Splitboard touring: a comprehensive guide to getting started this winter

Are you starting to feel stuck in a rut on the slopes? Have you already worn out your knees on every possible resort run? Then perhaps it’s the right time to try something different. Something that immerses you in the tranquillity of the great outdoors and takes your breath away on the ascent: splitboard touring. That perfect blend of snowboarding and ski touring.

But be warned, you can’t just turn yourself into a summit rider overnight. You’ll need a bit of kit, a bit of common sense, and above all, the desire to work hard on the ascent so you can enjoy the descent all the more. The idea behind this guide isn’t to give you a lesson, but rather to equip you with the right instincts, the right tools and a few tips so you can really enjoy discovering split-board touring, without burning out your legs or putting yourself in danger.

Understanding the basics of splitboarding and touring (on a splitboard)

What is a touring splitboard?

Do you have a standard snowboard? Perfect. Now imagine sawing it in half lengthways. Once separated, these two parts become… skis! Not for carving tight turns on the slopes, but for climbing the hill in touring mode, with skins under your feet and poles in your hands. And once you’re at the top? You put the two parts back together, lock the bindings, and off you go in classic snowboard mode for the descent. Simple.

Well, my friend, that’s the very essence of the touring splitboard: being able to climb mountains without a chairlift, with your board transforming to suit the situation. A bit like a Swiss Army knife, but for riding. And believe me, once you’ve tasted the freedom it offers, you’ll look at ski resorts in a whole new light.

Splitboard touring: a sport in its own right

So, you might say that splitboard touring is still just snowboarding… but not really. It’s more than just a winter sport; it’s a complete experience. You don’t just ride: you read the mountain, you watch the weather, you pace yourself, you feel the calm… And then there’s that magical moment when you take off your skins, clip into your splitboard, look at the virgin slope in front of you… and you say to yourself: “Right, now’s the time to go”.

Ski touring is a blend of snow sports and exploration. It’s for those who want to get off the beaten track — literally — and leave their own trail, without the hustle and bustle of the ski lifts.

Getting properly kitted out for your first splitboarding tour

Essential gear for splitboard touring

Getting into split-touring requires a bit more than just a recycled board and some bent poles. You need to kit yourself out. You can start simple and effective. Here’s the basic kit: 

• A splitboard: obvious. Choose a board suited to your size, your ability and the terrain you’re targeting. At Stone Snowboards, there’s plenty to choose from, even for beginners.

• Splitboard bindings: they need to switch between ascent and descent modes. Stiff, lightweight, with good support. All splitboard bindings are compatible with Stone – it’s standard.

• Skin: don’t worry, it’s synthetic. You stick it under the skis so you can climb without sliding backwards.

• Telescopic poles: you’ll need balance for the ascent. And for the descent, just pop them back in your bag.

• Crampons (optional, but useful): if it’s really icy, you’ll need a bit more grip under your skins. Crampons are like snow tyres on a 4x4.

In short, this is basically all the kit you’ll find in Stone Snowboards’ splitboard packs, but cheaper than if you were to buy each item separately. Fancy having a look?

Discover our splitboard packs

What clothing for splitboard touring?

You’ll be sweating on the ascent, freezing at the summit, and loving the descent. You need to be prepared for anything. Think of a 3-layer system:

• Base layer: good technical, breathable base layer. No cotton, unless you like riding in a sauna.

• Mid layer: a fleece or a light down jacket. Temperature regulation is key.

• Shell (outer layer): a waterproof and breathable jacket. You’ll encounter powder, wind, drizzle... better be prepared.

Safety: the watchword of backcountry touring

Ski touring is a far cry from the chairlift. You’ve got to be prepared for that. You’re setting off independently, so you’re also your own guide. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to end up being winched out by the rescue services because of a poorly managed cramp. Basic checklist: 

• Avalanche transceiver

• Shovel

• Probe

• Rucksack with waist strap, and ideally an airbag

• Map/topographic chart or GPS app

• Water, snacks, and a bit of common sense, as they say

Preparing for your first splitboard tour

Choosing a safe route

If you’ve never been splitboarding before, there’s no need to aim for a 3,000-metre peak with an S-shaped couloir and cornices to cross. Start small. A gentle, gradual climb with a moderate elevation gain – say around 500 metres – is more than enough to give your legs and eyes a proper workout.

Before you set off, check the BERA – the good old Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin. It’s no small matter. It tells you where, when and how the snow might decide to come tumbling down of its own accord. Cross-reference it with the day’s weather forecast, the temperature and wind exposure, and hey presto, you’ve made an informed choice.

Managing your effort and timing in the mountains

The ascent on touring skis is a sport within a sport. It’s not a gym cardio session, nor is it a leisurely hike. It’s about carefully managing your pace and effort. Take your time. It’s better to climb slowly whilst maintaining a steady breathing rhythm than to get carried away at the start and burn yourself out by the first turn.

Set off early. Firstly, you’ll get the best snow. Secondly, you’ll minimise the risks associated with warming up. Thirdly, you’ll have time to head back down without any stress. And that, believe me, makes all the difference to the split-board touring experience.

To conclude

Right, that’s it. We’ve had a quick tour of the basics. Backcountry touring isn’t just a new discipline, it’s a whole new way of riding. A return to basics, to nature, to silence… with a sense of effort and reward that you’ll struggle to find on a ski lift.

Obviously, it requires a bit more preparation and a bit more kit. But believe me, the feeling when you carve your line down a virgin slope that you’ve earned through the sweat of your brow? It’s worth every lift pass in the world.

So take the time to get off to a good start, surround yourself with experienced people, and above all, never forget: in the mountains, she’s the one who decides. You adapt, you observe, you respect. And then, she’ll reward you handsomely.

See you soon, Stoners!