| What it is | Backcountry snowboarding with a splitboard |
| Splitboard | Splits into 2 skis to climb, reassembles to ride |
| Uphill | Skins + touring mode |
| Equivalent of | Ski touring, for snowboarders |
Splitboarding is backcountry snowboarding using a splitboard — a snowboard that separates lengthwise into two ski-like halves for climbing uphill with skins, then clips back together into a single board for the descent. It’s the snowboarder’s equivalent of ski touring, opening up self-powered access to backcountry terrain, with the same need for avalanche skills and gear.
The snowboard tour
The riding analog of ski touring using climbing skins to reach backcountry terrain on a snowboard.
Frequently asked questions
What is splitboarding?
Splitboarding is touring into the backcountry on a snowboard that splits into two halves. Going uphill, the halves function like skis with climbing skins attached and the bindings pivoting freely; at the top, the rider reassembles the two halves into a normal snowboard and rides down. It's how snowboarders 'earn their turns' away from lifts.
How does a splitboard work?
The board has a lengthwise seam and hardware that lets it separate into two ski-like planks for climbing and clip securely back together for descending. In tour mode you attach skins and walk uphill with free heels; in ride mode you reconnect the halves and reposition the bindings across the seam to snowboard down.
Is splitboarding the same as backcountry snowboarding?
Splitboarding is the most common way to do backcountry snowboarding under your own power, but you can also access backcountry terrain by bootpacking with a solid board or using snowshoes. Splitboarding specifically refers to using the split-apart board, which is far more efficient for longer climbs.
Sources
- Splitboarding — The Mountaineers
- Backcountry travel — Avalanche.org