Splitboard
Encyclopedia
A splitboard is a snowboard
that can be separated into two parts. The two parts are used like skis with climbing skins to ascend slopes the same way alpine touring or telemark ski
s are used. The two halves can then be connected to form a regular snowboard for descent.
Snowboarding originated as an expression of snow surfing, and as such snowboarders sought out pristine snow conditions such as powder
. The development of splitboards enables backcountry snowboarding
where pristine powder snow is more likely to be found. Splitboards resolve the inherent weakness of snowboards of having limited backcountry range away from lift systems. This weakness stems from snowboard riders having both feet fixed to a board, and the usual lack of ski poles(restricting direction effectively only to going downhill).
Splitboarding started in the mid-1990s and has grown in popularity in recent years. There has been much innovation that has helped lure new users into the sport, including splitboard specific bindings from companies like Spark R&D, Voile-USA and Karakoram. These bindings are designed to reduce the weight associated with the adapter plate/standard binding combination. The reduced weight is crucial in increasing range and duration of extended uphill climbs. The binding's lower foot bed also increases board feel.
A popular online community dedicated to all things splitboarding is splitboard.com
There are also several blogs dedicated to splitboarding as well, including Jeremy Jones, whereiskylemiller.com, treepilot.ca and The Adventures of a Splitboarder In europe only a few Online Shops have Splitboards. One of the oldest and biggest Shops for Splitboards in Europe is Splitboards-Europe and Biwakscharte.de.
Snowboard
Snowboards are boards, usually with a width the length of one's foot, with the ability to glide on snow. Snowboards are differentiated from monoskis by the stance of the user...
that can be separated into two parts. The two parts are used like skis with climbing skins to ascend slopes the same way alpine touring or telemark ski
Telemark skiing
Telemark skiing is a form of skiing using the Telemark turn. Unlike alpine skiing equipment, the skis used for telemarking either have a binding that only connects the boot to the ski at the toes, just as in cross-country skiing, or may be released to only connect there.Telemark turns are led with...
s are used. The two halves can then be connected to form a regular snowboard for descent.
Snowboarding originated as an expression of snow surfing, and as such snowboarders sought out pristine snow conditions such as powder
Snow
Snow is a form of precipitation within the Earth's atmosphere in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft structure, unless packed by...
. The development of splitboards enables backcountry snowboarding
Backcountry snowboarding
Backcountry snowboarding is snowboarding in a sparsely inhabited rural region over ungroomed and unmarked slopes or pistes in the backcountry, frequently amongst trees , usually in pursuit of fresh fallen snow, known as powder. Often, the land and the snow pack are not monitored, patrolled, or...
where pristine powder snow is more likely to be found. Splitboards resolve the inherent weakness of snowboards of having limited backcountry range away from lift systems. This weakness stems from snowboard riders having both feet fixed to a board, and the usual lack of ski poles(restricting direction effectively only to going downhill).
Splitboarding started in the mid-1990s and has grown in popularity in recent years. There has been much innovation that has helped lure new users into the sport, including splitboard specific bindings from companies like Spark R&D, Voile-USA and Karakoram. These bindings are designed to reduce the weight associated with the adapter plate/standard binding combination. The reduced weight is crucial in increasing range and duration of extended uphill climbs. The binding's lower foot bed also increases board feel.
A popular online community dedicated to all things splitboarding is splitboard.com
There are also several blogs dedicated to splitboarding as well, including Jeremy Jones, whereiskylemiller.com, treepilot.ca and The Adventures of a Splitboarder In europe only a few Online Shops have Splitboards. One of the oldest and biggest Shops for Splitboards in Europe is Splitboards-Europe and Biwakscharte.de.