There’s no denying how fun it is to snowboard at resorts. You’re able to spend time with your friends, enjoy a few handfuls of laps, and then relax afterward at a cozy fireside pub. However, anyone who’s ventured outside those friendly confines knows, there’s nothing that beats taking to the backcountry. Aside from the fact that you can access more terrain and ride all day without crossing a single track, there’s something special about earning your turns. When you’ve spent the day trudging through deep snow and skinning up steep inclines, the payoff just feels better.

If you spend any time in the backcountry, you already know you need a top-of-the-line splitboard to truly enjoy it. One that’s lightweight, easy to carry, and unclips with ease — even when covered in chunks of ice. Most importantly, it needs to perform well when it’s time to ride and you don’t want to sacrifice quality just because it has a seam down the middle. We’ve rounded up the best splitboards out there to help you narrow down the option that’s best for you and your ride style. When you find your favorite, don’t forget to grab the best warm jackets, gloves, and winter gear, so you can enjoy a gorgeous weekend on the hill.