Backcountry snowboarding: options for climbing… and why the splitboard is the best

Ahhh, creaking chairlifts, packed slopes, endless queues… Admit it, it spoils the fun a bit. What if you left all that behind to carve your own path away from the crowds? That’s what backcountry snowboarding is all about: climbing under your own steam to better savour the descent.

But to get up the mountain on a snowboard, you need a plan. There are several options, some more practical than others… and then there’s the splitboard, designed for touring by snowboarders. We’ll explain it all.

Backcountry snowboarding: a discipline in its own right

When we talk about backcountry snowboarding, it’s not just about hiking in the mountains with a snowboard under your arm. It’s a different way of approaching the sport, almost a philosophy… are we going too far? Perhaps. But imagine: you leave the resorts, the ski lifts, the overpriced lift passes, and you choose the slow climb, the rewarding effort and the 100% well-earned descent.

And mind you, we’re not talking about a leisurely stroll like Nordic walking on snow. No, backcountry snowboarding is a proper outing in the mountains. It could be a 600m climb to find a couloir that no one’s touched, a day trip to a secluded valley known only to chamois, or even a mini two-day expedition, with a night in a mountain hut or a tent if you’ve got the nerve (and the sleeping bag).

What makes backcountry snowboarding so great?

• Total freedom: you choose your spot, your pace, your route

• The silence: just the rustling of the skins, the breath of the wind, the snow beneath your boots

• And that incredible feeling of ‘earning’ your descent

But to experience that, you still need the right kit… and the right technique for climbing.

The 3 options for climbing on a touring snowboard

Let’s get straight to the point. Fancy a snowboarding tour? Great. But how are you going to get up there? Remember, we said: no ski lifts, no conveyor belts, no snowmobiles… Here are the three main types of solutions used by snowboarders.

The snowshoes + snowboard on your back combo

The traditional (and archaic?) method. The slog. The classic choice of the rider who’s certainly motivated but rather poorly equipped. The idea: you grab a pair of snowshoes, strap your snowboard to your rucksack, plant the poles in the snow… and you climb. It’s simple, it doesn’t cost too much, and it works.

Far be it from us to take anything away from the brave souls who choose this option, but the reality is quite different. You’ll be sweating within the first 100 metres of ascent, you’ll spend your time twisting your ankles on the slopes, your snowboard will throw you off balance and give you backache, and once you reach the top, you’ll have to take off your snowshoes, get your snowboard out, and clip your boots into the bindings… in short. It’s a stopgap, but if you really want to enjoy backcountry snowboarding, you’ll need to move on to something else.

Hybrid systems (flexible bindings, short skis…)

Here, we’re starting to enter the realm of innovation. Some riders have tried to combine ski touring and snowboarding in their own way. There are several options:

• mini touring skis, also known as approach skis, which you clip onto your boots

• releaseable bindings that allow a certain range of movement on the ascent

The result? A bit lighter than snowshoes, and even a bit more practical. But it’s still a bit of a makeshift solution. The transitions take time, the grip on hard snow isn’t great, and you end up with extra gear to carry, put on and manage. And we’re here to ride, not to play at being amateur mechanics.

The splitboard: the system designed for the job

And then, boom. You discover the splitboard. The real game-changer for ski touring. You can well imagine we were saving the miracle solution for last.

The principle? Very simple: a board that splits in two lengthways. In ascent mode, you’ve got two skis under your feet, fitted with climbing skins for grip (so, in ski touring mode). In descent mode, you clip it all back together, and there you are on a normal snowboard.

Honestly, it’s brilliant: 

• The skins provide good grip on the ascent, even on hard snow

• You glide instead of walking, so you go further, higher, and save your energy

• Transitions take two minutes (if you’ve had a bit of practice, of course)

• And you head back down (almost) with the same gear you used to get up

Backcountry snowboarding with a splitboard is the best way to enjoy yourself to the full, without compromise.

Why is the splitboard definitely the best solution for backcountry snowboarding?

You get the picture: the other options do the job… but the splitboard IS the job. And for good reason: it’s the only system that was designed, from the outset, FOR backcountry snowboarding.

A few very practical reasons: 

• Comfort on the ascent: no unnecessary weight on your back, better weight distribution, freedom of movement.

• Performance: good grip, good glide, good efficiency. You climb better, you tire less.

• The joy of the descent: you’ve got a proper board under your feet, with the stiffness, flex and feel that YOU love.

• Simplicity: everything’s there, already built in. That means fewer bits and bobs to forget, buy or carry.

• Adaptable: are you a beginner? No worries. Experienced rider? There are shapes for serious freeriding.

And if you want a good splitboard, well-designed, conceived by riders and carefully crafted (obviously, we’re going to sing our own praises): take a look at Stone Snowboards’ splitboards.

Check out our splitboards

Getting started with backcountry snowboarding: the basic kit

Want to give it a go? Great idea. But don’t just wing it, thinking “I saw a video on YouTube, it’ll be fine”. No, backcountry snowboarding is brilliant, but it does require a bit of preparation.

Essential gear for getting started in backcountry snowboarding

• A splitboard suited to your ability and build (you can head straight to our page ‘How to choose your splitboard?’)

• Splitboard bindings, specifically designed to have a walking mode

• A pair of climbing skins

• Telescopic poles: they might not seem like much, but you’ll look like a fool if you don’t have them

• The avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe trio: always, always, always 

And you’ll see that all Stone Snowboards splitboard models are available as a pack. It’s the smart, practical and economical choice that lets you get all the gear we’ve just mentioned (except the last item) in one go.

Check out our splitboards packs

Conclusion

Trek snowboarding isn’t just a fad. It’s a different way of riding. More committed, more free, more connected to the mountain. And among the options available to you for climbing, only one lets you truly live this experience to the full: the splitboard. Less hassle, more fun, and a genuine riding experience from start to finish.

So if you’re keen to get properly into it, check out the Stone Snowboards range. Splitboards designed for riders like you, who love to carve their own lines… without relying on anyone else.

See you soon, Stoners!