Intro to Splitboarding

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

Montana Alpine Guides (MAG) has partnered with Bozeman Splitfest to bring you our Intro to Backcountry Splitboarding course! 

The course is for resort snowboarders looking to break into backcountry splitboarding. We meet at our office to discuss equipment options, contents of our avalanche packs, the avalanche forecast, our route plan and clothing considerations. We then head out to the slopes and discuss travel methods for uphill touring. Our focus will be on terrain and snow assessment as well as becoming exposed to riding in variable snow surfaces.

This Intro to Splitboarding Course is perfect to combine with a Level 1 Avalanche Course from Montana Alpine Guides.

  • SKILLS COVERED

    • Equipment and gear overview

    • Introduction to trip planning and terrain selection

    • Use of beacons, shovels, and probes

    • Fundamentals of risk management in the backcountry

    • Efficient transition techniques

    • Proper uphill skinning technique

    FREE SPLITBOARD DEMOS

    Demos are for board, bindings, and skins only. No poles or avalanche safety kits are included with the demos.


    Demos must be picked up in advance and in person at the Splitfest event. Availability not guaranteed. Please contact bozemansplitfest@gmail.com for more information.

  • Ability to snowboard on varying conditions and angles of terrain.

    • Professional guiding and instruction

    • Food, water, transport, lodging

    • Technical clothing, backpack, etc.

    • Rescue insurance

    • Trip insurance

    • Guide gratuity

    • Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control

  • MANDATORY GEAR:

    Avalanche Safety Packs: Backpack, beacon, shovel, & probe (limited availability)

    Rent from MAG: $50/person/day – please contact us if you need to rent Avalanche Safety Packs!

    Split-boards: FREE Backcountry demo split-boards are available through Bozeman Split-fest as well as demo bindings and demo skins.

    Additional Gear:

    • Boots, poles, skins

    • Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom and top (base layer)

    • Mid layer top and bottom (insulation layer)

    • Insulated “puffy” jacket

    • Waterproof pants and jacket

    • Wool or synthetic socks

    • Warm gloves and/or mittens

    • Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava

    • Goggles and sunglasses

    • Day pack backpack (25-40 liters)

    • Headlamp + spare batteries

    • Water bottle (1+ liter per person)

    • Lunch + snacks

    • Hand warmers

    • Helmet

    • Extra gloves for the uphill

    • Chapstick

    • Camera

COURSE DATES

WINTER 2025 (dates TBD)

COURSE DURATION

1 Day

RATIO

Maximum 6 participants : 1 instructor

COST

$195/person