Looking for a complete winter experience? Splitboarding combines hiking, mountaineering, skiing and backcountry snowboarding all in one. Two skis along with climbing skins enable splitboarders to ascend backcountry slopes, and then they attach the skis together to make a snowboard at the top. The activity allows people to take in serene alpine vistas, while also experiencing the thrill of snowboarding on fresh powder.
Splitboarding gives practitioners a lot of flexibility in terms of how much work they want to put into a day. You can spend days camping and climbing the whole way up a mountain and enjoying the lengthy ride down. Or, put minimal effort into your ascent and make multiple short runs in a day.
Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National park provide ample routes for great splitboarding. In the wake of huge winter snowstorms, local routes for backcountry skiing and snowboarding should have near-perfect conditions. (Mt. Shasta Backcountry routes HERE). (Lassen Backcountry routes HERE).
Splitboarding at Lassen Volcanic National Park:
Lassen Split
Last year, we went splitboarding at Bunny Flats (Mt. Shasta) with our Adventure Consultant Backcountry Craig. It's a good spot for beginner splitboarders as well as backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
Already have some snowboarding experience and want to get an introduction to splitboarding? You could start by taking a guided tour with Splitboard Guides International out of the Tahoe area. They do three-day guided tours from Lassen's South Entrance. (Click HERE for more info). Shasta Mountain Guides also offer guided splitboard tours on Mt. Shasta. In addition, you can find splitboard rentals at The Fifth Season in Mt. Shasta.
See you on the slopes!