This 5-minute check can save your splitboard season start

Imagine this: You want to enjoy the first powder of the season, but your bindings are loose, your skins aren't sticking properly, or something's jammed when you switch from uphill to downhill mode. Suddenly you're standing freezing in the snow, fiddling with numb fingers – and the long-awaited start to the season turns into a frustrating experience.

These kinds of mishaps happen quickly – especially at the start of the season when your board has been sitting in the basement for months and you just want to get going. Small oversights can ruin your trip – or in the worst case, even become dangerous.

To prevent exactly that from happening, here's your compact checklist for a splitboard gear check at the start of the season. In five minutes you can check your setup, find weaknesses before it's too late – and start your first day of touring with peace of mind.

Splitboard – Base, edges & connecting elements

Topping:
Take a close look at the base. Deep scratches? Then repair them (or have them repaired). Dry, dull, or grayish spots? → Wax them! This will make your board glide better and protect the base.

Edge:
Are the edges still sharp? Sharp edges ensure safety when ascending and descending.

Connecting elements:
Check the tip/tail clips and hooks – are all the screws tight? Are all the moving parts working properly? If something is sticking, a drop of silicone oil will help. You should also check the board alignment: Is the positioning of the two board halves still matching and stable?

Check bindings & interface

Straps & buckles:
Are all straps intact, free of cracks, and move smoothly? Also check that all screws are tightened securely.

Ride/Hike mode:
Does the conversion work smoothly? Test the entire process once. If something is a bit sticky, a drop of silicone oil or a quick cleaning should help.

Interface (pucks/disks, touring brackets):
Check that all screws are tight and the bindings have no play. Loose bindings can be dangerous when skiing downhill.

Check skins

Adhesive side:
Is the adhesive surface clean and are the skins still adhering reliably? Age and storage conditions can impair the holding power.

Skin side:
Does the surface still look good? Heavily worn or even bald patches reduce climbing ability. You can carefully trim frayed edges with nail scissors and lightly seal them with a lighter before they cause bigger problems.

Maintenance: Wax or waterproof skins as needed – this ensures an energy-saving ascent and prevents snow bunions from forming.

Check telescopic poles

Telescopic function:
Are the poles easy to extend and lock into place? No jamming or wobbling? If so, lightly oil them – but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our tips for a stress-free start to the season

• Check early:
  Don't wait until one or two days before your first ride to check your equipment. This leaves time for repairs or visits to a repair shop.
  

• Dry run :
  Completely reconfigure your splitboard at home (uphill and downhill sections). This way you'll quickly see if everything works smoothly.

This equipment check ensures you're perfectly prepared: board, bindings, skins, and poles are inspected, minor weaknesses are identified and can be addressed early – allowing you to start the season relaxed and safe. This way, your first tour will not only be fun but also worry-free.

If you're looking for more tips about splitboarding, it's worth checking out our other blog posts. There you'll find guides on technique, backcountry safety, and equipment maintenance – all concise and practical.

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