Despite the challenges, it was a relief to start ascending the mountain road late that night into Gulmarg. The mountains were hidden by thick clouds, and the forecasted storm had arrived. The Gondola that runs up to 13,800 feet, just below the summit of Apharwat Peak at 14,403 feet, was to be closed during the storm. This pushed us down below the town of Gulmarg into the mature and perfectly spaced pine trees of Babarishi.

Spark R&D Team Trip: 2023

splitboarding in Austria
In January 2023, Will, Luke, and Dan from Spark R&D met up with some of Spark's Team Riders and Shred Fam ambassadors in Badgastein, Austria for three days of splitboarding, high-fives, good meals, and good times.
In episode 1 of season 3, Will and Mark discuss early season precautions, gear checks, and splitboard movies, and Mark interviews Team Rider Elena Hight, and chats with Holden Outerwear founder, Scott Zergebel, about splitboarding in Southern California. It's a full show and we know the splitboarders out there will dig it.

Elena Hight – Edge of the Earth

Last season, I was lucky enough to team up with TGR, Griffin Post and Jeremy Jones for the creation of what became the film Edge of the Earth. The adventure behind the riding is really what got showcased during this film, which I love because that is what draws me to splitboarding; the challenge it takes to find good snow, technical lines, or just go somewhere you have never explored.
the splitboard project season 2 ep 5
Episode 5 of Season 2 of The Splitboard Project podcast just dropped! There is tons of great content on the show including an overview of some updates to Spark's line next season, an interview with Neil Provo , and special Earth Day interviews about solar power and electric vehicles with Sam Harrelson of OnSite Energy, Inc. and Chris Bona of Polaris (both friends of Will & Spark!).
Episode 4 is the Splitfest episode! It features live check-ins from the Bozeman Splitfest in Montana, an interview with Spark's Marketing Manager, Dan Ventura, an Ask Will segment, and an excellent interview with Neil Provo.
Episode 3 (S2) of The Splitboard Project features an interview with Robin Van Gyn, a live chat with Will Ritter on the skin track, a discussion on maple syrup, and a Bucket List conversation on splitboarding in the Pyrenees.
In Episode 2 of Season 2, Mark and will again chat splitboarding with Will on the actual skin track. Mark also talks splitboarding in New Zealand with Mike Handford and catches up with Wasatch legend, Mike Meru. Towards the end of the show, Will takes time to answer a grip of listener questions in the 'Ask Will' segment.

An Interview with Rafael Pease

Interview with Rafa Pease header
We had a chance to catch up with Team Rider, Rafael Pease. We chatted about filming with TGR in Alaska last season for the Mountain Revelations project and spoke a little bit about what he's up to this winter.
In Episode 1 of Season 2, Mark catches Will on the skin track for the podcast's first field conversation. Mark also chats with Ryland Bell about backcountry shredding in Alaska, gets some pro tips from Chad Otterstrom, and talks early season prep with Will.