Welcome to an environment that will challenge and inspire, educate and develop.
The recent developments in splitboard technology have revolutionised backcountry snowboard travel. Splitboarding is the natural progression for snowboarders wishing to get away from the crowds, explore the backcountry, go deeper into the mountains, ascend peaks and ride untracked snow.
Come and learn how to transition your gear between uphill and downhill modes efficiently so you can enjoy more riding for your days out.
book now Pricing Skills Form
Prior to the trip
Meet with your guide at our offices 5:30pm on the evening prior to departure. Your guide will check all your clothing and equipment as required for the course. Rental equipment is issued and last minute purchases can be made. The weather forecast is reviewed and a plan is made for an early flight into the mountains on Day 1 of the course.
Day One
Drive to Wanaka Airport (10min) and fly to the top of the Pisa Range by helicopter or into the stunning Matukituki valley (20 min) for the flight into Black Peak. Backpacks are light because sleeping bags, cooking gear and other necessities will already be in the hut.
Day Two & Three
Depending upon conditions, we may choose to ride the terrain right outside the hut door or wander further afield. In the Pisas there is a wide variety of terrain for all abilities whilst Black Peak will offer long runs for more advanced riders. There is lots to cover on the course so be prepared for full days.
Day Four
Everything learned up to now will be applied for the trip out of the hills. With complex terrain the emphasis will be on learning to chose a safe route. Terrain analysis is the one thing that you cannot learn in the classroom and here you will get the perfect exposure to accurate decision making under the watchful eye of your guide. From Robrosa you will reach the Snow farm ski area or from Black Peak, the final descent will be through the Treble Cone ski field.
The Backcountry Splitboarding Course the groundwork for planning and carrying out successful splitboard tours, and managing risks in the backcountry
Topics can be tailored to suit the individual and the group and may include:
- How to use different splitboard equipment and convert from uphill to downhill mode.
- Uphill travel techniques for splitboarders
- Assessing avalanche danger and decision making in avalanche terrain
- Terrain assessment, route selection and safe travel techniques
- Companion rescue; including group management, transceiver searching, probing and shovelling
- Mountain weather interpretation and observations
- Navigation strategies
- Trip planning and preparation for the best splitboarding tours
At the end of the course you will be a competent member of a ski or splitboard touring group, able to plan trips appropriate to the group and conditions, and contribute to safe decision making.
Availability
| Trip Date | Available |
|---|---|
| Trip runs weekly | On Request |
| Require a minimum of 3pax to run at this price |
Pricing
| Client Ratio | Price |
|---|---|
| 1:1 Private rate | $6,950 |
| 1:3 up to 1:4 Group rate | $2,550pp |
What's included
- NZMGA qualified guide
- Helicopter ride to the hut on the first day.
- all meals and energy snacks
- cosy private huts and bedding
- Splitboarding Coaching
- Avalanche Safety Equipment
Frequently asked questions
Most of our mountaineering ascents are conducted on a 1:1 basis, so no problem there.
For all other group climbing, skiing or trekking trips, we have a 2 person minimum number to operate a trip. If you are travelling on your own, try to organise your itinerary to match up with the dates scheduled for the course or trip listed on our website.
If you can't join a trip on our scheduled dates: then you have two options:
1. Book a private 1:1 trip for any dates you wish or we can book you as a single and we will try to match others to your dates.
2. If we cannot find at least one other person for the dates you want, one month before the start date we will give you a full refund or offer you an alternative trip 1:1 for a fewer number of days.
Have a look at our website. We provide detailed information about the equipment required at the end of the trip description. Typically this includes a checklist which you can use to "tick off" your gear, a document giving more detailed explanations as well as some of our best "guide tips" and a video to visually explain some of the terminology.
For our trips we have 3 categories of equipment:
Compulsory items - this is equipment you must have with you. You can either purchase or hire depending on the item.
Trip Dependent - these are items that maybe needed but will depend on the venue for the trip and prevailing conditions. Most times this cannot be decided ahead of time. Our best advice is that if you already own the items listed in the trip dependent section and you can fit in your pack then bring them along. Things like your own rock shoes and snow goggles are good things to bring - but disposable eating utensils can easily be obtained in Wanaka.
Optional - these are items which you can choose to bring or leave behind. But we think you should at least bring your camera. Your trip will to some of the most breathtaking locations on the planet!
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the suitability of equipment to avoid purchasing or carrying unnecessary equipment.
Equipment Detail
You will need your own splitboard, skins and boots or rent them from local providers.
We will provide avalanche safety equipment (transceiver shovel probe)
Equipment Detail Checklist & order form
I was looking for a challenging back country snowboarding opportunity for myself and my 12 year old son. It was a father and son trip so I wanted it to be memorable, fun, but also a big learning opportunity. Splitboarding was something neither of us ...read more
Michael, Australia, Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring Course
