Are you tired of waiting at the lift lines? Wish to explore the vast area that you’ve been snowboarding at for the past year? Think you’re ready to take on a challenge? If you answered yes to all these questions, then we welcome you to the exciting world of splitboarding.
Back in the day, snowboarders had to use snowshoes to travel uphill, whereas skiers traveled far easily and quickly without using much energy. Ever since the invention of a split snowboard, the playing field is now even.
What is a Split Snowboard?
Now you must be wondering what a split snowboard does. Well, it’s just what it sounds like: a snowboard cut vertically in half to make the two perfect skis. It seems odd that a snowboard can be split in half and then put back together. A split snowboard comes with great binding systems that allow it to split when you have to walk uphill and then reassemble when a snowboarder has to go down a slope.
Splitboards have become a thing in snowboarding. There are various split boards available now as people have started demanding them more and more each day. A splitboard is available in all types of colors, sizes, and shapes for each type of rider. Most people choose to do DIY. They make their split boards out of already existing boards, but the factory-made split boards are far better and have many advantages, such as they have sealed inside edge, pre-installed clips, and are far stronger.
Why Should You Choose One?
Splitboarding is the perfect way to escape the hustle of the crowds, get a close look at nature with your friends and family along with getting access to unique terrains. A split snowboard gives you the ultimate freedom, allowing you to access untracked snow in the backcountry. It is perfect for when you wish to enjoy the impeccable view of the mountains and stay away from the chaos of the commercial ski areas.
A split snowboard back in the day was heavier than what it is now. Riding a split snowboard now has become as easy and lightweight as riding a regular snowboard. They no longer feel heavy, and most of them have features like reverse camber which ensures a smooth and responsive ride. Splitboard bindings have further improved, which makes the overall split boarding experience amazing.
How a Split Snowboard Works
- Remove the retaining pin, slide the binding backward off the binding plates and the board, and voila, you have successfully removed the bindings!
- Unhook the clips from the nose and tail, and the board will split up. So now you have two boards. The one with the long center edge is for the outside as it offers more hold.
- Fix your bindings to your skis. Position them uphill and attach the toe end with the same retaining pin.
- Time to take out those climbing skins and pull them apart. Clip the front of the skin on the nose of the ski and press down firmly.
- Now that your skis are ready to climb uphill. Adjust your poles accordingly.
- Once reached uphill, don’t forget to transition back to downhill mode. Remove your bindings from the uphill position, attach the board back to one piece and go!
Splitboard vs Snowboard
- A splitboard is a form of snowboard which has been cut in half to provide you the ability to float over the snow.
- A splitboard allows a snowboarder to climb up the mountain the same way a backcountry skier would do, but the only difference now is that instead of wearing it on the back like a regular snowboard, a splitboard sits underneath the feet.
- Once you’ve reached the top of the hill, the splitboarder can easily put back the two halves of the board together, turning it into a snowboard, and ride their way back down.
- The binding used in a splitboard and a snowboard differ. Snowboards use discs or the EST system to connect to the board, whereas the splitboard bindings connect through a sliding interface with a lock.
- Splitboard bindings are easier to carry because they are lightweight, making them the perfect equipment for easy travel hiking. Snowboards, on the other hand, carry more weight.
- A splitboard binding is more durable than a snowboard one as they are mainly for backcountry snowboarding. Materials used to make a splitboard binding are normally carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminum – both are great and known for being light in weight.
Benefits of a Splitboard
- No more stomping in the snow; a splitboard gives you the power to float over the snow as you climb up hills. As a result, you are consuming less energy than you would otherwise.
- Since the board is on your feet, there’s no extra weight to carry
- There’s no need to worry about the next decision you’re going to make, as your splitboard allows you to make instant decisions based on your physical ability.
- Free from the hassle of the daily terrains, explore freely.
- There’s absolutely no need to wait in long lines for the ski lift anymore.
- No extraordinary training is required to use a splitboard; if you know how to work your way with a snowboard, you’re all set for a splitboard.
Our Final Thoughts
Now that you’re aware of the basics, it’s time to get out there and splitboard. Keep in mind that every splitboarder was once a beginner, so fall seven times, get up eight!
