Snowboards VS Splitboards Explained

Snowboards and splitboards are types of boards used for snowboarding, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features. Here's a brief overview of the differences between the two:

1. Design and Purpose:
   • Snowboard: A snowboard is a board designed for riding downhill on snow through varying conditions. Snowboards are typically used at (but not limited to) ski resorts or other patrolled terrain.

   • Splitboard: A splitboard is a snowboard that can be split into two separate skis to create a split system. This design allows the splitboarder to ascend uphill, like skiing, by attaching climbing skins to the base. Once at the top, the splitboard can be rejoined into a snowboard for the descent. Splitboards are primarily used for backcountry or off-piste snowboarding, where climbing uphill is necessary to reach untracked or remote areas.

     
     
2. Performance:
   • Snowboard: Snowboards are optimized for descending and provide excellent stability and control while maneuvering or freestyling.

   • Splitboard: Splitboards specialize in backcountry terrain by allowing the rider to climb uphill efficiently. With the split configuration, it allows snowboarders to access untouched terrain and explore remote areas beyond resort boundaries. Although splitboards are more than capable of descending, they may not provide the same performance as dedicated downhill snowboards.

     
     
3. Bindings:
   • Snowboard: Traditional snowboards use bindings that keep both feet secure to the board. These bindings are optimized for downhill riding, providing control, responsiveness, and shock absorption.

   • Splitboard: Splitboards use specialized bindings that can be adjusted to work as touring bindings for the ascent and standard snowboard bindings for the descent. During the uphill climb, the bindings allow the heel to lift, enabling a walking or gliding motion, just like ski touring. Once at the top, the board will be put back together, and the bindings are switched back to downhill mode to ride down like a standard snowboard.

     
     
4. Equipment and Accessories:
   • Snowboard: Snowboarding requires boots, bindings, and alpine specific outerwear. Resorts often provide ski patrol, groomed slopes, lifts, and other amenities for snowboarders.
   • Splitboard: In addition to the splitboard itself, splitboarding requires specialized equipment such as climbing skins, splitboard bindings, collapsible poles, and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe). It also necessitates appropriate clothing and backpacks for backcountry travel. Splitboarding is often done in uncontrolled environments, so knowledge of avalanche safety and backcountry skills absolutely 100% necessary.

TLDR: Overall, the main difference between a snowboard and a splitboard lies in their design and purpose. Snowboards are optimized for downhill riding at resorts or in the streets, while splitboards are designed to aid the rider in backcountry travel, combining uphill climbing ability with downhill snowboarding performance.