intro to splitboarding

How To Get Started in Splitboarding

Splitboarding is a great way to skip the lift lines, avoid the crowds, explore nature, hang out with your friends, and get access to unique terrain. It may seem easy to purchase the gear, and get out and start exploring, but splitboarding doesn’t come without its own unique challenges.

Tired of standing in line waiting for the next chair, or do you just want to avoid crowds all together and find peace and solitude in a quiet snow filled forest? Splitboarding gives us that ability.

Tell Me About Splitboarding

All a splitboard really is, is a snowboard that has been cut in half vertically to make two ski’s. You can make one yourself (which we will cover later), or you can pick from a long list of great snowboard brands that have ready to ride splitboards. Once you have your splitboard picked out you will also need to pickup a pair of skins, which are traction devices that adhere to the base of your split-board, and allow you to walk uphill without sliding backwards. Next we will need to select a pair of splitboard specific bindings, last but not least you will want a pair of collapsable poles to help on the ascent.

Okay so how does a Splitboard work?

Odd one isn’t it? A board that splits in half for the ascent, and then we put it back together to enjoy a powder filled ride down with your friends. The DIY Option is where you take an older board, cut it down the middle, install some hardware from companies like Voile, or Karakoram to help the board when you’re ready to go back into ride mode. The downside is you lose a metal edge. With a factory made split you have a full wrap around metal edge that provided added traction and stability, as well as the boarding being fully sealed and able to keep moisture out. You will also have pre-installed factory inserts, and clips.

Cutting an old board isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a challenge and patience is key. You could easily turn your favorite resort snowboard into the perfect backcountry powder chaser. There are however loads of other options for the non-DIY’ers to choose from when it comes to splitboarding. Also splits are designed to give you the most performance from riding without losing the abilities of a solid board. Splitting your own board in the DIY way, can cause a loss in performance on the way down. Something to keep in mind if you decide to go that route. The DIY method can also save you some money.

For more info on the DIY part, check out Voile’s guide on a split kit DIY: https://www.voile.com/voile-split-kit-diy.html

What Splitboard Should I Get?

Finding the right splitboard can seem like a daunting task. When choosing your resort riding snowboard, you often take into consideration your height and weight, as well as the type of riding that you’re going to be doing. The same is true for splitboarding. There are many different types of splitboards to choose from. While this isn’t a comprehensive guide this will at least get you started on your journey to finding the board to suit your needs and riding style.

Womens Splitboards

Don’t feel like you have to compromise and settle for a mens splitboard. There are plenty of women specific splitboards out there. They come in similar shapes, but oftentimes have a slightly softer flex and sizes to fit your needs.

Freeride Splitboards

Freeride Splitboards are often directional and give you a stiffer ride. You’ll have camber under foot with early rise rocker so you can float in powder but be able to handle tougher technical lines

Powder Splitboards

The name says it all. Powder specific splits are going to give you optimal float in deeper powder. These boards come in a couple of different shapes, tend to be directional with a larger nose and shorter tail. Modern powder boards don’t need to be long, as board shape design has squeezed out the most to ensure fun surfy turns when riding in powder.

Freestyle Splitboards

Freestyle splitboards typically are twin shaped and when selecting a board like this you may want to consider a slightly larger board than your resort board. Afterall when splitboarding you’re typically on the hunt for powder.

Splitboard Sizing

Similar to how you would size your resort snowboard, you will want to take into consideration a couple of factors with your split. Here in Vermont, we typically have tighter trees, and terrain in general. Bigger isn’t always better. Modern Splitboard shapes have a shorter tail, and a wider nose with an off set stance. This will let you have float in powder without sacrificing performance. You will only lose out when riding switch. Really it comes down to preference. The bigger the board the harder it will be to navigate tight tree runs. Take into consideration your riding style, and where you want to ride when sizing your splitboard. When in doubt, drop us a line, or stop by your local gear shop and connect with an expert!

Binding system types for splitboards

There are a couple of different binding types for splitboards. They can seem complicated but really the binding systems are quite simple. The Voile setup has a set of pucks with plates that can attach to a bottom of a binding. Alternatively you can choose from companies like Spark who make their bindings to fit on the Voile pucks. You can also look at a binding setups from Karakoram which has its own interface for mounting, and as well as bindings. Karakoram mounting and binding system is designed to work with only Karakoram gear. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Splitboard Climbing Skins

Splitboard Climbing Skis are the tool that gives us the traction we need to walk ourway up hill. Climbing skins have attachments at the tip and tail. One side has a sticky glue substance, and the other side has hairs, whether they are natural, or synthetic in nature. Skins have to be cut to fit the shape of the ski, and in some cases sized to fit the length of the ski. Some splitboard companies sell their own skins that are designed to fit the skis specifically and are typically sized to length to fit the board. The skins work by provide glide when moving forward but the fibers are able to grip the snow and keep you from sliding backwards. Make sure you pickup splitboard specific skins, and not skins for skis. Splitboard specific skins are designed to fit the shape of each individual ski they attach to.

Splitboard Crampons

Splitboard Crampons for touring in Vermont are not needed. If the pitch is that steep or icy you probably shouldn’t be there, or need to change your approach. Crampons are really designed to give you grip on glaciers or touring open ice fields (we don’t have those here in VT).

Splitboard Poles

There are several different types of poles. You have collapsable and telescoping. The collapsable poles can break apart into several pieces allowing you to tuck them away in your pack. Some telescoping also fit in your bag. You want to make sure the pole fits your height, typically with a 90 degree bend in your elbow when the pole is touching the ground.

Avalanche Gear

Avalanche Gear, and most importantly how to use your Beacon, Shovel, and Probe are essential for any splitboarder. Gaining intimate knowledge of how to use this gear when recreating in the backcountry will make sure that you and your friends are safe should an avalanche occur.

As it relates to Vermont, while avalanches are rare, they do occur, and as backcountry enthusiasts, we need to be able to assess the terrain, snow conditions, and again know how to use our beacon, shovel, and probe.

Beacon

An avalanche beacon is simply a device that emits a signal, and can also receive signals from other beacons. This is a critical piece of backcountry gear and should not be overlooked. A beacon allows you to be found, while also ensuring you can find a member of our splitboard group that might become buried in an avalanche. We highly recommend doing your research, and purchasing a reliable beacon, brand new, and not second hand. Know how to use your beacon, and practice with it often. When your avalanche beacon is not in use please remember to remove the batteries when storing for long periods of time. Battery acid can leak out and damage internal components rendering your beacon useless when you may need it the most.

Shovel

A shovel is a piece of equipment that we can use not only to dig our test pits, but also to help dig out a buried member of our splitboard crew. The best shovels are going to be made out of metal, most likely aluminum and have a D Shaped handle. Do not purchase a plastic shovel as these can break. There are many shovels on the market, and we would recommend purchasing a shovel that can be quickly deployed out of your pack, and has a larger width blade. Sometimes saving weight for human powered endeavours isn’t worth it.

Check out this great article from BCA on Traditional vs. Hoe Mode Shoveling Techniques.

Probe

Probes allow us to pinpoint someone who may have become buried on feet of snow from an avalanche. The longer the probe the better! Chat with a local splitboard gear outfitter for recommended probe length. This can vary, but typically the longer the better.