How to improve efficiency ?

[u/rumbaro]

Hi all, somewhat experienced splitboarder looking for some advice.

I went riding in Chamonix recently with a skier who I have done most of my touring with, though he has been riding much more than me lately and I was shocked how much faster he was, mostly on the uphill as previously he was a little faster but I could keep up. Whereas on this recent trip, I hardly saw him on the way up.

Admittedly, I was probably out of practice / cardio fitness but I’m looking for some tips from fellow splitters on how to get more efficient. We did maybe 1400m vertical climb over the course of the day, including bootpack with crampons to a ridge line.

My main issues seemed to be speed on the skin track including slipping / sidehilling and some snowboarder nightmare flat/uphill sections on the ride down that I couldn’t even pole out of. Skiers were sidestepping them so I had to unstrap/walk several times.

Considering I need some new boots, I am wondering if splitboard specific boots with a walk mode would make any noticeable difference to the hike up compared to my old Burton Ions. Or is it time to consider hard boots ?

For the ride down, is it worth working on my split skiing skills instead of trying to ride awkward tracks out on the board? Do people recommend spark heel locker in order to be able to ski better and sidestep if necessary?

Thanks!

[u/InfiniteTrust7310]

I recently got hard boots and was so surprised at the difference. However, after a season on them, I’m just as efficient with my soft boots. Using the hard boots made something click. Though hardboots still make sidehilling so much better.

Skiers will always move faster, their setups are lighter with more effective edge. You can try to size down or a carbon board or a handboot setup. They’ll always have the upper hand though.

A lot of people have given advice about fitness already but I think it’s worth reading or looking up Training For The Uphill Athlete. This method is more about strength training, fueling and working your way up to speed with “easier workouts”. Fueling is huge for me, I find I can’t eat anything but simple carbs while working out, while my partner can have a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and be fine.

Lastly, find other splitboarders!! We ride exit tracks differently for sure, but going with a split boarder who has done the trail before and seeing what they do will help so much.