Traversing is generally the least favorite aspect of splitboarding among it’s users. Due to the width of the skis it is often difficult to get good bite and traction on firm and icy slopes. If you use strap bindings and soft boots you will also be at a slight disadvantage compared to hard boot splitboarders where the added rigidity of the boot allows them to more effectively weight the edge of the ski. Knowing some of the tricks for traversing will help you regardless of your boot and binding choices. In addition, traversing is generally just over small sections of the tour and not the whole tour from start to finish. Stay positive and remember that it will be over soon.
Tips
| Use your splitboard crampons if you’re new to traversing or if it’s really firm and icy. If using soft boots, tightening up the laces on the upper cuff of your boots can also help. | |
| Shorten your uphill approach pole and lengthen your downhill pole so both of your arms are even with each other. | |
| Weight your uphill ski with most of your weight and lightly slide along your downhill ski. | |
| Wedge your downhill approach pole tip under your downhill ski during your pole plant to prevent the ski from slipping out. | |
| If the snow is firm, try keeping your skis as flat as possible so your skins grip the snow. | |
| If the snow is soft, try to really set your uphill ski’s edge into the snow. | |
| If traversing on your splitboard is draining too much of your valuable energy, slows the group down, or becomes dangerous, switch to boot crampons plus ice axe and strap your board to your back. |
*Note: When traversing an open powder slope go one at a time and spot each other for safety.
