Getting into splitboarding requires more gear than lift-served snowboarding and some of it is genuinely unfamiliar to riders coming from a resort background. Here is a clear breakdown of what you need, why you need it, and what order to prioritise your spending.
The Non-Negotiables — Buy These First
Avalanche Safety Gear
The most important items on this list are not the splitboard or the skins. They are the three pieces of safety equipment that every person in a backcountry group must carry and know how to use.
Avalanche beacon (transceiver): worn on your body — inside your jacket, close to your chest — switched to transmit mode from the moment you leave the resort boundary. If you are buried in an avalanche, your beacon transmits a signal that your partners use to locate you. If a partner is buried, you switch to search mode and use the signal to find them. Every person in the group needs their own beacon. Sharing is not an option.
Current recommended beacons: Mammut Barryvox S, Ortovox 3+ or Pieps DSP are all solid three-antenna digital beacons with reliable search performance. Budget at least $400 to $500 for a quality beacon — this is not the category to save money in.
Avalanche probe: a collapsible pole that extends to 240 to 320cm. Once your beacon search has identified the approximate burial location, you probe the snow to confirm the exact position of the buried person before digging. A quality probe from Black Diamond or Mammut runs $80 to $150.
Avalanche shovel: a collapsible aluminium shovel that breaks down into your pack. When someone is buried, snow consolidates rapidly and hand digging is inadequate. A proper shovel is essential for speed in a companion rescue. Aluminium blade, collapsible handle, D-grip or T-grip for power. Budget $80 to $150.
Total avalanche safety kit: $560 to $800. Do not compromise here.
The Splitboard System
Splitboard
A splitboard looks like a regular snowboard with a central split running from tip to tail. In tour mode the board separates into two ski-like planks. In ride mode metal clips and a central locking system hold it together as a single snowboard.
Splitboard shapes follow the same logic as regular snowboard shapes — the difference is the split construction adds weight and affects the flex pattern slightly. All-mountain splitboard shapes work for most Australian touring terrain. Powder-specific shapes like the Jones Hovercraft Split are worth considering if deep powder access is your primary motivation for touring.
Jones makes some of the best splitboards available. As Jones authorised dealers we can help you choose the right shape and size for your intended terrain. Budget $800 to $1,400 for a quality splitboard.
Splitboard Bindings
Splitboard-specific bindings are not interchangeable with regular snowboard bindings. They need to clip into the splitboard interface in ride mode and rotate forward into a touring mode for efficient uphill movement.
Spark R&D is the most widely used splitboard binding brand — well-made, compatible with most splitboard interfaces, available in multiple flex options. The Spark Arc for an all-mountain flex, the Arc Pro for a stiffer feel. Karakoram makes premium alternatives with a different interface system.
Budget $400 to $700 for splitboard bindings.
Climbing Skins
Directional fabric strips that attach to the base of each splitboard plank. The fibres are angled so they grip on the uphill and glide on the flat or slight downhill when you are transitioning. They attach to the board tip and tail via a clip and hook system.
Skin width should match your board width at the waist — most skins come in multiple widths or are trimmable. Black Diamond, Pomoca and Kohla are the quality brands. Budget $150 to $250 for skins.
Touring Poles
Adjustable length aluminium or carbon poles. Used for balance, propulsion and support on the skin track. Most splitboarders use poles — they make a meaningful difference to uphill efficiency and significantly reduce the effort of long skin tracks. Budget $80 to $200.
The Pack
A dedicated touring or ski mountaineering pack with specific features for splitboarding: a way to carry the splitboard in tour mode (either diagonal carry or A-frame), a dedicated avalanche gear pocket for your shovel and probe, and enough volume for layers, water, food and first aid for a day tour.
20 to 30 litres is the right range for a day tour. Osprey Kamber, Black Diamond Jetforce and Deuter Freeride packs are all solid options. Budget $200 to $500 depending on whether you want an airbag system.
Avalanche airbag packs add an inflatable airbag system that deploys when you pull a handle, helping you stay near the surface of an avalanche. A meaningful safety addition for riders venturing into more serious terrain. Budget $600 to $1,200 for an airbag pack.
Clothing Adjustments for Touring
Skinning uphill generates significant body heat. A standard insulated snow jacket is too warm for most skin tracks. The typical touring approach:
Uphill: merino base layer, light softshell or hardshell with no insulation, possibly a light mid layer in very cold conditions. You will sweat regardless — the goal is to manage moisture and temperature, not avoid sweating entirely.
At the top: transition layers back on before the descent. A puffy mid layer and shell jacket go on while you are transitioning your board and skins. Stopping at the summit in a soaked base layer without adding a layer is a reliable way to get cold fast.
Gloves: lightweight gloves for the uphill, warmer waterproof gloves for the descent. Carrying both and swapping at transitions is standard practice.
The Complete Budget Range
Entry-level touring setup (functional, not premium):
Splitboard: $800 to $900
Splitboard bindings: $400 to $500
Skins: $150 to $200
Poles: $80 to $100
Beacon: $400
Probe and shovel: $200
Pack: $200 to $300
Total: approximately $2,230 to $2,700
Mid-range touring setup (what most serious Australian splitboarders run):
Splitboard: $1,000 to $1,200
Bindings: $550 to $700
Skins: $200 to $250
Poles: $150 to $180
Beacon: $500
Probe and shovel: $280
Pack: $350 to $450
Total: approximately $3,030 to $3,560
Before spending anything: complete an AST 1 avalanche safety course. The gear is useless without the knowledge to use it correctly and the judgment to make good decisions in the terrain.
Full Splitboarding in Australia Guide · Shop Splitboards · Visit Our Melbourne Store
