It’s just after 9 a.m. when Natazsa Zurek and I arrive at a small turn off on the side of Highway 99 in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, north of Pemberton. We’ve left Whistler/Blackcomb and the valley’s myriad snowmobile accessed backcountry zones behind for the day to search for powder the old fashioned way—with two feet and a heartbeat.

To prepare for the ascent Natasza slides her bindings off the specially mounted plates and breaks her board into two skis. Leaning them on the tailgate of her truck she affixes a set of skins—two board length strips with adhesive on one side and fabric on the other that allows you to glide forward but grips against sliding back. While I fiddle with my binding plates and generally struggle to copy the procedure Natasza points out the ridgeline on the North Arm of Joffre that will be our destination. It looks close enough; we should be up there in no time.

Skinning up.

Although we’re near 1000 metres above sea level a recent rain has created a solid crust. We’re hoping to find fresh snow soon but for now it makes the climb easy going. My natural tendency is to lift my skis like I’m walking but Natasza instructs me to slide my feet to save energy. Once I find a rhythm I’m able to focus more on my surroundings. It’s immediately clear that touring on a splitboard is completely different experience than resort riding or backcountry sledding. 

The going is undeniably slow and sweaty but without a mechanical device propelling me uphill it’s close to meditative. A stream babbles between deep fissures in the snow. The squeaking of our bindings blends with the chirped conversation of some hidden birds. Sun streaks through the canopy of needles above. Sweat stings eyes. Lungs burn.

In my state of deep reverie I find myself thinking, ‘Wait, I’m the man. Shouldn’t I be leading this expedition?’ At least I feel like that’s how I’m supposed to think. But as we continue our trek I realize I’m completely comfortable with someone like Natazsa taking charge. After all she’s no ordinary woman. As one of the most iconic female snowboarders she’s represented Canada in the Olympics at Nagano and Salt Lake City. She’s filmed numerous video parts and managed to stay at the top of Burton’s team list for over a decade. And she continues to make her own path, choosing splitboarding as a means to access the backcountry. It’s a decision that’s inline with her personal values but puts her at odds with an industry where careers are sustained by video parts and magazine coverage.

“I like splitboarding because you can really slow down,” says Natazsa as we stop for a drink of water. “With a snowmobile you tend to move around quickly. I like the idea of going slow and appreciating the day and the moments. I also really want to be more conscious about my actions towards the environment. It’s not as easy as it looks though. At first I was thought I could hike up and pinch off a few shots but it’s really hard work. This is my first season so I’m still trying to get into shape and work up my stamina. It’s kind of like a wait and see for me because I haven’t had that much opportunity to shoot yet. But it’s really something that I have to do and at this point I’m just going with what my heart is telling me.” 

There’s no doubt her journey will be an uphill battle as will the rest of our day. We’re a little over halfway up and the snow conditions are far from what we had hoped for. Looking at a set of crusted over pillow stacks that would be perfect in good snow is nearly as painful as my burning quads.

Crusty pillows.

Above the pillows we crest onto a plateau and the snow finally begins to improve. The cliff band seen from the road looms in front of us and we switchback through the trees on the left hand side.

First ridgeline.

At the top my heart has barely stopped pounding before Natasza suggest we head one ridge higher. I suppose this is the kind of attitude that got her where she is. Besides the snow looks good and it will add a couple of hundred metres to our run.

Heading for the second ridge.

Standing at our goal we see a massive natural avalanche that has released in the bowl on the opposite side. The scene triggers something in Natasza and after we transform our skis back into proper snowboards she shares the biggest reason she got into splitboarding.

Putting your board back together is as easy as one, two, three.

After a brief safety discussion we're ready to redeem our cardio credits for some well earned vertical. Working for your run means you truly savor it. It took us nearly four hours to reach the top and each turn seems a little more memorable. Even though the snow is only knee high the feeling is left etched much deeper in my mind than any resort pow day. There’s no sense of urgency to get to a run before anyone else, just the bliss of cutting untracked turns at your leisure. 

Back at the bottom we stop for a moment to refill our water bottles in a shallow section of the stream we passed on the way up. As I dip the mouth of my bottle in I’m filled with an exhausted satisfaction followed by a sense of incredible calm. It’s a rare moment to find in an increasingly technological and mechanized world. The stream is laden with tree branches giving the water a slightly bitter but earthy taste. It’s the best water I’ve ever drank. -- Gerhard "Granola" Gross

Natasza's Splitboarding Tips

Make sure you pack an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Make you’re your buddy is equally equipped. There should be a minimum of two people going out into the backcountry.

Tell someone who will be staying at home, like your mom or a friend (not your dog), where you will be going.

Double check that you’re using the correct skin on the correct ski. I’ve put a skin upside down and had to start all over. The little furries only work in one direction.

Keep your skins as clean as possible from dirt, wax, and snow.  Make sure to scrape excess wax off otherwise your skin won't stay on.  If that happens you can use ski ties or duct tape. If the skin accidentally falls in the snow scrape the snow off by grazing the sticky side along the edge of one of your skis.

Store your skins by folding each in half, glue side to glue side.  

Some skins have the sticky glue along the entire surface of the skin. In that case it is a good idea to use something called skin savers. They help you rip your skins apart much more easily.

Align your skis on your feet with the flat inside edges facing outwards.  

Don't lift your skis as you hike. Keep them in contact with the ground and slide your feet forward.  You don't want to waste energy by lifting your feet.

If you are coming upon a steeper section of the trail lift up the silver widget underneath your heel called heel risers. They will even out the grade of the slope and make hiking up much more efficient.

Lift up your heel risers without bending down by using the upper hook part of your ski pole handle. You can also use it to bang the heel riser down once you get to mellower terrain.

Don't pee in the skin track. It is unsightly.

Get ready to explore a new world of fun filled adventures!