Splitboard

Hard, harder, Hardboot. Is that possible off the rack? In the Splittie of the Week "Softboots for splitboarding", Till explains that the change from a conventional softboot to a special splitboard softboot is ultimately a way to a much stiffer snowboard boot. He writes that this change has taken his splitboarding to a new level. Features such as the Vibram sole, crampon mount and walk mode are side effects that every touring ski boot already have on their own. So why not go all the way?

After a few more technical issues of Splittie of the Week, this week we would like to give you a few thoughts on choosing suitable terrain for splitboarding. We also mention an area that is certainly not an insider tip among ski tourers, but is particularly suitable for splitboarding, even for beginners.

Some beginners may be asking themselves: Do I really need new boots in addition to a spliboard, bindings, poles and skins to start touring? The answer to this question is clear: No! But what if the boots are already a few years old and a new purchase is due anyway, is it worth buying special (soft) boots, even if normal days in the resort are on the list alongside ski tours? Here too, the answer is clear: Yes!

Ski straps, perhaps better known among snowboarders as voile straps, are now with me and my board every day. Not only on tours, but also in the ski resort, they have already saved me one or two days of riding. If a strap tears on the binding or you have an icy traverse ahead of you on a tour, it's a lot less unpleasant with ski straps.

In recent years, films have emerged that go beyond the sport itself, encouraging us to reflect on our responsibility in the climate crisis. They urge us to take imperfect, yet necessary steps to create change. With impressive action and artistic vision, some of these projects show that change doesn't have to be perfect, but instead that every step matters.

January 2025, the year starts with beautiful snow, lots of sunshine, sometimes heavy snowfall and some great tours with our speedy splitboards. Splitboarding has been around for a long time now. But if you want to go on a tour with a splitboard, you first need to clarify a few things. How does it even work? Which splitboard is right for me? Which boots do I actually need? Do I really need poles? Where can I go splitboarding? Which terrain is suitable? What tricks and tips are there? Who can I ask? Well, us! From now on we'll be writing smaller and easily accessible articles from the life of a splitboarder every other week. We'll try not to get too bogged down in nerdy details. On the one hand, these articles can be helpful to answer the questions mentioned above, but on the other hand, we would also like to encourage experienced splitboarders to post their opinions and join in the discussion.

Compared to a snowboard, the visual differences are barely noticeable and the basic requirement of connecting rider and board are the same. However, there are big differences between the manufacturers when it comes to the "how". The following is an overview of the various manufacturers and models, expressly without a purchase recommendation, as everyone has different requirements for the equipment they use.

The Backcountry Weeks are organised by GoVertical, an association of local mountain guides from the canton of Graubünden. They works together with the local destinations, in this case Davos/Klosters. On the long weekend in January, from 25/01/2024 to 28/01/2024, the 9th edition of the Backcountry Weekend took place in Switzerland's legendary winter sports destination. Backcountry Week 2024 offered a comprehensive and varied programme for all kinds of backcountry enthusiasts.

Every year, the Splitboard Festival and Testival takes place on the Tyrolean fjord, halfway between Munich and Innsbruck, in the cold hole of the northern Alps, in the snow-rich Karwendel, more precisely in Pertisau at Lake Achensee. Splitboard enthusiasts come together - whether they are experienced splitboarders, beginners or newcomers. Old-school hands who still saw their boards by hand and manufacturers and providers of splitboard tours and camps are also present. This year for the 10th time - congratulations on the anniversary edition. I want to check it out, it's a first for me.

The backcountry weekend in the legendary winter sports destination of Davos will take place for the 9th time on the last weekend in January. The Backcountry Week 2024 offers a comprehensive and varied program. Participants of all skill levels will get their money's worth as part of various guided ski and splitboard tours, technique and avalanche courses.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and lots of powder! Today we're introducing you to part three of the PowderGuide team: our long-standing tours, CR and PowderAlert People, as well as our brand new team members responsible for translation and the event calendar.

Hohohoho ! It's St. Nicholas Day and if you survived the Krampus yesterday, you can pick up your St. Nicholas present today! In cooperation with Sport Conrad we are giving away TWO home sleeper tickets for the Splitboard Festival from 12.01.-14.01.24 at the Achensee. The prize includes all services of the ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE, but without accommodation and meals.