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With the rebirth of splitboarding over the last few years we are getting more and more requests for splitboard backcountry guiding. And we are stoked with this! There have been great improvements in the equipment since the first splitboards were manufactured over a decade ago, making both the ascent easier and the ride down better.
Last Tuesday, MINT Snowboarding coach Tammy and Dev took the easier approach of getting to the summit of the Pointe de Chésery… by splitboard! The Pointe de Chésery, 2251 m, is a peak situated between the ski areas of Avoriaz and Chatel / Linga in the Portes du Soleil. The ascent of the Pointe de Chésery, starting skinning from the top of the Chaux Fleurie chairlift, takes about an hour (depending slightly on fitness!). This tour makes for a great half day outing or as an introduction to splitboarding.
Another popular route down the Pointe de Chésery is the west facing slope taking you down to Les Lindarets and the ski slopes of Avoriaz. This is a safer option when there is a significant avalanche risk.
Both Dev and Tammy were on new boards, a K2 and a Jones, with Dev testing his out for a splitboarding trip to Norway later in the winter. They got fresh tracks down the narrower left-hand couloir on the NW facing slope into Pre la Joux / Chatel. Again a lack of riding shots due to too much fun, but they did get some cheesy summit shots!
MINT Snowboarding offer an amazing Splitboarding course in the Portes du Soleil with British mountain guide David Gladwin. The course runs for 5 on snow days, with daily tours all over the Portes du Soleil area, and includes avalanche awareness and search and rescue training. To take a look at the camps on offer for 2016/17 go to our Snowboard camps and courses page.