Intro To Splitboarding

Our Intro to Splitboarding course is designed for snowboarders looking to take their riding beyond the lifts and into the backcountry. This foundational program introduces the essential skills, techniques, and decision-making tools required for safe and efficient backcountry travel. Participants will gain hands-on experience with splitboard setup and use, skinning, transition techniques, efficient uphill movement and terrain evaluation.

Led by experienced splitboard guides, this course blends education with real-world touring practice. We put a strong emphasis on skills such as movement efficiency, terrain management, and developing a process for using your splitboard as a tool for grand exploration.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained and applied the essential skills needed to travel confidently and efficiently through the backcountry on a splitboard—equipping you to approach future backcountry tours with confidence, sound judgment, and a commitment to continued skill development.

1 Day - Intro to Splitboarding

Book Now

Student Takeaways

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Understand how to integrate crampons, ice axe, and other tools into splitboard travel

  • Build efficiency in transitions, steep skinning, and bootpacking

  • Apply terrain evaluation and group management principles

  • Gain confidence to pursue intermediate-level mountaineering objectives safely and responsibly

Morning - Equipment, Movement & Fundamentals

Topics Covered:

  • Gear Orientation: Crampons & ice axe

  • Footwork & Movement: Using crampons for snow and mixed terrain; step-kicking and front-pointing fundamentals

  • Ice Axe Use: Self-belay and self-arrest techniques on moderate slopes

  • Transition Practice: Split mode ↔ Boot mode ↔ Ride mode efficiency

  • Skintrack Efficiency: Managing steep ascents, kick turns, and glide technique

  • Course Goals:

    1. Understanding Splitboarding Equipment
      Participants will become familiar with splitboard gear, including boards, bindings, skins, and safety equipment, to ensure proper use and maintenance.

    2. Safety Awareness
      Emphasize the importance of avalanche safety, weather conditions, and terrain assessment to promote safe practices in backcountry environments.

    3. Introduction to Touring Techniques
      Teach basic touring techniques, including skinning, transitions between splitboard and snowboard mode, and efficient climbing strategies on varied terrain.

    4. Navigation and Route Planning
      Provide participants with foundational skills in map reading and digital navigation tools to effectively plan backcountry routes.

    Course Outcomes:

    1. Skill Proficiency
      Participants will demonstrate basic skill proficiency in using splitboard equipment, performing efficient transitions, and maintaining balance while navigating uphill and downhill on varied terrain.

    2. Risk Management
      Participants will be able to identify potential hazards in the backcountry and outline strategies to assess and mitigate risks associated with winter sports.

    3. Basic Avalanche Awareness
      Participants will understand the fundamentals of avalanche dynamics, recognize different types of avalanche danger, and be able to conduct a basic avalanche rescue using a beacon, probe, and shovel.

    4. Confidence in Backcountry Travel
      By the end of the course, participants will feel equipped to embark on their own backcountry adventures with a solid understanding of safety practices, basic navigation skills, and touring techniques.

    5. Community Connection
      Foster a sense of community among participants, encouraging continued learning and collaboration in the backcountry sports community.

    *NOTE: By achieving these goals and outcomes, participants will not only acquire essential skills for splitboarding but also embrace the responsibility that comes with exploring alpine environments safely.

  • 8:00am - Meet your guide at trailhead.

    8:30am - Start the tour.

    Noon - Lunch on the go

    3:00pm - Finish tour, back to trailhead, debrief the day. text goes here

    • Advanced riding skills - Should be comfortable linking clean turns down a black diamond run at ski areas.

    • This is an introductory course - No previous backcountry ski touring experience required experience.

    • Basic - Moderate fitness level - Through the day, we will be covering anywhere from 1,150 - 3,000 vertical feet over the course of the day. You should be capable of performing this at a slow & steady pace.

    • Arrive with proper equipment - You must provide yourself with the equipment displayed below in the gear list. If you do not own something, you can either rent from us or rent from a local shop here in Truckee.

  • Included:

    • Friendly AMGA trained splitboard guides

    • Recreational use permits

    • Group gear, first aid, satellite communication device.

    • Wag Bags (Waste Disposal Bags)

    Not Included:

    • Ski/splitboard touring equipment.

    • Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.

    • Food

    • Transportation

    • Guide Gratuities

Midday - Ascent & Terrain Application

Topics Covered:

  • Route Selection: Identifying safe ascent lines and avoiding terrain traps

  • Bootpacking Techniques: Safe movement and pacing on steeper snow

  • Group Management: Spacing, communication, and hazard considerations

Price: $210.00

Dates:

Afternoon — Descent & Debrief

Topics Covered:

  • Descent Planning: Identifying safe descent lines and assessing snow conditions

  • Field Debrief: Reflection on decision-making, efficiency, and next steps in progression