Splitboard world

Even more than last year, we realized that the splitboard is no longer a way for snowboarders to access classic touring routes with low vertical and shallow gradients, like it was for the two years following the pandemic. These days an ever-growing number of splitboarders are aiming at mountaineering routes, where you need to carry crampons and an ice axe, and where the descents are challenging and not a little steep. The psychological limit of 1,000 m (3,280 feet) verticals, or the 2 km (just over a mile) walk just to get to the real ascent, has been well and truly overcome. These days riders are ready to take on long distances and aren’t afraid of 2,500 m (4,921 feet) verticals, with a few transitions along the way. Maybe safety knowledge has improved, thanks to more frequent avalanche courses, or it’s possible that physical fitness has become more important in this discipline, as others. But these days it’s no longer an unusual sight to see a splitboard at the top of a 4,000 m (13,000 foot) peak, or on the north face of a big mountain. Or perhaps, and we can’t rule it out, it’s that in terms of construction and development, there’s been a real gear change, led by new players in the field that have gone all in on technology, weight reduction and increasing the overall sturdiness of the board-binding-boot setup. 

We didn’t come across many low-end boards as we chose to focus our efforts on mid-to-high-end models, especially entry-level boards for those just getting into the sport. Generally speaking, the main improvements and innovations have been in weight, versatility and responsiveness, both in ascent and descent. Here in particular you can see a tendency towards good float, with shapes designed for powder, some favoring the swallow tail. The quality of the materials has also seen a big improvement with super fast, durable bases and responsive cores, especially at the higher end, where some models offered astounding performance. And of course we can’t leave out the graphics and design that make these splitboards truly unique.

The evolution of splitboard boots has reached new highs and overall comfort has increased, even if the models on the following pages vary in concept and construction depending on their level and focus. The Vibram sole dominates and you can find it on almost all models. Its versatility and reliability on challenging high-altitude and often mixed terrain make it a solid choice. Lightweight, comfortable and durable footwear is the way forward.

Some splitboard bindings come close to the comfort of their snowboard siblings, but they still have some way to go in terms of uphill efficiency and going the distance in all kinds of conditions (including high altitudes and ice). On the other hand, those who want big verticals, performance and long distances usually opt for hard boots and bindings. For traditionalists, the main brands have done a lot of work in reducing weight and improving ease of transition through the use of better materials, from the toe pieces to the highbacks and the straps. For all the choice out there, you still need to make compromises depending on what your goals are. There really is a lot to choose from, and the quality on the whole is high.