Everything You Need to Start Splitboarding, According to Experts

Ibarra calls the Weston Backwoods a “really versatile board.” Because you will likely be carrying more gear, like food, water, and safety equipment, than at the resort, you’ll be putting more weight on your board, so consider going slightly larger in size. Tsuo says Weston’s “rule of thumb is to size up 3-5 cm.” But with all of the variables involved, he says it’s worth a visit to a local shop to talk to someone in person. In fact, if you’re unsure about new gear, our experts said that many shops offer rental or test programs — and some will even offer classes to help show you techniques.

Morgan Tilton, a Colorado-bornadventure journalistwho’s been snowboarding, skiing, and splitboarding down the state’s snowy slopes for years, says this all-terrain splitboard has proven “impervious to major damage” year after year, thanks to its durable wood core. “Regardless of the snow conditions in high-alpine terrain, I’ve found that the Solution grips ice and floats through fresh turns, thanks to its hybrid rocker-camber-rocker construction — the cambered center rises off the ground, while the tip and tail curve upward — and directional shape with a nose that’s wider, longer, and more upturned.”

Editor’s note: The splitboard is in limited stock at both retailers; CampSaver allows shoppers to place back orders for styles that are currently out of stock.

Splitboard bindings are unique in that they allow you to snowboard normally, but then when you split the board to climb, the bindings twist to position your feet in line with the board. “Hands down, Spark R&D has the best binding interface,” Ibarra says. Lazarus agrees: “Spark R&D is a great company. They’re super-reliable.” At 2 pounds, 7 ounces, Arc Pro bindings are extremely light, thanks to their carbon and aluminum construction. They also include a two-setting heel riser. If you’re going across flat terrain, your boot can sit level with the ski, but heel risers lift your heel to limit strain to your calf when you’re climbing steep terrain. They make it so your boot heel rests an inch or so above your actual ski. This means you can stand flat footed, even if the hill you’re standing on is sloped. You’ll also need special hardware calledpucks, which mount the binding to your board. To ensure compatibility, get them from the same brand that makes your bindings.

Skins give the bottom of your board grip, allowing them to stick to the snow so you actually move up the mountain as you hike. They’re usually made of directional nylon or mohair that slides forward in your stride but grips the snow for traction when you push back for your next step. They stick easily to the bottom of the board and peel off just as easily when it’s time to ride down. “I have been using Pomoca skins for the last four years,” says Lazarus. “I really like them. They’re lightweight, and the ratio of glide to grip is pretty awesome.” Johnson points out that some brands, including K2, will even sell their splitboards in akitthat includes skins, saving you a bit of money.

For beginners, Tilton suggests the G3 Universal skins, which are made of nylon. “Nylon is grippier than mohair (another material used to make skins), making it a better material for beginners, because it helps prevent you from sliding backward downhill as you hone your technique.”

Poles help you keep your balance and push uphill. Plus, Lazarus says, “if you fall in deep powder or sit down without them, it can be superhard to stand up.” Collapsible options aren’t quite as strong as unibody poles, but they can be stored in your bag if you decide you don’t need them. The Expedition 3 is what Lazarus uses, and Ibarra suggests them, too.

If you plan to bounce between splitboarding and skiing, Tilton recommends these poles. Like the Black Diamond poles above, Voile’s are collapsible, making them easy to store when you don’t need them. “And,” Tilton says, “one pole has a scraper above its hand grip, which is great for clearing ice from my pucks during transitions from skis to splitboard and flipping my heel riser up and down on the skin track.”

Since splitboarding typically takes you away from resorts, you have to carry your own amenities with you. Bags are great for storing your layers, food, water, and safety equipment. The BCA Stash 30 has winter-sport-specific features, like a freeze-proof hydration sleeve and plenty of places to stash unused poles.