me n bae — My first time on the Landmark was a clear, starry night atop Breckenridge Mountain. *Credit: SnowBrains*

After several seasons of riding Arbor Snowboards, they have cemented themselves as some of my favorite snowboards on the market, especially this season’s new Candle Rain. Arbor, however, does not only specialize in solid snowboards as they also make awesome (and reliable) splitboards meant for the backcountry. Recently, they sent me their 158 Landmark Camber Splitboard to test out, and it has led me on new adventures as well as to new parts of the mountain.

The Landmark Camber Splitboard is manufactured with 100% solar energy and features a sustainably sourced Highland Split Core “constructed with a 1:2 Poplar to Paulownia blend for super lightweight performance, durability, and return … with additional insert and centerline components for a premium factory splitboard.” The Landmark also boasts a unique-looking Bio-Plastic Topsheet made from castor bean oil which is more durable and water-repellent than other comparable materials. To the touch, the board feels incredible and more thoroughly manufactured than any board I’ve owned.

Personally, I have little knowledge regarding the snowpack and other important aspects of the backcountry, so I have kept it very mellow with my new Landmark split. My favorite touring route so far has been Peak 8 of Breckenridge. By staying within the confines of a resort, I am certain that I am taking no risks concerning avalanche danger and I also know exactly where I am. Even though touring a resort may not have the same authentic feel as getting deep out into the backcountry, it is nice being able to ride the resort after-hours when there are no crowds, freshly groomed runs, and even some untouched powder on the sides. Baldy Mountain, across town, also serves as a great beginner touring route; the incline is a bit more challenging, but the way down is also more rewarding. There are more available powder turns up here, and it also gives more of that backcountry feel without having to worry about avalanche danger.

setting up split — Preparing for adventure! *Credit: SnowBrains*

Arbor also sent me their ARBOR + KOHLA SplitGrip Climbing Skins to pair with the new board. Skins are the adhesive layer that sticks to the snow allowing for uphill travel and are a necessary piece of equipment when it comes to touring. I highly recommend the Arbor skins as they are brand-specific and feel a bit sturdier than other skins. Additionally, I bought the Union Explorer Splitboard Bindings as I ride with Union bindings on my solid snowboards and have developed familiarity and trust with the brand; this specific board and bindings combination is perfect for my skill level and what I am using the board for. The Karakoram locking mechanism ensures that, when the board is in ride mode, the edges are seamlessly locked together and that the board is reactionary when making turns. All in all, when I first set up the splitboard I had no idea what I was doing, but after just a few tours all it takes is a few snaps, clicks, and pin locks to transition from tour to ride mode, and I can now make the transition in any conditions in just a few minutes. All of the hardware is high-quality and guarantees a great foundation for beginner splitboarders like myself.

The feel of the board in general is also growing on me. It has a big, wide nose and a shorter tail and is sized up a few centimeters from what I would normally ride on a solid board to deal with the elements of the backcountry. It is a directional board that is rated a six out of ten in terms of its stiffness, which contrasts with the much more flexible solid boards I tend to ride. This stiffness adds some extra control and support for backcountry terrain. The fact that there is a split down the middle of the board is unrecognizable when riding downhill, and the board still functions at a high level when riding switch or trying other freestyle maneuvers. The edges are sharp and cut deep into the snow, and the base is strong enough to outlast some of those unfortunate, outcropping rocks that come up here and there.

arbor split breck — Skinning up Breckenridge with my heel risers up after a steep pitch! *Credit: SnowBrains*

The Arbor Landmark Camber Splitboard is everything and more that I was looking for in my first touring setup. It is user-friendly, rides well on most conditions and terrain types, and promotes a new type of snowboarding for me. I can’t emphasize enough how reliable Arbor’s products are, which makes it so I always feel confident when riding the Landmark. The Landmark Camber board comes in plenty of sizes and is one of the more affordable splits on the market, making it one of the most effective intro to touring splitboards on the market.