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Off Season Activities That Improve Your Relationship With Splitboarding

Words by: Billy Madej

Photo: Elana Selinger

Find Your Groove

Working towards a base fitness level seems easy and straightforward, but sometimes we need a little guidance, motivation, and ideas to get started. Touring season comes faster than expected each year, so this is your reminder to start preparing now.

Everyone approaches the mountains with their own goals, but one thing remains the same: it takes dedication and a baseline of athleticism to feel good while touring, even on mellow days. That’s why staying ahead of the game is so important. You don’t want to slap your skins on in November only to realize you’re gassed after 100 feet. You want to show up with strong legs, stable footing, and a respiratory system that’s ready to handle the climb.

This doesn’t mean you need to be insanely fit or crushing ultra-marathons. The goal is simple: build a solid base so your season starts off strong and you don’t find yourself wishing you’d stayed on the couch instead of skinning into the backcountry.

Some of the best ways to prepare for your upcoming touring season are as simple as just getting outside. Whether it’s walking the dog or grinding out a century ride on your bike, moving your body now sets you up for success when winter rolls around and prepares your body for falls, reducing the risk of injuries.

Running - Utilizing Stability Muscles

Running is one of the least equipment-heavy activities out there. You truly only need running shoes and even that isn’t a hard requirement, just something that helps. Some of us have access to trails, while others rely on treadmills or streets. Either way, getting out for a run is one of the simplest ways to stay fit for splitboarding.

Start small if it’s been a while since your last run, and work your way up to your target mileage. If you’ve been running already, congratulations, keep it up!

If you can get out on a trail to run, do it. The uneven surfaces and elevation changes are perfect for training the stabilizing muscles we depend on while splitboarding. Heck if you're feeling good, run to the top of a peak!

Running in the Summer
Photo: Jaako Posti

Hiking - A Preseason Recon

If running isn’t your thing, hiking is a solid way to build endurance for splitboarding, especially if you hike in the same zones you ride in winter. Exploring these areas on foot gives you a feel for the terrain without snow, helping you spot features, obstacles, and route options that can be crucial come touring season.

To take it a step further, throw on your winter pack or a backpacking pack and load it up. Simulate real touring weight to build strength and stamina while scouting lines. It’s a great way to train while getting dialed on your local terrain.

Hiking in the Summer
Photo: Billy Madej

Biking - An Adrenaline Workout

Whether it’s commuting, road riding, or hitting the singletrack, biking is an excellent way to build a strong aerobic and anaerobic base for the splitboard season. Mountain biking in mirrors the rhythm of splitboarding: earn your turns by climbing, then descend.

It’s not just great cardio, it also builds leg strength, balance, and endurance while keeping things fun. The uphill grind and downhill reward? Sounds familiar.

Mountain Biking in the Summer
Photo: Meitre Libertini

Stretching - Flexibility And Balance

Whether you're already deep into your pre-season training or just getting started, one thing is certain: flexibility is key. Splitboarding demands a wide range of motion, high steps on the skintrack, awkward kick turns, binding transitions, and the occasional fall all require your body to move freely and recover quickly.

Start with some simple stretching at home or join a yoga class to build mobility and keep your muscles happy. A flexible body isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for staying strong and injury-free in the backcountry.

Neil McNab Stretching
Photo: Neil McNab

Strength Training - Utilizing Workouts

If you're ready to take your training beyond casual hikes and into something more targeted, it might be time to hit the gym. Splitboarding demands strength, stability, mobility, and endurance. Building those muscle groups takes more than just time in the woods.

Check out local gyms or mountain-specific training programs in your area. Many places now offer workouts designed for skiers, snowboarders, and splitboarders alike. If you don’t have access to one nearby, don’t worry because we have broken down some at home work outs for you, follow the links below to build your own routine and to see some of the science behind a strong workout. Stay mobile, strengthen those muscles and build that injury resistance that splitboarding demands.

Train smart now, ride strong later.

Final Thoughts

Whatever it is you do, just make sure you’re staying active. Committing to three days of movement a week will go a long way when splitboard season rolls around. So get off the couch, get outside, soak up some sun, and build some muscle.

Winter’s closer than you think. Be ready to earn your turns.

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