Sierra Nevada Splitborading FAQs.
Gaining popularity now in the 21st century, splitboarding is recognized as the best way for snowboarders to break away from the crowds of resorts and enjoy snowboarding in the backcountry. For years snowboarders were left behind to boot pack up mountains, carrying the weight of their boards on there back while skiers set a much easier and faster paced skin track allowing the skier multiple ski laps in a day. Now, with most every snowboard manufacturer making a splitboard model, it's possible for snowboarders to access so much more of the backcountry. Splitboarders can move with ease in tour mode, with their skins for traction, and not have the weight of their snowboards on their back.
01
What is a splitboard/splitboarding?
A splitboard is a snowboard that splits in two down the middle to create skis and has bindings with two functions: ride mode and tour mode. With the use of a splitboard, snowboarders can skin up hill (tour mode) and then transition back to the snowboard (ride mode) and ride down hill.
02
What should I bring on a backcountry day trip?
Beacon, shovel, probe. Collapsible poles, a backpack, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Water, food, and extra layers. You may also consider bringing: extra gloves and goggles, a light weight first aid kit, and a tarp.
03
What are some basic splitboarding terms I should know?
Ride Mode: Bindings mounted in snowboarders stance.
Tour Mode: Bindings attached at the toe to the middle of the splitboard with heels free to stride uphill.
Skins: Strips that stick to the base of skis and clipped to the nose and tail. the strips have directional hairs (like a cats tongue) allowing someone to stride uphill and then catch traction and not slide backwards. Skins were originally made from seal skin and are now commonly made from mohair or nylon.
Skin track: Is the uphill track made by a pair if skis using skins stuck to the base for traction on the snow.