Any Split Boarders Out There-

I would make your own with a kit if you can instead of buying a pre-made they seem to be realll expensive. I'm hoping to split an old board next season, It's still going to run at least $570 for the parts with r&d bindings, plus the board, also poles and anything else or crampons but I don't think I'll need them.

I am contemplating the set up...I have four buddies who all dove in this year.  One of them moved to Tahoe recently so there should be ample opportunities...hard to throw down that kind of coin though without knowing how many days I will get in though.

You might say I have a little experience (it's all I do) splitboarding. 

I recommend factory splits.  You can often find good deals on Voile splits this time of year.  You can certainly get away with a DIY job.

As far as the ride goes, I really can't tell much of a difference between a split or a solid on the down.  The main thing is weight.  A split will weigh more because of the interface.  The amount of difference is not nearly what it was 10 years ago.  Spark bindings, Karakorum, and lighter boards are making up the gap.  It's a couple of pounds at most these days.  For any rider worth their salt, it'll take a run or two to get used to it.


Not having to carry a board on your back is the huge advantage.  Hike in high winds or thick trees with a board on your back and you'll know why.

As far as for what you need after you have split with skins.  Poles are must of course.  Black Diamond 3 section Expedition poles are the best and also some of the more affordable.  Don't mess with anything that is two section or twist lock.  Flick Locks are the only thing that works reliably in the field.  Trust me on this one.  Also, extend your poles all the way after you get home to dry out the sections.  Or else they'll oxidize and get stuck together.  Yeah, I learned that bitch.

A good solid pack to carry water, food, skins, emergency gear, and your board (It's necessary from time to time) is also key.

Finally, and this stuff you can not go without.  You need an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.  Learn how to use that stuff.  You also need to either hook up with people who know how to travel safely in avalanche terrain and are willing to take you under their wing.  And/or you need to take an avalanche course.  An avalanche I course is highly recommended, but a basic avy awareness course will do worlds for you.  Read some books, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper is a great read and you'll learn a lot. 

Splitboarding is freakin' fantastic, but it's also very hard work.  Backcountry riding is amazing, you do stuff people pay for snowcats and Helicopters to take them on, for free.  It's also truly "Wild snow".  You make one bad decision and you'll be taken out of the game of life in a nanosecond.  There is no ski patrol to come rescue your carcass.  If you and your buds are not prepared, you, your partner, or everyone in your group are dead. 

The thing is it's pretty easy to stay out of trouble, and most of the time your are rewarded for your hard work with conditions way better than a resort ever offers.  It's game on over 90% of the time you go out.  Like December 18th this season when the resorts were marginally open and going off of groomers was not much of an option.








All done by splitting.

he is though isnt he. Its posts like that which really reminds me that its a total joke that someone like me has the 'expert member' tag. As for the avi course... i dont feel even remotely confident in truth to deal with things like that on my own after doing it. Id definitely need some people to guide me through it. I feel like i have some kind of understanding, but nowhere near enough experience to apply it. Still, one day ill drop one of his bus size (controlled) cornice bombs and cry happy tears as it triggers a slide. :)

http://splitboard.com/talk/index.php guys.  This is a great site to pick up some partners.  There are certainly a ton of peeps in Tahoe on that board.  There are also tons of peeps from around the world.  At the very least someone there will probably point you in the right direction. 

Also, it's hard to gain experience without going at there and experiencing it.  So you have to get into the field and therein lies the bitch of the problem.  So you got to start safe and small and figure out how it works in your local spots.  The stuff I do now at Berthoud Pass is completely different than the stuff I did there when I first got into this over 10 years ago.  Knowing your terrain is a big part of the experience.  Learning where the most dangerous slide spots are, terrain traps, and safe(r) spots are comes with getting out there. 

And yeah, dropping huge cornice bombs is really fun.

For the DIY Voile Split Kit you should have some skills with finished carpentry to really do it well. 

http://www.avalanche.org/ is a great portal that has links to all avalanche centers in North America.  You should check your local avalanche center before going out.  It should also be checked on a daily basis so that you will have an idea as to what is going on with your local snow pack.  Information overload is a big part of the game.  

I've been riding the split for a couple years now, generally got into the BC on snowshoes prior to that.  It's fantastic

Didn't get a chance to try splitboarding yet this season, and time is quickly running out.  I need to get on it!