The splitboard is a perfect board for snowboarders who don't want to use ski lifts and who want to explore virgin and wild Freeride areas. Divided in 2 lengthwise, the splitboard transforms into a pair of touring skis on the way up (equipped with climbing skins) and allows you to descend powdery slopes on a “Freeride” Snowboard. The Splitboard is the ultimate weapon when you want to ride areas far from any ski lift and crowds. However, it requires solid mountain experience and a good level of Freeride .
The splitboard has everything of a snowboard for lovers of powder and adventure, offering you the possibility of transforming it into a touring ski whenever necessary in order to go up any slope. The Splitboard must be accompanied by its essential accessories : suitable Splitboard bindings, climbing skins, knives (when you are on icy and/or exposed climbs) and telescopic or foldable poles. The Pelle-Probe-DVA safety pack is also essential, and will require regular training, or even specific training.
Be careful, always check the snow and weather conditions and prepare your outings by carefully identifying the terrain. Don't overestimate your level and never go alone.
How to choose your splitboard?
Like many board sports, you will need to consider the weight, size, level of the rider as well as the type of terrain you want to ride. Beginner rider? Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
In terms of flexibility , you will choose the flex according to your preferences, your weight and the terrain you are going to explore. In general, more speed and stability will require rigidity, the same if you are embarking on Big Mountain and very steep slopes it will be necessary to have fairly rigid equipment (split board, boots and bindings). Conversely, flexibility will be more suitable for powder enthusiasts on more open and less steep terrain as well as freestyle enthusiasts if you are preparing to explore areas whose terrain is favorable to freestyle (cliffs, snow pillows, natural kickers, wind lips, fir trees etc.)
Let's talk about shape , two shapes are different: the twin and the directional . The directional is often considered more suitable for powder snow, offering the advantage of a longer front tip which will float on the snow with ease and an outline suitable for long turns, while the twin (symmetrical, with a front and rear tip of the same length) will allow better sliding versatility on just about any terrain, more playful for jumps and quick changes of direction.
Finally, the camber of the board is just as important. For the Splitboard, we can favor a classic camber between the feet (ensures control and return) and a progressive rocker in the tips (will allow you to float more in powder and ride more balanced). Each brand of Splitboard (at Woodstockshop we offer the Pathron , Jones, Fjell , Furberg and Sandy Shapes brands as well as the Spark , SP bindings and Voilé hardware) generally offers cambers well suited to splitboarding and shapes. that will meet your needs and preferences.