Getting into splitboarding involves more gear decisions than regular snowboarding — board, bindings, skins, poles, safety gear and a pack all need to work together as a system. This guide walks through each component, what matters and what does not, and how to prioritise your spending.

Start Here — Before You Buy Anything

Do a guided backcountry day before you invest in splitboard gear. One day with a certified guide in Australian backcountry terrain tells you whether you enjoy the uphill, whether your fitness is ready for touring and whether this is a pursuit you want to commit to. The gear investment is significant — $2,500 to $4,000 for a complete setup — and knowing you enjoy the process before you spend is worth far more than reading another gear review.

If you already know you want to do this: complete AST 1 avalanche safety training first. The gear is useless without the knowledge to use it responsibly.

The Splitboard

A splitboard is a snowboard that separates down the middle into two touring planks. In tour mode the planks are independent with climbing skins on the base. In ride mode they clip together and function as a full snowboard for the descent.

Sizing: size your splitboard the same as you would a regular snowboard. The split construction adds some stiffness but this does not materially change length or width requirements. If you need a wide regular snowboard for your boot size, you need a wide splitboard.

Shape: all-mountain directional shapes are the most versatile for Australian conditions — firm morning snow, variable snowpack, occasional powder. The Jones Solution Split handles this range well. Powder-specific shapes like the Hovercraft Split suit riders regularly accessing deeper terrain.

Weight: splitboards are heavier than equivalent solid boards. Premium constructions use lighter materials to reduce uphill load. For occasional Victorian day touring, weight difference is manageable. For multi-day Kosciuszko tours, a lighter construction is worth the premium.

What we stock: Jones Solution Split, Jones Hovercraft Split, Jones Flagship Split and more as authorised Jones dealers. We can advise on the right model for your intended terrain.

Splitboard Bindings

Splitboard bindings are not interchangeable with regular snowboard bindings. They need to function in both ride mode (locked down as a snowboard binding) and tour mode (rotating forward with heel lift for efficient skinning).

Spark R&D is the most widely used splitboard binding brand. The Arc suits all-mountain riding, the Arc Pro for a stiffer feel on technical terrain. Check puck compatibility with your specific splitboard before ordering.

Karakoram offers premium alternatives with different interface geometry and lighter construction — relevant for riders doing serious multi-day touring where grams matter.

Compatibility: bring your boots in when you buy bindings. Binding sizing, boot compatibility and board interface all need to be confirmed together. This is not a purchase to make without checking.

Climbing Skins

Skins attach to the splitboard plank bases and provide uphill traction. The directional fabric grips going up and glides on flat or gentle terrain during transitions.

Width: match skin width to your board waist width. Skins are trimmable — buy to width and trim to your exact edge profile. We can help with this in store.

Fabric: nylon grips better in wet Australian spring snow. Mohair glides better and weighs less. A blended fabric (65 to 70 percent nylon, 30 to 35 percent mohair) is the most practical choice for variable Australian conditions.

Glue care: store skins skin-to-skin in their bag after each use. Do not let the glue dry out and do not fold rough-side together. Glue that degrades means skins that slip mid-tour.

Avalanche Safety Gear — Non-Negotiable

Every person in the group needs their own beacon, probe and shovel. Not shared. Every person. This is the gear that determines survival if someone is buried.

Beacon: worn inside your jacket in transmit mode at all times in the backcountry. Three-antenna digital beacons from Mammut (Barryvox S), Ortovox (3+) or BCA (Tracker) are the reliable options. Budget $400 to $500. Do not compromise here.

Probe: used after beacon search to pinpoint exact burial location before digging. 240cm minimum length, aluminium shaft, fast-assembly cord lock. Black Diamond or BCA. Budget $80 to $150.

Shovel: aluminium blade, collapsible handle, D-grip or T-grip. Carried in the external avalanche pocket of your pack. Black Diamond Transfer series or BCA. Budget $80 to $150.

Practice: buying the gear is not enough. Practice beacon search with your group before your first tour — timing your search under pressure is a different skill from reading about it.

Poles

Adjustable aluminium or carbon touring poles. Used for balance and propulsion on the skin track. Make a meaningful difference to uphill efficiency on long ascents. Budget $80 to $200.

The Pack

A dedicated backcountry pack with splitboard carry capability and a separate external avalanche gear pocket. 20 to 30 litres for day tours. The external avalanche pocket must be immediately accessible — beacon, probe and shovel are stored here, not in the main compartment.

Airbag packs add a deployable balloon that helps keep you near the surface of an avalanche. Worth considering for riders regularly in serious terrain. Budget $600 to $1,200 for an airbag-equipped pack.

Budget Summary

Entry to mid-range complete splitboard touring setup:
Splitboard: $900 to $1,200
Bindings: $450 to $600
Skins: $180 to $250
Poles: $100 to $160
Beacon: $400 to $500
Probe and shovel: $200 to $280
Pack: $250 to $400
Total: $2,480 to $3,390

Come in and talk to us about building the right kit for your touring intentions. We stock the full splitboarding range and can help you prioritise spending based on where you want to go and how you plan to get there.

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