This 5-minute check can save your splitboard season start
Imagine this: You're about to enjoy the first powder of the season, but your bindings are wobbly, your skins aren't sticking properly, or something is jamming when you switch from uphill to downhill. Suddenly, you're standing freezing in the snow, fiddling around with clammy fingers—and the long-awaited start to the season turns into a frustrating moment.
Such mishaps happen quickly – especially at the start of the season, when your board has been 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 this from happening, here's your compact checklist for gear checks before the start of the splitboard season . In five minutes, you can check your setup, identify weak points before it's too late—and start your first day of touring with confidence.
Splitboard – Surface, edges & connecting elements
Surface:
Take a close look at the surface. Deep scratches? Then repair them (or have them repaired). Dry, dull, or grayish spots? → Wax! This will make your board glide better and protect the surface.
Edge:
Are the edges still sharp? Sharp edges ensure safety during ascents and descents.
Fasteners:
Check the tip/tail clips and hooks – are all the screws tight? Are all the moving parts working properly? If something is stuck, a drop of silicone oil will help. You should also check the board alignment: Is the positioning of the two board halves still clean and stable?
Check bindings & interface
Straps & Buckles:
Are all straps intact, free of cracks, and moving smoothly? Also check that all screws are tightened.
Ride/Hike mode:
Does the conversion work smoothly? Test the entire process. If it's not working, a drop of silicone oil or a quick cleaning will help.
Interface (pucks/disks, touring brackets):
Check that all screws are still tight and that there's no play in the bindings. Loose bindings can be dangerous on downhill rides.
Check furs
Adhesive side:
Is the adhesive surface clean and do the skins still adhere reliably? Age and storage can affect the adhesive strength.
Fur side:
Does the coat 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 major problems.
Care: Wax or waterproof skins as needed – this ensures a more energy-saving climb and prevents the formation of cleats.
Check telescopic poles
Often forgotten…
Telescopic function:
Are the poles easy to extend and secure? 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
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Check early:
Don't wait until a day or two before your first ride to check your equipment. This leaves time for repairs or visits to the workshop. -
Dry running :
Completely rebuild your splitboard at home (ascent ↔ descent). This way, you'll quickly notice whether everything is working smoothly.
With this gear check, you'll be perfectly prepared: your board, bindings, skins, and poles will be checked, and any minor weak points will be identified and addressed early on – allowing you to start the season relaxed and safe. This way, your first tour will be not only fun but also worry-free.
If you're looking for more splitboarding tips, check out our other blog posts. There you'll find guides on technique, backcountry safety, and gear care – all concise and practical.