How to enjoy splitboarding even more?

Freedom, harmony with nature, self-sufficiency and the joy of one's own performance. These feelings are definitely one of the reasons why splitboarding has more and more fans. Do you want to move your skills on the halved board to the next level? Read on.

The magic of splitboarding

Still do not understand what the splitboarders see in this sport? So imagine a clear sky, mountain air and shimmering snow. Got it? Add a breathtaking panorama, unspoilt nature and untouched powder all around. It's all yours right now. You go up, put the board together and drop it down the hill. You float quietly in the powder, where no one has left a trace yet and you have goosebumps. Not a single sport will give you this experience but splitboarding.

But as usual, it will not work without certain skills. Here are some tips on how to improve on your splitboard:

Safety first: Plan carefully and don't underestimate the risks

With all that freedom, the responsibility you have for your health and for the whole group is inevitably connected. What should you never forget?

• Before you leave for the first time, sign up for an avalanche course and learn first aid! If you don't know these things yet, you absolutely have to fix it. It's about life in the mountains and without knowledge of avalanche safety you shouldn't go off the slopes at all in the winter.
• You must have a plan before each split trip. Whether you are just going out for a day or on a multi-day trip, always carefully study the weather forecast and the avalanche situation. Plan your route, schedule, clothes and equipment accordingly.
• Ask the locals. They usually have the best knowledge of the conditions in the locality and sometimes they can tell you more than the best application.
• Never go alone!

What to take with you

Splitboard equipment is still a bit more packed than when driving in the resort, so it is definitely worth looking at the list of necessities:

• You must never forget the avalanche trio transceiver, shovel and probe. Before the trip check the function of the equipment, including the battery in the search engine.
• If you add an avalanche backpack with an airbag into the equipment, you will increase your chances when it breaks off and the worst happens. If it's too big an investment for you, definitely get at least a well-equipped freeride backpack.
• Ascent will not be possible without splitboard skins and telescopic poles.
• The necessary equipment also includes snowboard goggles and possibly sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Water and snack – an energy bar definitely comes in handy just like a thermos or a bottle.
• Map and compass. In case of battery failure in the smartphone, old school gadgets are suitable.
• Extra clothes. The layer you add under the jacket is important in case of sudden cooling. A common thing in the mountains. When the sun goes down or you send it down from the top, you will need stronger insulation than when u went up with the sun above your head.
• Spare gloves. It's not pleasant with wet hands.
• A first aid kit, bivouac sleeping bag and warm blanket can be useful in an emergency.
• Tools and spare parts. Even the best equipment can fail and these things are quite difficult to find in the mountains.

Enjoy the ascent as well as the descent

Not many people enjoy the way up to the mountain, while downhill, well, that is a whole other story. Moving up costs a lot of energy and from the beginning it can sometimes be quite a nuisance. But you just have to persevere, train and you will start to see the beauty in it. This is the magic of split, to earn the opportunity to go down, to be close to nature, to enjoy peace, to breathe, to clear your head. Everyone will find something for themselves there.

Choose your way up

Planning the ascent is as important as choosing the downhill route. Choose the slightest possible ascent, ideally between 10 and 15 °, to achieve the most effective use of your energy. For a steeper ascent, be sure to transfer the weight back and use the heel risers.

Always monitor the terrain and evaluate the avalanche risk! Keeping mindlessly in the footsteps of other splitboarders may not always be the best idea, so trust your knowledge and intuition. Returning is not cowardice, but a sign of strength and responsibility.

Smooth transitions

The transition between ascent and descent mode can be quite a problem at first. How to deal with it? All that remains is to train. First, try the adjustment of the split thoroughly on a flat surface and under good conditions, so that you will not be surprised when you have to do this on a hill, in difficult terrain and even in harsh and windy weather.

Skiing with a split board

This skill will almost certainly come in handy. When splitboarding, sometimes there is a situation where you have to slide a bit even in the ascending mode.

A few tips on technique

• Glide your stride - Avoid the beginner's mistake and do not lift your legs unnecessarily. Instead, move your feet forward.
• Shift your weight to match the slope. In steep terrain, try to get the center of gravity back. This way you get the best possible stability and avoid unwanted sliding down.
• Use poles, they support you when touring and help with balance. Insert the poles alternately with the legs - with the left leg the right pole, with the right leg the left pole. Experienced splitboarders advise not to use the loops of the poles. This could cause injuries if you fall or even worsen the situation in the event of an avalanche.
• Kick-spin – This technique requires a bit of training, but in steeper hikes and difficult terrain it will come in handy. How to do it? 
  • Stand horizontally if possible, lean on your poles and transfer the weight to your lower leg.
  • Turn the upper ski in a new direction where you need to go.
  • Transfer the weight to the newly directed ski and turn the other one.
  • If you help yourself while turning by kicking and wrapping the ski around the other boot, it will be easier.
  • It takes a while to practice, so from the beginning try the turns in flat terrain.
• Travers – When moving sideways to the slope you have to watch the maximum contact of the skins with the snow. You will subconsciously try to traverse the edges, but this is a guaranteed way to lose the grip. Therefore, tilt your ankles down the slope to have stronger support.

Useful equipment tips

If it comes to traversing on icy surfaces, splitboard crampons will definitely come in handy. You better add them to the list, because without them you can experience hard moments on the split.

At very low temperatures, the climbing skins may not adhere well to the splitboard, so before gluing them on, always thoroughly scrape the base and remove all snow and ice. It will also help if you carry the skins in the inner pocket of the jacket, where they will not freeze and will stick more easily. If the skins froze, you will scrape the ice from them using the edges of the splitboard.

Even the master must train

Current worldwide situation is still not settled and same goes for mountain resorts. That is another reason to rely only on yourself and develop your splitboard skills!

It takes a lot of skills, technique and knowledge, but if you don't give up and train for a while on the split, you will experience your best winter instead of a bad season!