Splitboarding has seen a real surge in popularity in recent years. But with the huge range of splitboards, boots, bindings, and accessories now available, it can feel overwhelming—if not downright confusing.

What splitboard type are you?

To make your buying decision easier, we’ve grouped splitboarders into five types. For each one, you’ll find a clear recommendation to help guide you toward many rewarding hours in the backcountry.

1. The Greenhorn

You’re new to snowboarding, but the backcountry fascinates you far more than groomed runs. You can’t wait to slap skins on for your first off-piste missions.

A forgiving all-rounder board is your best bet—one that handles every terrain comfortably. A slightly softer boot reduces foot fatigue, and a binding that’s a little on the heavier side will improve power transfer and overall control.

2. The Daring One

You’re technically strong as a snowboarder but still new to splitboarding. You want a reliable, high-quality board that performs in all conditions—from steep couloirs to tricky snowpack.

A premium splitboard with a versatile shape is ideal. A rocker–camber mix gives you the perfect balance of float in deep snow and solid edge grip when things get firm.

3. The Powder Freak

You come alive when the snow is deep and fluffy. Steep, open powder fields are your playground, while technical routes tend to be optional.

For you, a slightly longer or more heavily rockered board works brilliantly. Rockers offer incredible manoeuvrability in powder, while swallowtails provide maximum float. Result: even more flow and bliss in the white room.

4. The Trickster

You take your freestyle skills anywhere—pipe, powder, terrain features. Short descents are no excuse not to throw a 360° or a nose grab.

Choose a board that supports playful riding, quick turns, and steady landings, without compromising your creativity in the backcountry.

5. The Alpinist

For you, everything is about the extreme. You go wherever experienced ski tourers go—whether that’s a demanding 4,000-metre peak or a steep gully descent.

You need a robust, versatile board that handles long icy traverses, variable snow, and high-exposure terrain. A stiff highback binding gives you essential control on steep slopes. Your boots should be comfortable, supportive, and ideally compatible with crampons.

TIP: Splitboard Crampons

Crampons have become standard in almost every splitboarder’s pack. They prevent losing traction on icy or crusty sections and have saved countless tours. They’re especially crucial on spring missions, when early-morning snow is often frozen. Without crampons, slipping backwards on skins becomes a real risk.

Only dedicated powder hunters who venture out strictly in soft conditions can occasionally skip them.

Quick Guide to Splitboard Shapes

If you want to talk splitboards confidently, knowing the basic shapes helps—different profiles suit different riders and terrain. Here’s a simple overview:

Camber

The classic and still incredibly versatile. Camber offers excellent edge hold and predictable carving, especially in difficult snow.
Best for: long Western Alps tours, icy conditions
Less ideal for: switch-heavy descents

Rocker

A favourite among powder lovers. The lifted shape gives you great float and manoeuvrability.
Best for: deep, soft powder
Less ideal for: icy climbs and hard, fast descents

Flat

As the name suggests—flat from tip to tail. Provides maximum edge contact.
Best for: steep, icy ascents and varied terrain
Less ideal for: bottomless powder days

Swallowtail

Purpose-built for deep powder. The cut-out tail sinks, keeping the nose effortlessly afloat.
Best for: deep, fine powder
Less ideal for: mixed or technical routes with hard snow

Combinations

Hybrid shapes blend camber and rocker for tailored performance and rider-specific needs.

Bindings: What Matters

The key component in a splitboard binding is the highback.

• Short/soft highback: more range of motion, ideal for freestyle terrain

• Tall/stiff highback: maximum power transfer and stability, especially on ascents and in variable snow

Many splitboard bindings allow the highback to be tilted back in walk mode—great for comfort on long tours.

Boots: The Foundation of Every Tour

The best splitboard setup is nothing without comfortable boots. They should fit well, prevent blisters, and keep your toes warm and responsive.

General rule: better half a size too big than half a size too small.
If you don’t have snowboard boots, a well-fitting hiking boot can work as a temporary alternative. But splitboard-specific boots offer the best combination of support, comfort, and performance.

Avalanche Safety: Essential Knowledge

If you’re new to the backcountry, take an avalanche safety course before the season starts. Many organisations offer programs covering terrain assessment, risk evaluation, and proper use of avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels.

Safety Equipment: Non-Negotiable for Splitboarders

Whenever you head off-piste—even just for a powder lap—you need:

• Avalanche beacon

• Avalanche probe

• Shovel

These three tools are essential for you and your group’s safety.