A Gift Guide for Splitboarders

There’s a common slogan among splitboarders that has stood the test of time: Splitboarding is the answer. If you know someone who rides untamed slopes with a snowboard that splits in two, you’d probably describe them as fairly laid-back, athletic shredders who have lofty ambitions yet still know how to have fun. This is a guide to gifts for splitboarders, curated by someone who is coming up on 20 years as a self-diagnosed powder addict who slides sideways on snow.

If you’re here, you probably are looking for the perfect gift to give them, and while it’s difficult to dial in exactly what they might want by broad generalizations, chances are that the majority of splitboarders will find these gifts useful. If they don’t, you might, because it’s all pretty cool equipment. Hopefully this guide helps.

Avalanche Safety First

Before the fun stuff: anyone splitboarding in avalanche terrain needs a beacon, probe, and shovel, and needs to know how to use them. Rescue gear is personal, though, and most splitboarders already own theirs, so I’d skip guessing at someone’s kit. The safety gift worth giving is training. We are happy to provide AST courses in Whistler and Vancouver, and if you are looking for another location, hit us up and we can share some of our favourites in Canada, the USA, and Europe.

Gear is never a substitute for training. An AST 1 is the starting point, and a refresher every few seasons keeps rescue skills sharp. The free beacon practice app further down this list pairs well with either.

Premium Picks

ThirtyTwo Jones MTB Lite Boots: Yes, these boots cost an arm, a leg, and a whole lotta gas money. But granola-types don’t like burning much gas anyway, right? So put that energy into the legs and get some purpose-built splitboarding boots designed by none other than Jeremy Jones, the GOAT of Granolas who started a movement toward finding bigger lines by people power. Lace-up boots are a dying breed, which alone makes these worth getting. But add in a walk mode that lessens the stiffness, and one of the most comfortable liners around, and you have a set of boots designed to go the distance. If your splitboarder is not logging in at least a few dozen days a year, these probably aren’t worth it. But if they get their miles in, this is a great way to say you support their cause. ~$1,000 CAD / ~$870 USD Full review →

7mesh Guardian Terra Jacket: Everyone pretty much agrees on the fact that GORE-TEX is the gold standard for waterproof, windproof protection in the elements. But material is only one part of the equation when it comes to a good hardshell jacket and this debut by 7mesh shows that they know what they are doing. Designed right down the road from us in Squamish, BC, the Guardian Terra is one of the lightest GORE-TEX PRO jackets I’ve tried. People who move fast and want to stash it in their pack will be stoked to have it. It’s a minimalist jacket, but for anyone covering ground quickly in alpine conditions, this is a winner. ~$850 CAD. Full review → Looking at other options? Compare it in the best hardshell jackets roundup.