Aim

Have you watched as skiers disappear out of bounds to remote and secluded spots and thought; 'I wish'... Well, your journey starts here!

This Winter, Take Your Snowboarding Further:

Into the Backcountry of Scotland.

How many times have you watched skiers disappear out of bounds searching out remote and secluded spots and thought... ‘I wish that was me’? With this crowdfunding campaign your journey starts here!

Modern snowboard technology has come a long way from a pair of snowshoes on your feet and carrying your board on your back. Today, snowboarders can enjoy the same freedom of the hills as alpine ski mountaineers.

Splitboards allow you to ski uphill in your snowboard boots and bindings, by splitting the board into two skis that use a strip of synthetic 'fur' (known as 'skins') on the bases. Once you're up, the board can be locked together for the descent. The attraction of Splitboarding is that the descent can be almost anywhere you want it tobe, allowing you to explore beyond our five ski areas to more of Scotland’s stunning mountains and glens.

 Unfortunately, Splitboard equipment can be prohibitively expensive on top of your existing set up and currently there is no provision for Splitboard rental in Scotland. This has made it difficult for those that want to develop their snowboarding beyond the terrain of the ski centres to develop their skills.

Why are we Crowdfunding?

 The money raised through this project will be used to purchase splitboard equipment; boards, bindings and climbing skins. We have included a stretch target which will allow for higher quality bindings to be used on the Splitboards.

 This equipment will be used by Scottish Backcountry to fulfil your pledge rewards during the 2015/16 winter season and to provide training courses for Snowboarders in Scotland. Scottish Backcountry will be running further training and instruction opportunities for snowboarders during this season.

 In 2016/17 season Scottish Backcountry will make the equipment available for hire to snowboarders that can demonstrate that they are competent and can take responsibility for themselves and their group in the Scottish Backcountry.

Reward yourself with a great value splitboarding package and help us bring splitboarding to more people in Scotland.

 We have put together a number of introductory instruction sessions at different group ratios over one or two days to suit you.

 - 1 Day Introduction to Splitboarding (options of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 & 1:6 ratio)

 - 2 Day Introduction to Splitboarding and backcountry skills (options of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 & 1:6 ratio)

 - Splitboard Scotland Publication - Winter 2015/16

Our pledge packages are limited in number and once they’re gone… they’re gone!

We also have smaller pledge rewards for those that want to celebrate this campaign with a copy of Scottish Backcountry's Splitboard Scotland souvenir publication which will feature all of those that make this project possible.

About ScottishBackcountry.co.uk

ScottishBackcountry.co.uk was founded to celebrate backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Scotland. The 'Scottish Backcountry Ski, Snowboard and Film Festival' in Aviemore (2011-13) brought together like minded folks to explore and develop their own backcountry skills and enjoy footage of each other’s exploits.

I started Scottish Backcountry because I am passionate about snowboarding and skiing in Scotland's backcountry and it's a passion that I want to share with other snowboarders. I have been lucky enough to explore Scotland on ski and splitboard for more than ten winters. As a qualified snowboard instructor (BASI Level 2), Winter Mountain Leader (MLTA) and the first Splitboarder to qualify for Snowsport Scotland's Mountain Ski Leader award, I am in a position to lead snowboarders in the Scottish Backcountry and provide Splitboard instruction.

 Pledge Rewards

Scottish Backcountry’s pledge rewards are exclusive to this Crowdfunding campaign and are not available anywhere else. 

1:4 and 1:6 Group-Ratio Sessions

These sessions will be based from either Cairngorm, Glenshee, Glencoe or Nevis Range, so no matter where you live in the UK there is an opportunity to take part at your favourite spot. We have fixed weekend dates for each of these locations so please choose carefully when you pick your pledge reward package.

 1:1 and 1:2 Group-Ratio Sessions

These pledge reward packages are not fixed by date or location. This gives you the opportunity to pick an area with the best conditions at the time and can be redeemed midweek during the 2015/16 winter between January and April.

What’s included?

The 1 day introduction pledge packages;

• Introduction to splitboard equipment
• Techniques for climbing up hill
• Rider coaching focussed on techniques to improve your off-piste riding
• A chance test the Splitboards on the descent.

 The 2 day introduction pledge packages;

• Identifying the knowledge and skills you need to develop in order to travel away from the ski centre into the Scottish backcountry
• An introduction to map reading and hill craft
• How to use weather and avalanche forecast information to plan a suitable route

Equipment; Splitboard, Bindings, Skins, Ski Crampons & Poles, instruction & tuition

What's NOT Included?

• Personal snowboarding equipment (boots, clothing, helmet, rucksack, etc.)
• Avalanche Equipment (Transceiver, Shovel & Probe)
• Transport & Accommodation, Food & Drink for the day(s), Lift Tickets, Insurance.

NOTE: We also have a special pledge reward for those that already have their own splitboard equipment and want to join a class. 

All of our pledge packages will be honoured and delivered on the dates published and agreed. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the weather or conditions. Therefore the exact content of the session may vary on the day of your session. We are confident that whatever the weather we will provide you with a session that will provide you with a real learning experience.

Splitboard Scotland Publication Winter 2015/16

If you are an organisation or business that wants to support this cause, there is an opportunity to show your support with the reward of either a Full Page or Half Page acknowledgement. This could be an advertisement, a written article, photography or a combination of all three.

If you choose to pledge through one of our session pledge awards you will make it into the end of season publication as an acknowledged supporterof the campaign.

The publication will be prepared for the winter season of 2016/17 and will feature details about Splitboard rental for groups and individuals.

How does it work?

You will find your pledge package in the rewards section. Simply choose the one that you want and follow the instructions from there.

You will receive a confirmation of your pledge from crowdfunder.co.uk.

Next, email us at [email protected] to tell us;

1. You have made a pledge
2. The reward that you have pledged for
3. If you have chosen a Splitboard session reward tell us the date and location for the session that you want to attend.
4. If you have chosen a reward feature for the season publication we will contact you to discuss your content.
5. If you have chosen the Splitboard Scotland Souvenir Publication please provide us with your name and address. The publication will be distributed in Autumn 2016

Finally, if you know others that will want to know about this project then please spread the word. You can keep up to date with us on;

facebook.com/ScottishBackcountry

Twitter @ScottishBC

Or sign up to receive our newsletter

This project successfully funded on 31st December 2015