Splitboarding is the adventurous way to explore the backcountry with your snowboard. It's a physical challenge that rewards you with first tracks through fresh powder snow. When venturing off-piste with your splitboard, it's essential to have the right knowledge and equipment.

Splitboarding gear

Safe splitboarding requires snowboarding experience, knowledge of avalanche safety, and, of course, the right gear:

  • Splitboard
  • Splitboard interface and bindings
  • Splitboard boots
  • Splitboard climbing skins
  • Splitboard poles
  • Splitboard crampons
  • Avalanche gear
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Snowcountry strap

Splitboard

Naturally, you need a splitboard for splitboarding. Unlike a regular snowboard, a splitboard consists of two halves. When ascending, you split the board lengthwise, and when you reach the top, you connect the two halves and ride down. During snowboarding, two clips at the front and back keep the two halves together, along with the snowboard bindings.

Most splitboards are split versions of regular freeride boards. However, a splitboard does not ride exactly the same. In our experience, the two halves have some independent movement, making a splitboard slightly less rigid than a regular board. Nevertheless, development in this area continues, making splitboards feel more like solid boards.

Creating your own splitboard

In addition to buying a splitboard, you can also make your own splitboard. For this, you'll need an old snowboard that you're willing to cut in half and a Voile DIY Saw Your Old Board Kit. 

Splitboard interface and bindings

You'll need an interface and bindings for splitboarding. The splitboard interface is mounted on your board and has two modes: one for touring (tour mode) and one for splitboarding (ride mode). Then, the bindings are attached to the interface depending on whether you're going to tour uphill or ride downhill, connecting them to either the tour or split mode interface.

Splitboard boots

You might be wondering if you can use regular snowboard boots for splitboarding. The simple answer is yes. However, specific splitboard boots have been developed to make the hiking experience more comfortable. These boots are stiffer and more stable but provide additional movement at the back. For occasional splitboarding, regular snowboard boots work fine. If you plan on splitboarding more frequently or embarking on longer tours, investing in splitboard boots is advisable.

Splitboard climbing skins

To climb uphill with your splitboard, you need climbing skins. Without them, you won't get far. Splitboarding requires special climbing skins because the shape of a splitboard is different from that of a touring ski, which requires skins with a different shape. Splitboard skins are attached to your board using glue and clips.

Splitboard poles

For splitboarding, you'll use telescopic or collapsible poles. You need poles for ascending and may want to stow them while snowboarding. During snowboarding, you usually attach telescopic poles to your backpack, while collapsible poles can be made small enough to fit inside your backpack. Splitboard poles are typically height-adjustable for added comfort during climbs.

Splitboard Crampons

Whether you need crampons depends on your specific plans. Crampons provide extra grip. If you anticipate steep or icy terrain, crampons are a necessity.

Avalanche gear

When splitboarding in off-piste areas, you encounter risks. Off-piste adventures require avalanche knowledge. If you lack this knowledge, make sure you're with someone who has it, such as a mountain guide. In all cases, everyone in your group must have an avalanche kit, which includes:

  • Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
  • Avalanche shovel
  • Avalanche probe

Of course, everyone should also know how to use the avalanche kit. Besides an avalanche kit, an essential addition is a first aid kit. For extra safety, consider purchasing an avalanche airbag. Research has shown that the chance of survival in an avalanche situation is significantly increased with this added protection.

Appropriate clothing

For splitboarding, we recommend using technical clothing. You're often far from the beaten path and need to be self-reliant. You want to be prepared for anything and stay comfortable, considering different temperatures and physical exertion. The three-layer system is perfect for this.

Snowcountry tips for splitboarding

It's not a must, but it's very useful: a ski or snowboard strap. It's an excellent alternative to duct tape, bungee cords, and elastic bands. It allows you to secure, bundle, and repair items easily while on the go. It's always a good idea to bring tools for solving small technical problems. Think beyond the Snowcountry strap to include duct tape and a multitool. Some technical knowledge of your equipment is handy.