Burton Splitboard Setup: Bindings, Skins, Tips and Tricks
Getting your Burton splitboard setup prepared for a backcountry excursion is an important process that includes mounting splitboard touring bindings and fitting climbing skins. But there are other skills that you should familiarize yourself with, like transitioning your splitboard efficiently, packing the right gear, and being prepared for the unexpected.
To get you off on the right foot, we’ve assembled this comprehensive list of tips and tricks for getting your Burton splitboard setup dialed in at home and getting yourself prepared for the backcountry. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be ready to head for the hills and hit the skin track like a boss.
- Mounting Burton Splitboard Bindings
- Fitting and Attaching Splitboard Climbing Skins
- Transition Recommendations: Uphill to Downhill
- Burton Splitboard Tips and Tricks
Pro tip: Just getting started with splitboarding? Check out Splitboarding 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide.
Burton Splitboard Setup: Mounting Splitboard Bindings
The first step in getting your Burton splitboard setup dialed is mounting your touring bindings, and thanks to The Channel™ mounting system, this process is extremely quick and easy. But there are two important things to consider before getting started.
First, Burton pucks are based on the Voile interface and are required to mount bindings with The Channel. Channel splitboard pucks are included with all Burton splitboards. If you received a Burton splitboard without these pucks, please reach out to the Burton Guides to get hooked up.
Second, never use power tools to mount splitboard bindings; always hand-tighten binding screws and avoid thread-lock products.
To set up your splitboard touring bindings, follow this simple 5-step process.
- Choose Your Preferred Splitboarding Stance
- Place & Mount the Rear Binding Mounting Pucks
- Place & Mount the Front Binding Mounting Pucks
- Confirm Your Stance and Adjust if Necessary
- Install Touring Brackets & Heel Rests
Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Splitboarding Stance
Begin the splitboard binding installation process by establishing your downhill riding stance. For a complete overview of how to get the best stance for your riding level and style, check out Goofy vs. Regular: The Official Guide to Snowboard Stances. Once you have determined your footedness, width, angle, and setback (and understand how all of these aspects work together), we recommend testing out your stance before mounting your bindings.
To test your stance, make sure your splitboard is in downhill mode with the split planks secured together. Then use four 6-inch (15 cm) pieces of masking tape to mark the approximate locations of your splitboard bindings and their angles on the splitboard. Next, lay the splitboard on a flat carpeted surface and place your feet on the tape. While standing with your feet in the approximate binding locations, do a squat. As you bend your knees lower and lower, you should feel stable and balanced with your weight centered evenly over each foot (not too much weight on the outsides or insides of the feet) until you've gone as low as you can. If you get halfway into a squat and have to catch yourself to avoid falling over, move your feet around a bit and try again until it feels right. Adjust the tape to reflect any tweaks.
Note: Burton splitboards include reference stance markings (“REF”) along the center of the board where the split planks fit together, not along The Channel.
Step 2: Place and Mount the Rear Binding Mounting Pucks
Once you have your stance confirmed, it’s time to mount up the bindings. Start with the back foot binding first by placing two M6 Channel Inserts into The Channel of each individual split plank, between the masking tape locations (you may need to remove The Channel Plugs, which pop out easily with a bit of pressure). Replace the plugs by wiggling them back into place.
Next, connect the two mounting pucks to The Channel Inserts using M6 screws, but don’t tighten them down yet. Note that the pucks are identical and there is no separate “heelside” puck or “toeside” puck.
Once the screws are started, insert the clear plastic stance indicator (also known as a “Backcountry Bow Tie” because of its shape) into the cutouts on the pucks and use it to set your binding stance angle with the masking tape as a guide. Hand-tighten the screws using a #3 Phillips head screwdriver.
Pro tip: A Backcountry Bow Tie should be included with every Burton splitboard. If you received a Burton splitboard without one, please reach out to the Burton Guides to get hooked up (sorry about that).
Step 3: Place and Mount the Front Binding Mounting Pucks
Once the back foot binding pucks are set, repeat the process for the front foot binding pucks and place two M6 Channel Inserts into The Channel of each individual split plank, positioning them between the masking tape locations.
Next, connect the two mounting pucks to The Channel Inserts using M6 screws, but don’t tighten them down yet. Note that the pucks are identical and there is no separate “heelside” puck or “toeside” puck.
Once the screws are started, insert the clear plastic stance indicator into the cutouts on the pucks and use it to set your binding stance angle with the masking tape as a guide. Hand-tighten the screws using a #3 Phillips head screwdriver.
Remove the masking tape guides (if you haven’t already).
Step 4: Confirm Your Stance and Adjust if Necessary
Once your binding pucks are installed, it’s important to double-check that your stance is set up like you want. If you are using Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings, lift the Snap Ramp on the front of the binding and slide the binding onto the mounted pucks. Make sure to mount your back foot binding on the tail pucks and the front foot binding on the nose pucks (ratchet straps are always on the outside of the foot).
Then, lay your splitboard down on some carpet and place your feet into the bindings to get a general feel for your stance: bend your knees, move your body around, shift your weight forward and backwards. If anything feels uncomfortable or not right, remove the bindings, and adjust the pucks as necessary.
Pro tip: Put on your snowboard boots and strap in once you’re happy with your stance so you can confirm your stance one last time and identify any other adjustments (like strap length and forward lean) that might be needed.
Step 5: Install Touring Brackets & Heel Rests
The final step in setting up your splitboard bindings is installing the touring brackets and heel rests.
Splitboard touring brackets provide a secure attachment point for the toe of the binding while touring uphill and allow a natural walking motion, since the heel of the binding is not connected, and the binding can pivot freely at the toe. Burton splitboards feature pre-drilled inserts for touring brackets. Simply use the included screws to securely fasten the touring brackets. Hand-tighten the screws.
Splitboard heel rests catch the climbing bar wire of the splitboard binding and are designed to align the heel on every step, making long tours easier. Burton splitboards feature pre-drilled inserts for heel rests. Note that some touring brackets are directional and must be mounted in the correct orientation. Use the included screws to securely fasten the touring brackets. Hand-tighten the screws.
Pro tip: It is common for touring brackets to use longer screws and heel rests to use shorter screws, so pay close attention to the mounting instructions included with the splitboard binding hardware to avoid damaging your equipment.
How to Select and Use Burton Splitboard Climbing Skins
Climbing skins (or just “skins”) are a crucial part of gear for your Burton splitboard setup. Climbing skins are used during uphill splitboarding to allow the individual splitboard planks to glide forward while preventing them from slipping backward. Skins provide traction that allows riders to climb uphill with split planks on their feet, attaching to the bases of split planks with nose/tail clips and glue. Skins are removed at the top of the run and folded in half (to protect the glue) before being stowed for the ride back down.
Choosing the Correct Splitboard Climbing Skin Size
Climbing skins come in many shapes and sizes and vary from one manufacturer to the next. Choosing the correctly sized splitboard climbing skins is important to get the best performance for efficient uphill travel.
If you are riding a Burton splitboard, we generally recommend adding some Burton x G3 skins to your kit. Simply select the size that corresponds to the length of your splitboard using listed specifications and trim-to-width using the included trimming tool.
For trim-to-fit skinds from other manufacturers, follow the instructions carefully. This usually includes adjusting the length of the clips to suit your splitboard, installing the skins, and then trimming the skins to the correct width.
Pro tip: Trim your skins away from shedding pets. If you purchased trim-to-fit skins, make sure to perform this work outside or somewhere else where you won't get pet hair in the glue. It’s literally impossible to get out.
How to Install Splitboard Climbing Skins
Installing splitboard climbing skins is pretty straightforward, but a little bit of practice will make it easier. Follow a few simple steps to get the process dialed in.
Step 1: Begin by grabbing the left plank of your split board. Identify the left climbing skin and connect the tip hooks to the tip of your splitboard.
Step 2: While keeping tension on the climbing skin so that the hooks stay in place, pull it towards the tail of the splitboard, making sure to keep the glue side of the skin away from the base of the plank.
Step 3: Line up the inside edge of the skin with the inside edge of the split plank. Then place your other hand against the skin at the nose and slide your hand down the plank, applying firm pressure so that the adhesive sticks.
Step 4: Connect the tail clip to the tail of your splitboard. Make sure the tail clip is adjusted so that there is a little bit of tension to ensure that it stays securely in place.
Burton Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Uphill to Downhill
Splitboard transitions can be cold and frustrating if you don’t have your process dialed. Ultimately, this will just require practice, however, a few tricks and tips can also help. Here are five suggestions to make your splitboard transitions quicker and a bit more comfortable.
- Keep Your Climbing Skins Warm
- Use Your Legs to Separate Your Climbing Skins
- Bring a Packable Down Layer
- Always Start Cold
- Bring & Drink Fluids
Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Keep Your Climbing Skins Warm
The adhesive on splitboard climbing skins can be difficult to separate when it becomes cold. An easy solution to this problem is to store your climbing skins in your bib or jacket pockets instead of your backpack so that they stay warmer. Many Burton [ak] bibs and jackets have pockets that are large enough to store climbing skins in between splitboard laps.
Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Separate Skins with Your Leg Strength
Separating skins that are stuck together in the cold is much simpler if you use the strength of your legs. Holding either end of the skin, anchor your hands on either side of your legs and proceed to pull your hands apart. Work your way down the skin slowly until it is unstuck.
Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Bring a Packable Down Layer
Keep a packable insulated down or synthetic jacket close to the top of your pack. When you reach the high point of your ascent, but before you transition, toss this layer on so you don’t get cold while you are stationary. It’s amazing how quickly you can get cold, especially if it’s windy. Transition your splitboard into downhill mode, eat a snack and drink some fluids, repack your layer into your pack, and drop-in (all without getting cold).
Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Always Start Cold
Nothing’s worse than having to stop in the first ten minutes of touring because you got overheated and sweaty with too many layers on. Circumvention this common issue by starting your tour cold – that is, with fewer layers than you would need to be comfortable while standing still. We promise, once you start moving uphill, you are going to warm up quickly.
Splitboard Transition Tips & Tricks: Bring and Drink Fluids
We generally drink less fluids in cold weather, but with high-output physical activities, like splitboarding, our bodies need just as much. Staying properly hydrated helps prevent frostbite, and will keep your mind and body functioning properly, helping you make smart decisions, and allowing you to go the distance in the backcountry. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and also consider packing an insulated container with hot tea, cider, or hot chocolate. Every time you stop to transition (both uphill and downhill), begin by taking a moment to drink.
Burton Splitboard Setup: Tips & Tricks
When it comes to splitboarding, having a few tricks up your sleeve can make the difference between fun and frustration. This is especially valuable in the backcountry where saving time means more laps and an extra margin of safety.
- Test and Practice Using Your Avy Gear
- Carry a Chopstick
- Wear Liner Gloves
- Bring Spare Parts
- Dry Your Skins Before Storing
- Crush a Summit Beverage
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Test and Practice Using Your Avy Gear
Before you even head into the backcountry, test and practice using your avy gear, especially if you are touring with new partners. Do a beacon check in the parking lot to confirm that everyone’s beacon is in good working order, that your batteries are adequately charged, and that the beacon you are wearing is compatible with each of your partner’s beacons.
If it’s been a little while since you’ve practiced companion rescue, have someone in your group bury a beacon in a safe zone where there is no avalanche danger before you hit the skin track. Take turns searching for and digging it out. Make this into a fun game by timing each other – slowest in the group is the first to break trail.
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Carry a Chopstick
When splitboarding, ice and snow can build up on your touring brackets, heel rests, or other parts of your board. This can prevent your equipment from functioning properly. An easy solution is to carry a chopstick in your kit to clear snow and ice. A wooden chopstick is a great choice because unlike a screwdriver, multi-tool, or other metal object, a wooden chopstick won’t scratch, chip, or otherwise damage your bindings or snowboard. The tip of a chopstick is also generally narrow enough to clear snow and ice out of just about any part of your board or bindings. Additionally, chopsticks are inexpensive and easily replaceable.
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Wear Liner Gloves
You might want to consider using Burton liner gloves while splitboarding. Liners are often more comfortable when skinning uphill, especially if you tend to run hot. Liners are also much more pleasant than bare hands when you reach the top of the skin track, and it comes time to transition from uphill to downhill mode.
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Bring Spare Parts
Picture this: you’ve just finished a downhill section of a splitboard tour, and as you prepare to put your board back into touring mode, you realize that a screw has fallen out the front touring bracket of one of your bindings. You can’t skin, you’re five miles from your car, and the sun is already almost behind the horizon.
While the likelihood of this exact scenario playing out might be slim, it’s a position you don’t want to find yourself in. Prevent an unplanned night in the backcountry by traveling with spare splitboard parts. These should include extra mounting screws, spare toe and ankle tongue and ladder straps, a handful of Voile straps, and a multitool. Think proactively, what else could need repair or replacement in the field? Brint it.
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Dry Your Skins
At the end of the day, it’s important to get your climbing skins out of your jacket or pack and dry them out before putting them away. One of the easiest ways to do this at home is by draping them over your shower door or shower curtain rod. Let them dry overnight and put them away the following day when they are fully dry. On multi-day splitboard tours, remove your skins at the end of the day and bring them into your cabin, tent, or snow shelter to prevent them from icing up.
Burton Splitboard Setup Tips & Tricks: Crush a Summit Beverage
Ok, there’s no promise that it will improve your margin of safety, or make you ski better, but a celebratory summit beverage is a great way to celebrate with your splitboarding partners once you’ve completed your ascent. Also, beverages stay nice and cold in the winter without the need to lug around a bulky cooler. Just sayin’.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Burton splitboard setup figured out at home will set you up for success in the backcountry. This includes determining your splitboarding stance, mounting splitboard bindings, fitting splitboard skins, and packing your backcountry kit with all of the necessary safety gear and celebratory beverages. Tackling these tasks will familiarize you with your splitboarding equipment, making you a more knowledgeable and better prepared partner in the field.
