What is splitboarding and what is a splitboard?
In short: splitboarding is like ski touring with a snowboard . A splitboard is an almost normal snowboard that can be split in half. You can use the splitboard halves to go up the mountain, just like you would with ski touring. At the top, the split board is put back together and you can ski down like a normal snowboard.
The term itself, as is often the case, comes from English and is quickly explained: “split” means divided. A “split board” is nothing other than a snowboard that can be split into two halves.
How is a splitboard different from a regular snowboard?
The main difference is that the board can be split for walking and uses special bindings that can be used in ascent or descent mode .
The construction of splitboards and normal snowboards is fundamentally the same: a sandwich construction consisting of a wood core and a fabric composite.
Differences can be found in the details:
- There are two additional steel edges on the inside . This is important to ensure good edge grip when climbing.
- The arrangement of the inserts for splitboard bindings differs from the arrangement of normal binding inserts. There are also additional inserts for the ascent mode.
- Since you have to earn your altitude with the splitboard, the weight of the board also plays a role. In high-quality splitboards, selected, lightweight materials such as basalt or carbon are used instead of glass fibers in order to achieve a good balance between downhill and ascent characteristics.
- Most splitboards have mounting holes for the climbing skins so that they can be attached quickly and easily.
- The board halves must be held securely together in downhill mode. In addition to the bindings, special connecting elements are responsible for this. There are clips between the bindings and the ends of the board to which the board halves are attached. There are also hooks on the nose and tail of the board to further secure the halves.
How to use a splitboard?
Here you first have to differentiate between the ascent mode (hike mode) and the descent mode (ride mode). As already mentioned, you split the splitboard into two halves for the ascent. The binding is mounted on special holders (touring brackets). This allows you to move it around this axis and you can walk with it. To prevent the board from simply slipping, splitboard skins must be put on. If the splitboard halves are pushed forward with a step, they glide easily over the snow. When you move backwards, the many small hairs on the climbing skins get caught in the snow and prevent the "skis" from slipping backwards.
At the summit, the skins are removed and stowed in the backpack. The board halves are put back together using the connecting elements and the bindings are mounted in downhill mode. They are locked onto special adapters and help significantly to make the board torsionally rigid.
Advantages of a splitboard
1. You can save yourself expensive lift tickets
With the hefty prices of up to almost €90 for a day pass, you'll think twice about whether you really want to squeeze into overcrowded gondolas or stand in long lift lines. Splitboard equipment is initially a little more expensive than pure snowboard equipment, but after a few days of touring, you'll quickly be back in profit.
2. Exercise in the great outdoors
Another advantage is that you can move around in open terrain away from the crowds. Instead of enduring the noise from the umbrella bar, you can stand alone on a summit with a few friends and enjoy the peace and quiet and the panorama.
3. Full body fitness training
To earn your descent, you first have to climb a few meters. It's an excellent full-body workout, as not only do your legs have to work hard, but your core muscles are also challenged with every step and every hairpin bend.
4. Splitboarding is a great way to relieve stress
Stressed at home, frustrated at work? Splitboarding is a great way to find inner peace. On the way up you can switch off, enjoy the view and get away from the stress of everyday life. On the way down to the top you can concentrate fully on the terrain where you want to make your next turn. You are completely in the flow and all the stress of everyday life disappears, so you are much more relaxed after a strenuous tour.
5. Untouched deep snow!
Snowboarding down an untouched deep snow slope, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views, is simply unique. There is nothing comparable that gives you such an adrenaline rush. This sport takes you to breathtaking places and you are also doing something good for your health.
Frequently asked questions from our customers
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The board size should depend primarily on your body weight . General statements are usually not helpful, as there can be big differences between different board models. That's why you'll always find a size chart on the product pages of our boards, which will give you an initial orientation.
In addition , your shoe size and body size should also be taken into account when choosing the size. It is especially important to have a board that is tailored to your weight when going uphill. Otherwise, you could sink too deep in deep snow or not be able to get a secure grip on the edges on harder traverses. Both of these costs valuable energy, which is then missing for the descent.
If in doubt, just ask us , we will be happy to help you.
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With the choice of different shapes, it is often difficult to decide which board is best for you personally. It all depends on your preferences:
- Are you always looking for the next jump and want to do tricks in the backcountry? A freestyle splitboard with a twin tip would be a good choice.
- As a powder lover, are you always looking for the deepest snow and want effortless float? Then you're best off skiing and walking with a powder shape .
- Do you want to climb the highest peaks and ride challenging lines? In that case, a fairly classic freeride shape might suit you well.
Are you still undecided? Then ask our board finder or get advice from our experts !
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For tours on the slopes, tours from the ski resort or even if you just want to take a board with you on holiday, it is important that a splitboard can also be used on the slopes. This works very well with all of our boards and we have often received feedback from our customers that they prefer to use their splitboard rather than their normal snowboard for days in the ski resort.
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Are you looking for a complete set? Then take a look at our pre-configured splitboard sets . This saves you the trouble of looking for the individual components, you don't have to worry about whether everything fits together and you also save money compared to the individual prices.
You can also find a detailed overview of all the parts you need in our Splitboard Beginner’s Guide .
