How to Assess Your Splitboard Level?
1. To assess your splitboard level and choose a course with overnight stays in a refuge that meets your expectations, you need to honestly evaluate two essential factors: your physical condition and your technical level in snowboarding.
2. If you are unsure between two levels or don't fully identify with those proposed, let us know when you contact us! It’s possible that one level matches your physical condition but not quite your technical level, or vice versa. We strive to organize courses with homogeneous levels, and we can advise you by comparing the profiles of participants already registered with yours.
Levels of courses with overnight stays in a refuge
Level 1 - Beginner
I engage in regular sports activities, I am capable of exerting effort for 5 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb 1000 m of positive elevation gain on the first day, followed by 600 m to 800 m on subsequent days.
I snowboard off-piste, I feel comfortable in powder and transformed snow but less so in crusted or icy snow, I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 30°, I am confident with my frontside turns on 30° slopes but I hesitate a bit more with my backside turns.
Level 2 - Intermediate
I practice endurance sports at least once a week, I am capable of exerting effort for over 5 hours in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000 m, and I can climb between 800 m and 1000 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I snowboard off-piste regularly, I feel comfortable in powder and transformed snow but less so in crusted or icy snow, I can consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 30° and sections of 35°, I am confident with both my frontside and backside turns on 30° slopes.
Level 3 - Advanced
I practice regular sports activities and can sustain efforts of 5 to 6 hours in the mountains up to 3000 m altitude. I can handle between 1000 m and 1500 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I regularly ride off-piste and/or use a splitboard. I feel comfortable in powder, packed, and crusty snow, but I still face some challenges on icy snow. I consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 35° and passages of 40°. I execute my frontside turns well on 35° slopes but feel less confident during backside turns.
Level 4 - Expert
I practice one or more endurance sports several times a week and can sustain efforts of more than 6 hours in the mountains up to 3000 m altitude. I can handle 1500 m of positive elevation gain per day over 3 to 4 consecutive days.
I regularly ride off-piste and/or use a splitboard. I feel comfortable in all types of snow (powder, icy, packed, crusty). I consistently control my speed and trajectory on slopes of 40° and passages of 45°. I execute both frontside and backside turns well on 40° slopes.
