A splitboard is a snowboard that has two halves that are connected together with latches, commonly referred to as clips for the nose and tail, and hooks that are above and below the bindings. These attach the two halves together. By unlocking the fasteners, a splitboarder can use the two halves of the splitboard like skis to get up the mountain. Riding up the mountain this way, skins are placed on the bottom of the two halves for traction. Skins are strips of material that stretch to cover the entire length of the "ski" for a good grip on the snow coming up the mountain. This is just like how backcountry skiers climb a mountain. And when you get to the top, you can take the board and put it back together and go all the way down! That's the fun part.

No. Resort snowboarding is easy, splitboarding is not.

If you're the type of person who enjoys hiking and snowboarding, then splitboarding should be a lot of fun. The kind of person who likes splitboarding is usually a bit harder than the average snowboarder. When you think of ski lifts as cheating, or when you look down in a ski lift and think, "Man, it would be nice to hike up that mountain so I can see what's up there," or you visualize snowboarding underneath the ski lift , then you are a good candidate for splitboarding. The fun part is exploring. Also, people who enjoy solitude and nature at the same time, who are into outdoor sports, extreme sports, adventure sports or other forms of strenuous outdoor exercise that require stamina, mental toughness and perseverance - these are the few who are proud of the chosen ones. These are the people who think splitboarding is fun.

Mobility uphill and rapid descent through untouched powder are the main advantages. No crowds, beautiful and grandiose views and swagger are also trophies of splitboarders.

Most splitboards are designed to float on powder snow. And if you've ever scaled a mountainside in your snowboard boots when the powder is knee-deep, you can understand how difficult it is to get anywhere.

Taking the board apart and using it to slide forward through these conditions is a huge benefit. You no longer have to break the trail or do your best to follow in the last man's footsteps. Getting down without having to worry about all the skiers and snowboarders on the slopes is another great benefit. And what about the cost? In some areas there are no fees, for example if you do not use the ski lift. That can be a huge saving!

 And what about the cost?

In some areas you will not be charged if you do not use the elevator. That can be a huge saving!

The main disadvantage of splitboarding is that it takes a lot more time and energy to get up the mountain. This might be too boring for some, but like we said before, splitboarders have different goals and motives. Another strong disadvantage is that it can be dangerous, which will be discussed next.

Then there's the fact that most people aren't crazy like you. It's hard to find people to splitboard. Equipment costs, maintenance costs and transport of the equipment are also incurred. But it's the gold at the end of the rainbow we're after, so who cares?

It can definitely be dangerous. Let's get real
become. You can hurt yourself. You could be caught in an avalanche, which is the greatest hazard, and the risk increases the more experienced you become and the further you venture into unfamiliar and technical areas. It can get damn dangerous. But some ski resorts can be just as dangerous. For example, if you are driving in heavy traffic, someone may hit you. That happens all the time. You can fall off your chair at the ski lift.
That happens too.

Yes. Whatever you do, you can minimize the risk. And you should. The first step is the avalanche class. You need to know what conditions precede an avalanche. You need to know how to take care of yourself and others if you find yourself in a situation where you or those with you are caught in an avalanche.

You need avalanche equipment. If you are new to splitboarding, consider doing so at a local ski resort where there are trails to follow with plenty of hikers.

Don't go alone - try to meet people you can call to go with you. Unfortunately, splitboarding can be a lonely adventure. There are times when you might be out there alone. At times like these, it's best to know the territory you're splitboarding in. I studied my local ski slope. I have checked the maps provided. I have hiked the main trails and gorges in the off-season to understand what the terrain is made of and what it looks like when there is no snow. I've snowboarded down every run at this location for 3 years. I'm familiar with it. I know where to go and if something happens someone can spot me pretty quickly. I don't go to places where nobody can find me if something happens. That's where I go when I'm alone. Exploring is safer with a friend or two.

If you climb the side of the mountain all by yourself at your local ski resort to ski down fresh powder snow before the snow groomers hit it and "screw it up", then splitboarding is for you! You are the person who will enjoy splitboarding. When you're looking forward to the ski lifts finally closing for the season so you don't have to witness those "nasty" machines grooming the powder before you can get there, then you feel like you're finally going to be able to snowboard like should be snowboarding. 

 If one of your top 5 experiences in life was looking down a pristine ski slope with a meter of powder snow on it, then lay the first tracks as you glide over what feels like air and watch the snow glisten in the sun in dreamy bliss you descend, that is your vocation, my friend! There is something spiritual about being all alone on the top of a mountain in such conditions and being the only one experiencing it.

That my friend is the answer we found here at splitboardshop.ch.

Yes, you can most definitely try this thing out and see if it's right for you by renting a splitboard, bindings, the poles, a pair of snowboard boots, a helmet, goggles, etc. That is why we are here. Not only that, but we'll also give you a short course on splitboarding safety and discuss things like recognizing avalanche conditions and how to stay safe.