ve ever heard of splitboarding but aren’t sure what it entails, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will dive into what splitboarding is, how it works, and why it’s become a favorite among snowboarders looking to experience the mountain in a whole new way.
What Is Splitboarding?
Splitboarding is a form of snowboarding where a snowboard is divided into two separate ski-like sections that can be used to climb uphill before reattaching to form a regular snowboard for downhill riding.
Essentially, a splitboard is a hybrid between a snowboard and skis. Riders use the splitboard’s separate sections with specialized bindings to “skin” up the mountain, similar to backcountry skiers, and then reassemble the board to descend the mountain in the traditional snowboarding style.
Unlike traditional snowboarding, which requires lifts or a steep enough slope to ride, splitboarding allows riders to access remote areas of the mountain and ride through untouched snow, away from the crowded resort trails. It combines the thrill of snowboarding with the challenge of backcountry hiking, offering a unique experience for those looking to explore more difficult terrain.
How Does Splitboarding Work?
1. The Equipment
The key to splitboarding is the equipment. While splitboards resemble regular snowboards, they are designed to be separated into two skis for uphill travel. Here are the primary components involved in splitboarding:
Splitboard: This is a snowboard that is specifically designed to split into two skis. When separated, each ski is equipped with a metal edge for grip on icy or hard snow conditions. The two sections are attached by a specialized binding system, allowing riders to adjust their equipment for climbing and riding down the slopes.
Bindings: Splitboard bindings are different from traditional snowboard bindings. For uphill climbing, splitboard bindings attach to each ski. For descending, the bindings can be adjusted to work like standard snowboard bindings. The bindings are designed to allow the rider to switch between uphill and downhill riding easily.
Climbing Skins: These are attached to the bottom of the skis when climbing uphill. The skins are made of materials like mohair or nylon and feature a textured surface that grips the snow, allowing the rider to ascend the mountain without sliding backward. They can be easily removed when it’s time to switch to downhill riding.
Poles: Splitboarders often use poles for assistance during the uphill climb. These poles are similar to ski poles and help the rider maintain balance and rhythm when skinning up the mountain.
2. Climbing with the Splitboard
The process of climbing with a splitboard is known as “skinning.” Once the splitboard is separated into two skis, the rider attaches climbing skins to the base of the skis. These skins allow the snowboarder to grip the snow and move upward. The bindings are designed to pivot at the toe, so the rider’s heel is free to rise and fall, which mimics the movement of skiing.
The rider uses the poles to assist with balance and provide extra propulsion, similar to how cross-country skiers move.
Climbing can be slow and steady, especially on steep slopes, but the advantage of skinning is that the rider is not restricted by the need for a ski lift or resort boundaries. This opens up many possibilities for riders to explore more remote areas.
3. Switching to Snowboarding Mode
After reaching the top of the mountain, the rider removes the climbing skins and reattaches the two ski sections back together to form a single snowboard. The bindings are adjusted into the typical snowboard mode, and the rider is ready to descend the mountain. This is where the splitboard rider can enjoy the traditional snowboarding experience: carving through powder, navigating through trees, and riding untouched terrain.
4. Downhill Riding
Once the snowboard is reassembled, it operates just like a regular snowboard. The ride down can be more challenging and rewarding, as splitboarders are often accessing terrain that’s far less crowded and more rugged than what’s available in a ski resort. The descent may involve navigating through deep powder or technical backcountry terrain, requiring more skill and experience than typical resort snowboarding.
Why Do People Choose Splitboarding?
Splitboarding appeals to snowboarders for several reasons. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Access to Remote Terrain
One of the most significant advantages of splitboarding is that it allows riders to access backcountry terrain that is typically inaccessible by lift-served skiing or snowboarding. This opens up endless opportunities for adventure, as riders can explore untouched snow and remote areas away from crowded ski resorts. For many, the appeal of getting off the beaten path and experiencing untouched powder is one of the biggest draws of splitboarding.
2. Physical Challenge
Splitboarding is not just about descending the mountain; it’s also about climbing up it. Skinning up the mountain requires a level of fitness, stamina, and strength. Splitboarding provides a full-body workout, engaging the legs, core, and upper body as the rider works to ascend the mountain. For many snowboarders, the physical challenge adds another dimension to the sport, combining the thrill of riding with the satisfaction of climbing.
3. Avoiding Crowds
Traditional snowboarding often takes place at ski resorts, which can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Splitboarding, on the other hand, takes riders to more secluded areas where they can enjoy the freedom of untracked terrain without the hassle of crowded runs or long lift lines. For those who crave solitude and a more peaceful snowboarding experience, splitboarding offers the perfect solution.
4. More Control and Flexibility
Because splitboarders are not bound by ski lifts, they have more control over their route and the type of terrain they want to explore.
Riders can choose to explore more technical routes, seek out deep powder, or simply ride in areas that are off-limits to lift-access snowboarding. The flexibility to choose your path and experience the mountain in a more personal way is one of the key attractions of splitboarding.
Is Splitboarding for Everyone?
While splitboarding is an exciting and rewarding sport, it’s not for beginners or those who are unfamiliar with snowboarding or backcountry travel. Splitboarding requires a solid understanding of snowboarding basics and the ability to navigate the challenges of backcountry terrain.
Before attempting splitboarding, it’s essential to have experience snowboarding in resort areas and be comfortable riding in varying snow conditions. It’s also important to have knowledge of avalanche safety, as backcountry conditions can pose serious risks. Many splitboarders take avalanche safety courses and carry essential gear, such as beacons, probes, and shovels, to ensure they can respond to emergencies in the backcountry.
Additionally, splitboarding requires specialized equipment, which can be an investment for those new to the sport. The board itself, bindings, skins, poles, and avalanche safety gear all add up. For those who are interested in splitboarding but don’t want to commit to purchasing the full setup, many shops offer rentals.
Conclusion
Splitboarding is an exciting and challenging variation of snowboarding that offers snowboarders the opportunity to explore the backcountry and access untouched terrain. By using a splitboard that can be separated into skis for climbing and reassembled for downhill riding, riders can explore remote areas, enjoy the freedom of untracked snow, and experience a full-body workout. While it’s not for beginners, splitboarding offers experienced snowboarders a unique and rewarding way to experience the mountain.
