When it comes to splitboarding and touring in the backcountry there are lots of terms that may not be familiar to a recreational snowboarder. With that I wanted to put together a list of the words, terminology and slang we use while out splitboarding. Along with this article if you are new to splitboarding and wondering where to start, check out this piece we did on Splitboarding 101 Introduction to the Sport.
Basic Splitboarding Terminology
Splitboard Equipment
Splitboard – a Snowboard cut in 2 halves that work as skis on the way uphill and connect into a snowboard on the way downhill.
Splitboard Hooks – The attachment system to put both splitboard ski halves together to turn into a splitboard
Puck – A structure attached directly to your Splitboard that allows compatible bindings to lock onto your board for downhill mode.
Climbing Ladder, or Climbing Wire – The tool build into the binding or attached to the board that allows the splitboard binding to rise up for climbing in steep terrain. Also known as a “riser.”
Skins – The material (think carpet) that attaches to the bottom of the skis to avoid sliding backwards while going up hill.
Ski Strap – Piece of Rubber strap that can help in emergency situations. – Perfect for when skins fail.
Skin Wax – A special wax you can put on the bottom of your skins if the snow is sticky and hindering forward glide.
Going Uphill on Splitboard
Touring – Walking in the backcountry with your splitboard skis underfoot Also known as – Ski Mode – Touring with your splitboard split into skis.
Transition – When you switch over from touring to ride mode and vice versa.
Skins Failing – When your skins are wet or temperatures are not allowing for the skins to stick to the bottom of your board.
Skin Track – The trail your skis make on the way up, and the trail people behind you will follow in fresh snow.
Ascending – Going uphill with your splitboard.
Kick Turn – The ability to change directions on snow when going uphill by lifting your splitboard up and above the surface while turning in the opposite direction.
Summit – Top of the Run.
Summit Fever – Having a one track mind to get to the top of the run even if conditions/group dynamics don’t allow.
Going Downhill on Splitboard
Descending – Going downhill while typically riding in snowboard mode.
The Out – The trip back to where your skin began after riding down from the summit.
Splitskiing – When you keep your Splitboard in split mode for a brief downhill section in the middle of a tour rather than transitioning multiple times in the middle of your tour.
Red Flags – Warning signs for a dangerous snowpack, printed on some boards and outerwear.
Glide – A term for how easily your skins slide over the snow in the forward direction. Skins are directional, allowing for glide forward and keeping you from falling backwards.