The first surprise when I started splitboarding was how much I enjoyed walking uphill. I’d been thinking about the ride down. The climb, as far as I was concerned, was how I was going to pay for it. Once I settled into a pace, I had time to look around and enjoy it.
My second surprise was how many components I had to choose separately. Unless you’re buying a complete package, bindings, climbing skins and some mounting hardware may be separate purchases.
Here’s how I’d approach a first setup now, including what I’d keep from my resort gear and what I’d check before spending money. You can follow the whole process or jump to the part you’re working on. The expandable notes go deeper into the technical choices.
How the setup works
On the climb, your splitboard becomes two skis, with climbing skins underneath to resist backward sliding. Your touring bindings pivot near the toes so you can lift your heels and walk. Poles help with balance and propulsion.
Good to know
Though splitboard crampons are not absolutely required in all conditions, they are useful on firm snow, adding grip when skins alone struggle.
For the descent, the skins come off, the board halves reconnect, and the bindings attach across the board at your riding stance. The mounting components are called interfaces.
You’ll also need compatible, well-fitted boots, a helmet, a pack, layers for climbing and stopping, a tool and spares, and navigation and emergency supplies. Your current boots and shell may have more touring days ahead of them than you think.
Looking for one particular answer? Terrain and riding ability · Boots · Board size and shape · Splitboard bindings · Skins · Poles and crampons · Rescue gear kit · Backpacks and packing · Clothing and layers · Getting ready to go · After the tour · Buying checklist
So, what’s the plan?
Where are you hoping to go, and what can you comfortably ride today? Think about what you enjoy on your current board and the conditions that still give you trouble.
Picture the whole route, including firm snow, tight trees, traverses or crust on the way out. You’ll be riding with a pack after doing the climb. Allow for that when choosing your first outings.
Short local laps and long approaches can lead to different priorities for weight, boot comfort and carrying capacity.
If you’re not sure you’ll love it yet, borrow a compatible setup from a friend, or rent or demo one where it’s offered, before you buy.
Can you keep your snowboard boots?
Test your boots first
Try your current snowboard boots with your riding socks and walk in them. Check heel hold, support and pressure points. Discomfort you tolerate on a lift-served lap can become painful over a sustained climb. If your heel keeps lifting or the boot no longer supports your foot, get the fit checked before a longer tour.
If they fit well and still provide support, I’d keep them and choose splitboard bindings that fit them. You can learn what you want from touring equipment before deciding whether specialised boots would be worth the expense. Dedicated touring boots may offer additional cuff movement, walking traction, support or weather protection. Compare those features on the models you’re considering, then try them with your bindings.
What changes with a hardboot setup?
Hardboot systems pair touring boots with separate touring toe pieces and riding bindings. They can appeal to riders who put a high priority on touring efficiency, but they change the feel and component list. Plan the whole system: a boot that fits the riding binding still needs to work with the touring toe piece. Spark’s Dyno DH explanation shows the components.
If you need replacements, explore our splitboard boots with fit first. Your boots also influence board width and binding size.
Choose your board
The next thing I’d ask about is the board you already ride. What makes you want another lap on it? And what do you find yourself fighting?
Which shape suits your riding?
For mostly forward riding, I’d start with directional shapes. For switch riding and natural take-offs, I’d give directional twins a closer look.
| Shape | What the outline does | Where its strengths show |
|---|---|---|
| Directional twin | Twin-like nose and tail with directional tuning, such as a slightly longer nose. | Freestyle-minded touring, natural jumps and switch riding. Keeps a familiar feel in both directions while adding some forward-riding float. |
| Directional | Different nose and tail, often with a longer nose or setback stance. | Mostly forward riding across changing snow, balancing float and control. |
| Tapered directional | Nose wider than the tail, helping the tail settle and nose float. | Powder turns and a surfier feel. The amount of taper helps distinguish versatile freeride and powder-focused designs. |
| Swallowtail | Notched tail that settles into soft snow while the nose floats. | Riders who prioritise flowing turns in powder, corn and slush. Models such as the Dart Split are built around that turning experience. |
These features overlap: a swallowtail can also be directional, tapered and wide. See Jones’ directional twin explanation and Korua’s Dart Split design.
The Jones Frontier 2.0 Splitboard 2027 is a relatively forgiving directional option I’d consider for mixed conditions. The Korua Dart Split is a more specialised swallowtail for soft-snow turns.
What does “volume-shifted” mean?
A volume-shifted board carries its surface area in a wider, shorter outline, offering powder float with less length to move around. The Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Splitboard combines this with a tapered directional shape for float and manoeuvrability in bowls and tree lines. Follow the model’s own sizing guidance when choosing its length.
Choosing a size
Before you pick a size
Begin with the specific model’s rider-weight and boot-size guidance, such as Jones’ sizing chart. Check width at your stance and boot overhang before settling on a size. The backcountry isn’t where you want to wipe out because your toes or heels catch the snow mid-turn.
How flex and profile affect the ride
Flex affects the effort needed to bend and control the board. Ratings vary between brands, so compare model descriptions for the support and movement you enjoy.
Profile is the board’s curve along its length. Camber and rocker combinations work with the outline to influence float, turn initiation and skinning behaviour. Jones’ shape and profile details illustrate this.
Look for the word “splitboard”
When browsing our splitboards, look for the word “splitboard” on the product page. Solid versions can have very similar names.
Can I keep my regular snowboard bindings?
No, not directly, though adapter plates offer an exception explained below. Your regular bindings stay bolted to the board in your riding stance. Splitboard bindings move between riding position across the assembled board and touring attachments on each half, where your heels are free to rise.
What changes when you go uphill?
Softboot splitboard bindings keep familiar straps and a highback. The touring pivot lets you stride, while heel risers provide a raised resting point on steeper climbs.
Some highbacks also adjust for walking. A lever on Spark’s Arc ST changes forward lean between touring and riding. At the top, you step out and move the bindings into riding position. Spark’s system explanation shows both connections.
Try the levers and locks with gloves on. Can you operate them and tell when the binding is fully engaged?
And how do they feel on the way down?
Boot fit, strap support and highback flex still matter, just as they do on your regular board. If you like some freedom to move your ankles, include that in the comparison. If you prefer a more supported feel, say so. You’re choosing bindings for the descent as well as for the walk up.
The Spark Arc ST, for example, uses medium-flex highbacks and flexible ankle straps for a more mobile, surfy feel. Spark’s specifications explain the design.
Put your boot in the binding and adjust the straps. Compare the weight and price with all the mounting hardware included, and see how easily you can find spare straps or screws.
What connects the bindings to the board?
The interfaces for walking and riding may be sold separately. On puck-based systems, pucks hold the bindings for riding, touring brackets provide the walking pivot, and heel rests support the heel or climbing wire. The board’s clips and hooks hold its halves together.
Sold separately
The Arc ST includes bindings, ST touring brackets, T1 heel rests, screws and a pocket tool. Ride-mode pucks are a separate purchase. Check the package contents when pricing your setup.
Checking pucks and other binding interfaces
Choose splitboard pucks for your board’s mounting pattern. Solid-board pucks serve a different purpose. Spark’s Flat and Canted Pucks use standard splitboard inserts, not channels. Canted Pucks require their own screws. Spark compatibility details.
Karakoram bindings use their own interface and clips and don’t work with Voile pucks. Use the compatibility list in your binding’s manual to choose the mounting parts. Karakoram’s FAQ explains its system.
The exception: adapter plates for regular bindings
Compatible regular bindings can stay attached to slider plates that move between touring and riding attachments. Voilé’s Slider Track and standard-binding hardware kit illustrate this option. You’ll carry both plates and bindings on each foot. Add up their weight and price, including the hardware kit, then compare them with dedicated splitboard bindings.
Get your grip on.
Climbing skins combine directional fibres for traction, adhesive against the bases, and tip and tail attachments to help keep them positioned.
Pre-cut or trim-to-fit?
Pre-cut skins need to match your board’s model, length and version. Trim-to-fit skins need enough length and width, tip and tail attachments that fit your board, and trimming before your first outing. Check the fit on a clean surface before cutting. Use the skin maker’s trimming instructions, leaving the metal edges exposed.
Our Jones Nomad skins use lettered fit groups. Find your board’s model, length and version in Jones’ fit chart to choose the group, and check that the tail attachment fits.
Nylon, mohair or a blend?
Nylon is generally chosen for durability and grip, while mohair offers efficient glide. Blends aim to balance the two. The Nomad uses a 70% mohair / 30% nylon blend.
Poles and crampons for the climb
Poles need to fit your pack as well as your hands
Look for poles with reliable locks and snow baskets. Fold or collapse them to see whether they’ll strap securely to your pack. Your trekking poles may already do the job. Try adjusting them with gloves on, then lean on them to see whether the locks hold. Explore splitboard poles.
Splitboard crampons, not boot crampons
Splitboard crampons attach to the touring system to add grip on firm snow. Boot crampons attach to footwear for travel on foot. Choose crampons made for your bindings, with enough width to clear the board half where they attach.
The Spark Ibex ST comes in multiple widths. Spark’s hardboot touring toes use a different crampon family. Spark lists which bindings each crampon fits in its equipment FAQ.
Ask whoever is leading the day whether you’ll need them, and practise putting them on beforehand.
Rescue gear kit
In avalanche terrain, it’s mandatory for everyone to bring their own digital three-antenna transceiver, metal avalanche shovel and probe. The transceiver helps locate a buried partner, the probe pinpoints where they are, and the shovel is for digging them out. Practise using all three with the friends you’ll be riding with. An avalanche airbag backpack is an optional addition that can help reduce how deeply you’re buried if you’re caught. You’ll still need the rescue tools and the skills to use them. Avalanche Canada’s equipment guide explains what to look for. Explore our avalanche safety gear.
Backcountry hazards
The backcountry has real risks, and help can be a long way off. Read the weather and avalanche forecasts, learn to recognise avalanche terrain, and choose a route that suits the conditions and your group. Keep talking along the way, and speak up if you’re tired or uneasy. Be ready to change plans or turn around. Backcountry travel and wilderness first-aid courses help you prepare. For avalanche awareness, AST1 is a good place to start.
Lay out the whole day
I like to lay everything out before choosing a pack. Once the shovel, probe, spare layers, food and water are sitting together, it becomes much easier to see whether the bag will do the job.
Check the pack with your equipment inside
Jones suggests at least 25 litres for a day tour. Load the pack, try it on and see how your board and poles strap to it. Can you reach your shovel and probe without unpacking lunch and layers? Jones’ packing guide demonstrates the arrangement.
Alongside touring and rescue gear, pack food, water protected from freezing, navigation, a headlamp, first aid, emergency shelter, extra warmth, sun protection and communication. Agree on shared supplies before leaving.
Include a tool with bits that fit your bindings, spare screws and straps for those bindings, and repair straps. Explore parts and accessories.
Dress for the climb, and the chill.
An outfit that feels comfortable beside the car can become too warm after a few minutes of climbing. On mild, dry days, a base layer and breathable fleece may be enough. Add a shell for wind or snow, and vent or remove layers before getting sweaty.
Keep a warm jacket within reach for stops and transitions, then adjust for the descent. Your current shell and pants may work if they allow movement and venting. Pack spare gloves or mitts and your riding helmet. Jones’ layering guide gives examples.
From the living-room carpet to the first adventure
The living-room rehearsal
I like to work out transitions on the living-room floor. Give yourself a few evenings before the first outing, with gloves on and the floor protected from the edges. You’ll get it wrong a few times; better on the living-room floor than on the trail.
Practise switching from climbing to riding and back again. Move the bindings, try the heel risers, put the board back together and check that everything locks into place. The idea is to learn the steps in the same order each time, so you have a familiar routine to follow out on a tour. Practise attaching, removing and stowing the skins. Keep adhesive clear of carpet fibres and pet hair. You want to take the skins touring, not half the living room. Jones’ transition demonstration shows the sequence.
Next stop: backyard switchbacks
Take the setup into a snow-covered backyard or local park. On flat ground, practise sliding, stopping and turning with poles, then try wide zigzags with easy changes of direction. Leave room to move both halves independently. The aim is to get comfortable with the separate halves and poles, not to squeeze an advanced kick turn between the barbecue and the fence.
Repeat the transitions with your loaded pack and gloves. Allow extra time: snow collects on hardware, fingers get cold and loose equipment can slide away. Clear snow and ice from mating surfaces, secure loose equipment and check every connection.
The first adventure can be a small one
A resort’s permitted uphill area may suit equipment practice. Check access rules, routes and hours: closed runs can have grooming equipment and winch cables even when lifts stop.
For the first outing, choose a short route you can comfortably ride down, with an easy return and daylight for adjustments. Go with friends who can plan for everyone’s abilities. Explain what you’ve practised and where you need help. Ask why they choose a particular line or stopping place so you can understand the decisions as you go.
On snow: learn an efficient movement
A smooth stride makes the climb less tiring and leaves more in your legs for the ride down. Slide your feet along the snow to avoid lifting the board and binding with every step. Keep your weight centred over your heels so the skins stay pressed into the snow. On steeper climbs, flip up the heel risers to give your heels a raised resting point. That helps you stay upright and keep your weight over the skis as you glide uphill. Jones’ skinning lesson demonstrates the movement.
Back home, make the next outing easier
Unpack and dry your boots, layers and board. Look over the bindings for loose or missing screws, damaged straps and parts that no longer move freely. Fix problems while your tools are within reach, and note any packing changes for next time.
Hang skins to dry in a clean place away from heaters and wood stoves, then store them as their manufacturer specifies. Jones provides separate instructions for short-term and summer storage in its skin-care guide.
Maintain the base and edges using Salomon’s board-care guidance. After waxing, scrape off excess wax before fitting skins to keep it out of the adhesive. Jones explains this step.
Once the gear is drying, I’m usually back at the map, thinking about a hut trip with friends or a valley I’d love to explore. Getting a kick turn to click or finding an easier rhythm on the climb can leave me as stoked as a good run. A trip that once felt a long way off starts to feel like something I can work towards. I came to splitboarding imagining the turns I’d get to make. Now I’m just as excited about all the places I haven’t been yet.
Keep this short checklist for shopping
- Board: correct split version, model, length and width for your needs.
- Boots: fit checked and compatible with the intended bindings.
- Bindings: correct size and complete touring components.
- Ride interface: the specific pucks, plates or connectors required by that system.
- Skins: exact model/size match or sufficient trim-to-fit dimensions, with appropriate tip and tail attachments.
- Crampons: interface and width checked if required for the planned conditions.
- Poles and pack: equipment fits and carries securely.
- Rescue kit: your own transceiver, shovel and probe for avalanche terrain. See Rescue gear kit.
- Tool and spares: correct bits, compatible spare hardware and repair straps.
- Clothing and emergency supplies: suitable for both moving and an unexpected stop.
- Delivery: every necessary component will arrive before your planned departure, including any preorders.
Bring us the questions you still have
Come see us in Chambly or email us with your weight, boot model and size, current equipment, planned terrain and budget. For compatibility questions, include model years and clear photos.
Browse our splitboard collection and send us the models you’re considering. We can help narrow down the choices and check the complete setup.