SMBC is now offering Splitboard only tours!
We are happy to mix skiers & split boarders as they take a similar climbing line but we find there is nuances which make it ideal to offer tours catering to both groups individually giving us time to concentrate on splitboard specific technique.
In uphill mode Splitters climb much like skiers but having two skis, a set of poles in your hands & a forward facing stance is a new feeling. Your guides will discuss:
Edge control in a forward facing stance
Taking a more direct climb line as traversing climbs are more difficult with softer boots.
Incorporating poleing into your forward momentum, how to improve uphill balance, short shafting.
Negotiating short downhills in ski/split mode & developing an efficient stride.
SMBC Splitboard Guides:
Clint Shirvington:
Clint is a hardcore 24 season veteran snowboarder with a deep love for the mountains. He has a level 3 APSI Snowboarding Instructors Cert, teaching 5 seasons between Perisher & Vail. He's spent seasons riding in South Korea, New Zealand, the US, Canada & Japan. Clint has been a team rider for Oakley, Pow Board store & Never Summer. This understated old school ripper enjoys giving back to the sport & wants to share his passion & enthusiasm with others.
Dr Stu Browning: Atmospheric Scientist
With a Phd in Southern Hemisphere Climatology Stu is a dedicated snowboarder, Chef extraordinaire, die hard loyal novocastrian surfer & educated in New Zealand in Ski Patrolling & Avalanche operations! He's ridden in many Northern Hemisphere locales & spent his early scientific research days in Antarctica. Yep, he's a interesting guy to chat with. Join Stu & get educated in the method & execution of splitboarding or maybe chat about the dynamics of extreme weather events.
Kate Donald
Kate's heart is truly in the high country, living in Jindabyne Kate has access to the Kosciuszko National Park where she can be found exploring in every spare waking moment hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, snowboarding & splitboarding. Kate truly is an international snowboarder having snowboarded throughout Canada, the US including Alaska, France, NZ & Japan.
She has solo hiked the Australian Alps Walking Track, hiked throughout Tasmania, walked the Larapinta & loves to share her experiences.
Kate will lead our Ladies Splitboard Backcountry Intro Clinic this August.
Come along for a fun day out to learn, ride & hangout with the SMBC Splitboard guides.
SMBC Split only tours commence from Guthega Mountain Centre. To secure a parking spot arrive by 7:30am & enjoy breakfast onsite at BASECAMP Cafe.