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5 Things That Will Convince Any Snowboarder to Try Splitboarding ASAP

"Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

By: Justin Peverini + Save to a List

Earning your turns. It just oozes cool and badassity. My name is Justin, and I am a splitboarding addict. The first time that I turned my snowboards into ski’s, threw on some skins, and slid my way up a mountain, I knew I was on to something.

Here are my top 5 reasons to slide:

1. You earn your turns, duh! 

There is a quote out there somewhere, which I will butcher because I am too lazy to look it up, that everything in life that is hard, is worth doing. Going up hills for 1,500m (4,900ft) is hard. It's a grind fest, but its also simple. Slide your right foot. Now your left. Repeat infinity more times. When you reach the peak, you feel genuine pride in your accomplishment. That pride will turn even the crappiest of snow into something magnificent on the way down. Earning your turns makes snow better.

2. Escape the crowds! 

Ski resorts are more crowded than ever. The calm of nature is gone from the resorts, and it has been replaced by the hustle and bustle of city life. Getting out of the resorts and into the backcountry will automatically reduce the number of people you see by 1,000%* or more.

3. Save some dough. 

I recently was in Lake Tahoe visiting family over Christmas, and I came to a shocking realization, a lift pass at Heavenly is $131. That is not a typo. But maybe you are unlucky and in Vail, there the ticket is only $189 per day. Again, not a typo. These are insane amounts of money to pay just for the right to stand in a line for most the day. Splitboarding is generally free, after the start up cost of the equipment. I bought mine used and the total package (skins, bindings, board) was under $800.


4. See amazing things. 

Resorts can be beautiful, I know. There is just something special about venturing off the beaten path and getting out of bounds. Nature becomes pure and untouched by human interference. The world becomes quiet and your soul lights afire. As my man John Muir said, “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.

5. Find untracked lines!! 

Let’s be honest, we are snowboarders and we yearn for a day spent chasing new lines. On huge powder days, you can fight your way to endless powder runs at a resort, but what happens when the snow is finicky? I strap on my splitboard and get going. There are far less people willing to earn their turn, and there are endless possibilities to find a stash of powder in the backcountry.

Remember, splitboarding is not hard, and is a helluva lot of fun, but by doing so, you increase your risk of being in an avalanche. Bring all the right equipment with you and never go alone. If your knowledge base is low, take a weekend course.

*the math might not prove this, but I hope you get the point.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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