The splitboard exists for one reason: to take you where the lifts don’t go. It’s the perfect fusion of snowboarding and ski touring, a sort of back door to freedom. But how does it work? Where does it come from? Who came up with the idea of sawing a board in two? Come on, let me explain.
The splitboard hasn’t always been around. Before it came along, snowboarders looking to hit the backcountry had just three options: snowshoes (talk about a slog), helicopters (talk about the cost) or snowmobiles (talk about the environmental damage).
It was in the 1980s that a few DIY enthusiasts began tinkering with boards, cutting them in half and assembling them with more or less functional systems. A patent was even filed in Germany and the United States. We were still a long way from the modern splitboard, but the pioneers laid the foundations.
A certain Brett “Cowboy” Kobernik is credited as one of the pioneers of the splitboard. In 1991, he developed a board that could be cut in half and turned into an ascent ski. He presented his concept to Voilé, an American brand, which went on to develop the first truly marketable splitboard system. From there, things really took off.
At first, the splitboard was a bit of a novelty, reserved for pros and die-hard mountain enthusiasts. But with the rise of freeriding and technical improvements, it has become increasingly popular. Established brands, and of course Stone Snowboards, are developing high-performance models. Today, it has become an essential alternative for riders who want to carve their own lines.
The basic principle of the splitboard is that it serves two purposes:
In ascent mode: the board splits into two skis, to which climbing skins are attached to prevent slipping backwards. The bindings are in touring mode, leaving the heel free.
In descent mode: you join the two parts together, reposition the bindings and hey presto, it becomes a ‘classic’ snowboard again.
So no, a splitboard isn’t just a snowboard cut in half. There are a few elements that make all the difference:
The board: cut in half lengthways, it has special inserts to allow assembly.
Splitboard bindings: these are designed to switch easily from ascent mode to descent mode (Spark, Voilé, Plum, Karakoram, Union – we’ll tell you more about them in a moment).
Skin (or climbing skins): these are strips of fabric, like carpet, which allow the splitboard to slide forwards in ascent mode without sliding backwards.
Hooks and clips: in other words, clips & hooks, are essential for securing the board in descent mode.
Crampons: these are metal accessories that attach beneath the bindings in ascent mode to grip on icy slopes. They are essential when the snow becomes hard and the skins are no longer sufficient to provide a good grip.
Poles: very useful on the ascent, they can be stowed in your rucksack for the descent.
At Stone Snowboards, we offer all-in-one splitboard packs. Splitboard, bindings, skins, crampons, poles, and even a rucksack… everything’s included!
Discover our splitboards packs
Splitboards come in several versions depending on the number of sections they consist of. The most classic is the 2-piece splitboard, the one you’ll come across most often and which is also the standard at Stone Snowboards.
But there are also 3-piece models, which allow for narrower skis on the ascent, or even 4-piece models, a rarer option but appreciated for its ultra-manoeuvrable nature. It’s a bit of a faff, and financially, it’s a different budget altogether.
Now, let’s have a quick look at splitboard bindings. Unlike traditional bindings, splitboard bindings need to allow for a quick transition between ascending and descending. Several systems exist, each with its own specific features:
Voilé/Spark bindings are among the most common. They use a simple and effective sliding rail, making them very user-friendly and robust. Big news: Stone Snowboards is collaborating with Spark to develop its first splitboard binding for the 2025/2026 winter season.
For their part, the Plum and Karakoram models stand out thanks to a different system, which appeals to riders seeking something unique, although they can be susceptible to the cold and ice build-up.
Finally, the Union models offer a good balance between flexibility and support, perfect for those looking for a smooth transition between ascent and descent. They are best suited to freestyle.
Here at Stone Snowboards, we particularly appreciate the Spark for its high-end quality and the Union for combining comfort with affordability.
Conclusion
The splitboard is quite simply freedom in the mountains. No more queuing at the lifts, no more slopes groomed by hundreds of skiers… just you, the mountain, and your own tracks. It requires a bit more kit and logistics than a traditional snowboard, but it’s definitely worth it.
With the growing popularity of splitboards and technical advances, it’s a safe bet we’ll be hearing plenty more about them. So, ready to carve your own line with a Stone Snowboards splitboard?
See you soon, Stoners!
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