Blog

Now Hiring! Shipping/Receiving Specialist
Now Hiring! Shipping/Receiving Specialist
Shipping-Receiving-CS-Production Job Description 26 Now Hiring!  Job Brief  We are looking for a well-rounded individual to help with Shipping and Receiving and to support our customer service team.  Additional duties will include... Read more...
How Did I Get Here?
How Did I Get Here?
https://karakoram.blog/HowDidIGetHereClick on the image above to jump into the digital mag. Enjoy! Read more...
motherhood and mountains-- an interview with bibi tolderer-pekarek
motherhood and mountains-- an interview with bibi tolderer-pekarek
https://karakoram.blog/4253976Click on the image above to jump into the digital mag. Enjoy! Read more...
The Local Line -- Black Canyon, Mt. Si
The Local Line -- Black Canyon, Mt. Si
https://karakoram.blog/2617911Click "open" on the right to jump into the digital mag. Enjoy! Read more...
Builder's Journal 2-- McClellan Butte
Builder's Journal 2-- McClellan Butte
 Click on image above to jump into the digital mag. Enjoy! Read more...
Board Mind /// Gray Thompson Interview
Board Mind /// Gray Thompson Interview
https://karakoram.blog/1897746 Click on the image above to jump into the digital mag.  Enjoy! Read more...
Surviving Avalanches, Huge Falls, Broken Spines, and Insurance Companies
Surviving Avalanches, Huge Falls, Broken Spines, and Insurance Companies
Last year we highlighted our ambassador Julien "Pica" Herry as he and friends pushed full send on massive, earth shaking lines in the Hunza Valley of the Karakoram. That was... Read more...
Pica Herry in Waking Dream: Full Movie
Pica Herry in Waking Dream: Full Movie
 What about Dreaming ? Jump into the search of aesthetic shapes to ride in the Mont Blanc Massif . Sharing the unforgettable, up high in the mountains , far away... Read more...
Flex Lock: Double Your Edging Power
Flex Lock: Double Your Edging Power
After 8 years of testing and proving itself in the field, the Flex-Lock has held firm as one of our best touring innovations to date. We thought this would be... Read more...
Going Higher: Pica in the Mighty Karakoram
Going Higher: Pica in the Mighty Karakoram
Pica, shredding the Brevent side of the Chamonix Valley. Photo: Arthur GhiliniWe'll begin this by rehearsing the fact that Julien Herry of Chamonix might just be the best "Steeps Specialist" snowboarder in... Read more...
Simplicity Stands Out /// Gray Thompson Ambassador Interview
Simplicity Stands Out /// Gray Thompson Ambassador Interview
This fall, I got the chance to spend some time on a longer format conversation with Karakoram Ambassador Gray Thompson.  Gray has been crafting works of snowboard culture for quite... Read more...
Splitboarding in the Indian Trans-Himalayas
Summer Splitboarding the Indian Trans-Himalayas A Glimpse of the Karakoram RangeWords: Simone Le Grand           The land of high passes (also called Little Tibet) fascinated me straight away when I first visited Ladakh and Zanskar for trekking in 2013. I was sure to return one day. The stunning landscapes, well-preserved culture, spirit and monasteries, and friendly, open and humble people had immediately a strong attraction on me. This unique and still-remote place had caught my attention. On one of my first treks back then, when climbing over a very remote pass from Sabu... Read more...
Ride Mode 2.0
Ride Mode 2.0
For Winter 2018-19 we at Karakoram are proud to release the next generation ride mode for our Prime System, the Ride Mode 2.0.  While keeping the Active Joining  Karakoram is... Read more...
Come Visit Us at SIA
We'll be at SIA January 25 to 28. Read more...
Splitboarding Kluane Steep Lines
Splitboarding Kluane Steep Lines
When people go looking for truly steep lines, they tend to think of Alaska. But Karakoram athlete Ian Holmes heard that the Canadian side of the border was an untapped... Read more...
Karakoram X RP Roberts Limited Editions
Karakoram X RP Roberts Limited Editions
Limited-edition artwork from renowned artist RP Roberts, & the best bindings in the world. A gorgeous combination.  Choose between the PrimeX Carbon: The ultimate go-to splitboard bindings for the most... Read more...
The Outsiders
The Outsiders
The Outsiders Words: Ian WoodPhotos: Jordan IngmireGet a copy in print from Diggin Magazine Japan or Transfer Magazine Australia  The sound of explosions stir me from a deep slumber. The bombs... Read more...
Morning carves at Alpental
Morning carves at Alpental
Bryce and Tyler made it out of the office one morning last spring for some morning turns at Alpental. Nothing better than a little "product testing", a quiver full of... Read more...
Performance Matters: Julien Herry & Another First Descent
Before we really get into this post, it must be said that we (Karakoram) don't necessarily want to encourage our friends or customers to partake in this style of snowboard alpinism. In case you're really wondering, snowboarding on the terrain that Julien "Pica" Herry enjoys, is more akin to full-throttle, full-stakes big range mountaineering. For those with experience in large-scale, high-angle environments, you'll understand what the magnitude and consequences of these photos really are. For those without a trained eye or experience on peaks and slopes like this, all we... Read more...
Pica Herry in the Backyards Project
Pica Herry in the Backyards Project
We're consistently blown away by the riding of Pica Herry. Here we have some amazing footage from The Backyards Project. We're proud to have him out putting our split interfaces... Read more...
The Future of Splitboarding
The Future of Splitboarding
You've been waiting, but you're not sure for what.Inspiration has struck, and the future is here.Join the new revolution, and free your mind.We've been keeping this project wrapped up tight,... Read more...
When the Mountains Were Wild
Check out Karakoram Ambassador Mitch Toelderer's award winning splitboard film "When the Mountains Where Wild."WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WERE WILD - A freeride journey to the Albanian Alps from Whiteroom Productions on Vimeo. Read more...
Neil McNab - Guiding in Chamonix
Karakoram Guide Ambassador Neil McNab shows us the ropes in Chamonix. Read more...
Liz Daley, 2 Years Later
It hardly seems possible that 2 years have passed since we lost our beloved friend, Liz Daley, to that avalanche in Argentina. There is so much that can be said about Liz, and in the same breathe, not enough words in the English language to articulate just how special she really was. She remains in our hearts on a daily basis. In her honor, a band of her family and friends have created a memorial campaign called Liz Rocks. The goal is to build a state of the art outdoor... Read more...
Join us! Fourth Phase Premiere/ NWAC Fundraiser
Washington Friends: Come join us this Sunday! Your own friendly local binding builders will be enjoying the premiere of the next level of Travis Rice & Brainfarm's snowboard cinematography, raffling gear and enjoying delicious beverages to raise money for the NorthWest Avalanche Center.Follow the event link below to RSVP!http://Screenings.TheFourthPhase.Com/karakoram/TheCleverBottle  Read more...
Ian Wood Goes Quivering
Video: Sean FithianIan Wood is all about using less, yet getting more. His commitment to converting his truck to bio fuels, his efforts to minimize his overall carbon footprint, and his open-minded outlook have shown us he is someone that truly cares about understanding how his life impacts others and the environment.There are a lot of ways that snowboarding could improve from a sustainability standpoint. We're making steps in that direction, but they are baby steps, and we've still got a long way to go. It takes a long time... Read more...
Miikka Hast - Splitboard Gear Guide
New to splitboarding? Miikka Hast breaks down all the splitboard gear you need and how to use it in this second episode of Discover Splitboarding. Read more...
Why Go Splitboarding?
Miikka Hast has put together a splitboard video series with Epic TV. Check out the first episode, Why Go Splitboarding: Read more...
The Middle/Path Project Episode Three - "Knowledge is Powder"
Check out the third installment of The Middle/Path Project "Knowledge is Powder" as Ian Wood and his crew head north to British Columbia, Canada to find some fresh snow and learn a thing or two about sustainable energy along the way. The Middle/Path Project Episode Three - "Knowledge is Powder" from Sean Fithian on Vimeo."Beyond Boarding is a crew of snowboarders out of BC that truly inspire. From shredding full winters with no fossil fuel consumption, to helping the less fortunate in third world countries, these guys are working to... Read more...
Mont Blanc: The Land of Toys
He's one of the very few snowboarders in the world to be riding big lines both regular and switch. We're honored to have Julien 'Pica' Herry riding our bindings out in Chamonix. Check out the trailer for award winning movie Mont Blanc: The Land of Toys filmed by Luca Rolli:Monte Bianco: Il paese dei balocchi - TRAILER from Luca Rolli on Vimeo.Official website: lucarolli.com Ski guided tours: snowhow.it Actors and Athletes: Davide Capozzi, Francesco Civra Dano, Andreas Fransson, Julien Herry, Giulia Monego Music: Score Squad - Off Limit ENG: This... Read more...
The Middle/Path Project Episode Two - “Tools of the Trade”
Check out Karakoram Regional Ambassador and Steven's Pass, WA local Ian Wood in the second episode of The Middle/Path Project. Ian and friends get away from a dismal Pacific NorthWest winter and head to Montana in search of snow. The Middle/Path Project Episode Two - "Tools of the Trade" from Sean Fithian on Vimeo. Mid way through winter, our season was gone in the PNW. With a strong determination to stay off Jet planes, we searched for the nearest location with good snow. The forecast in Montana was looking good... Read more...
When The Mountains Were Wild
Karakoram Global Ambassador Mitch Tölderer and his crew with Whiteroom Productions just released their newest film WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WERE WILD - A freeride journey to the Albanian Alps. Show your support and check out their incredible full-length freeride movie online. Available for purchase on Vimeo OnDemand at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/wild . WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WERE WILD - A freeride journey to the Albanian Alps from Whiteroom Productions on Vimeo. On the search for mountain wilderness in Europe Mitch Tölderer and his crew jump in a van and drive down the Balkan peninsula. The journey leads them through wild landscapes... Read more...
PNW Splitboarders, Support NWAC with Purchase of Bindings
Hey Pacific Northwest Splitboarders!Thinking of buying a set of Splitboard Bindings this winter? Grab a set of Karakoram splitboard bindings between October 29th and November 6th from our website and we'll buy your 15-16 NWAC membership. If that's not enough, we'll also give you a limited edition Karakoram/NWAC t-shirt.Here's your opportunity support NWAC- the guys that give you detailed daily avalanche forecasts in the Pacific Northwest. All you need to do is select the option:"Yes. I want Karakoram to pay for my NWAC membership"-and add it to your cart before... Read more...
A Thank You to our Binding Builders/Friends
The past 6 months our entire crew (from the part timers to the full timers to even the owners here at Karakoram) has been working hard to get our product assembled, built to spec and shipped out the door. This year's build season has been fantastic and we're all getting excited for the start of the winter season. We're beginning to reach the end of our build season and some of our guys are preparing for their winters. Before we say goodbye for now to all of our part timers... Read more...
Kevin Sansalone Interview
Above photo by Erin Hogue Kevin Sansalone Professional Snowboarder, Cinematographer, Movie producer, Business Owner, Coach, X Games Gold Winner, countless video parts, pages upon pages of editorial coverage, surfer, skater, bike rider and recently Snowboard guide, Kevin Sansalone has done it all over the space of his 20+ year career and he is still going.   Interviewed by Chad Perrin: During his many successes I had the distinct pleasure of being right there with Kevin for 9 years of those successes as I was his Team Manager during the Option... Read more...
Liz Daley, one year later.
It’s been a year and two days since we lost her. Approximately 367 days have gone by, and I continue to find myself thinking of Elizabeth Devon Daley at minimum, even at the most distracted of times, several times per hour of each of those days. The thing is, nothing in the handbook of life could have ever prepared us for a “Liz-Less” world. She really was that special, and she really did, have that massive of a presence.Liz and Russman, on Mount Adam's North Ridge. Note the old school... Read more...
Splitboard Touring Just Got More Powerful With The Flex-Lock
Flex-Lock: Ride Like a Soft Booter. Tour Like a Hard Booter. Imagine touring up a hard packed skin track on your splitboard: your legs are on fire as you spit and fight with every ounce of strength and focus just to keep your edges griped to the slope. You’re trying to keep your cool so your buddy on AT gear, who’s effortlessly dancing up the path, doesn’t notice your struggle. Your downhill leg is contorted and awkwardly twisted inward as you desperately try to keep your edges from rolling down... Read more...
The MIDDLE/PATH Project Trailer
We're starting to see movie trailers left and right and this one looks awesome. This comes from a few of our local boys here in the Pacific Northwest who were still able to make a movie happen despite a historically warm and low snow winter in much of the western half of North America. Instead of sticking around the dudes hit the road and got their pow fix and along the way learned a little bit more about the impact we have on our climate and our atmosphere. Check out... Read more...
Find Snowboarding: French Alps
Bjorn Leines and Thomas Delfino went on a splitboard journey in the French Alps this past May. Check out their full video here: Find Snowboarding: FRENCH ALPS from Rome Snowboards on Vimeo. A topographic map is a beautiful thing, full of would-be lines, potential chutes and zones to explore. Potential is the key in this equation, since looking at something on paper is vastly different when you strap in at the top. Thomas Delfino has lived in the middle of these maps figuratively and physically. He has adventured into the... Read more...
"Snowsurf" The Movie Trailer from Gentemstick
Fair warning: this one might be hard to watch after seeing the winter they just had in Japan. But you should watch it anyway. This movie teaser is from our friends at Gentemstick. ‪The 4K Ultra-High Definition film features snow/surf legends Taro Tamai and Gerry Lopez along with Karakoram Ambassadors Alex Yoder and Forrest Shearer. Be on the lookout for tour dates and the release of "Snowsurf" The Movie this fall! Snowsurf Trailer from My House Pictures on Vimeo. Read more...
Teaser for "Seasoned" a new movie from Will Film For Food
We are so stoked to see this teaser for "Seasoned" a new full length film by Aaron Hooper and our friends at Will Film For Food! Check it out for yourself and get stoked to see the whole video this fall. "Seasoned" Teaser from Aaron Hooper on Vimeo. "'Seasoned' is about exploring all that winter has to offer from the very beginning all the way to that warm spring end. We partnered up with Saas Fee to spend the majority of the winter there and truly get "Seasoned". Starring Forrest... Read more...
Northwest Avalanche Center Benefit Warehouse Sale!
Calling all splitboarders of Washington state and the rest of the Northwest! Come on out to our shop in North Bend, WA to get the best deals you'll find anywhere on Karakoram bindings, accessories, and apparel all while supporting the Northwest Avalanche Center! Who?: You! You can contribute to our local avalanche center, NWAC!What?: We'll be selling both Prime bindings and Split 30 bindings along with accessories and apparel.When?: Sale only during 1pm-7pm, Monday-Friday, the week of August 17th-21st, 2015.Where?: 1546 Boalch Ave. NW, North Bend, WAHow?: Buy a pair of Karakoram... Read more...
Forever Ride Support Program
If your splitboard bindings are a few seasons old and looking a little beat up, don’t worry, Karakoram has your back! We have a comprehensive Forever Ride Support program that can restore your bindings to brand new function. When you send your bindings in to be refurbished, we do an in-depth inspection of all components, interfaces and hardware. For the original owner, worn or broken components are rebuilt or replaced under our “Forever Ride” policy for a nominal cost that covers the expense of materials and manufacturing time. Bindings come out... Read more...
Splitboarding BC and Alberta by Van
Words: Kyle HansenPhotos: Kyle Hansen and Brandon HuttenlocherI’m guessing you’ve heard this before: this past winter was terrible. Most winters, I expect to be able to go snowboarding or splitboarding at Snoqualmie Pass every single day. It’s pretty much what I’ve scheduled my life around since high school. This winter, warm weather left us skunked: we were looking at grass on cat tracks in January.   So when March rolled around, long after all the Northwest ski hills shut down, I took a five-week sabbatical to spend some time in a van... Read more...
Norway Trip Report from Kyle Miller
Our good friend Kyle Miller went on another adventure this past spring to the mountains of Norway! Take notes and get a good look at what Kyle's been up to. Also, if you'd like to keep with Kyle and all his adventures, follow him on Instagram: @kylemiller411 Words and photos: Kyle Miller It all started with a roundtrip plane ticket to Munich, Germany and an generalized plan to ski and stay with friends it two of the ski touring meccas of Europe Innsbruck, Austria and Tromso, Norway. I left the  Cascades admist a bleak seasonal... Read more...
Yuta Watanabe Alaska Trip Report
Japanese shredder Yuta Watanabe made it out to Alaska this spring shooting with Heart Films. Check out his trip report and be on the lookout for their new movie “Go Wild.” Read more...
New Men's and Women's T-Shirts!
Thanks to the creativity of our friend Tyler Toews, we're stoked to offer a new T-Shirt for both Men and now Women! Yes, we now have a women's specific t-shirt, sorry ladies if we we're a little late to the party on that but better late than never!Tyler Toews is a snowboarder, a mountain guide, and a fantastic mural artist out of Canada. His large scale work can be seen all across Canada and has even been building his own company Canadian Murals. Check out his work and learn more... Read more...
Getting Rowdy on Mt. Adams with Karakoram
Words, Photos and Video by Paul StanleyWith the incredible stretch of warm, dry weather we've been having here in the Pacific Northwest, the volcano shredding has been firing in recent weeks. In our last blogpost we highlighted three volcanoes we went splitboarding on lately. One of them being Mt. Adams (12,280'/3,743 m). The trip we had on Mt. Adams was one worth talking a little more about.Mike, Russman and myself (Paul) made the climb up Mt. Adams with our friends Theresa, Adam and Saign. Our goal was not exactly to just... Read more...
1 Week, Splitboarding 3 Major Volcanoes!
Okay, so maybe it was more like 7.5 days, but who's counting! Either way, we're stoked to splitboard and climb 3 major volcanoes within the Cascade Range here in such a short amount of time. Russell 'Russman' Cunningham and myself (Paul Stanley) were able to successfully and safely climb and ride all 3 peaks during the week; Mt. Baker, Mt. Shasta, and Mt. Adams. Each trip we we're joined by various friends and we couldn't have been more stoked to have them come along! First up was Mt. Baker. Sitting... Read more...
Enter the Mind of Alex Yoder
"It's a special feeling when you remember to stop thinking in the mountains and just let gravity tell you what to do.” -Alex Yoder Yoder shifted his career over the past few seasons, and more recently became the only American to join the Gentem Stick team. He now spends much of the winter in Japan, digging deep into the perspective of the snow surf scene. Simultaneously, his style and approach to riding, and even living, have developed significantly. From exploring different ways of eating and cooking, to looking towards alternative... Read more...
Karakoram Prime Maintenance Video
Karakoram Prime Bindings: Maintenance from Karakoram on Vimeo. Read more...
To Wear a Helmet, or Not to Wear a Helmet? You Decide.
Helmet use and its correlation to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and risk-taking behavior in snowboarding and skiing: A VERY brief review of literature. David “Splitstoke” Benton. Mount Rainier, February 2015, just a few weeks before he nearly lost his life to a Traumatic Brain Injury. Photo: Paul Stanley David is a fast, powerful snowboarder, and it was with a halting CRACK that his skull impacted the tree at Stevens Pass, Washington. He had been snowboarding all morning with his friend Jay. Although it had been the worst winter... Read more...
Saving Lives Through Avalanche Education with AIARE
Above photo: Zach Clanton (@zclanton on Instagram) For many of us here in U.S. the winter season has already come and gone, however it's never a bad time to get educated on avalanche safety. Check out this gut wrenching and informative short video from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. AIARE - Saving Lives Through Avalanche Eduction from AIARE Avalanche Education on Vimeo. Read more...
Prime Splitboard Binding Change-Over Video
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Thanks April!
This winter in the Pacific Northwest started late and fizzled early.  It is safe to say it was a bad winter of epic proportions.  Our local ski area at Snoqualmie Pass, WA saw an all time record low snowfall of just 104 inches this winter. Two of our snowiest months on average, February and March brought a combined 10 inches total. We thought last season was bad and we received about 3 times as much snowfall! On a typical season we'll see upwards of 4, 5, even 600 inches of... Read more...
Trip Report: Hanging Glacier Headwall/NW Couloir, Mt. Shuksan
(Words and Photos from Russell Cunningham): Before I start this writeup, I need to say that this Trip Report is entirely dedicated to my dear friend Liz Daley. She and I had talked for years about tagging the first ever snowboard descent on Mount Shuksan's Hanging Glacier Headwall, and without her infectious stoke even in her afterlife, I doubt that this trip would have happened. She was better and more proficient at this game of snowboard alpinism than all of us combined. Love you forever, Liz!! This past week I... Read more...
Liz Daley Tribute Video: Chamonixoxo
Get a look at this wonderful tribute video to Liz Daley put together by photographer Kt Miller and ski mountaineer Caroline Gleich. The three went on a trip together in Chamonix, France in February of 2014 to climb and ride some highly technical lines. Liz was caught in an avalanche in Patagonia this past September and her presence has been and will always be missed. Chamonixoxo from Kt Miller on Vimeo. Read more...
Snowboarding and Splitboarding in Switzerland
In February we were wrapping up the long trade show season.  As usual our feet hurt from standing in convention centers and talking to people all day long.  Talking about splitboarding is great and all, but after two straight weeks, you kind of go stir crazy.  We couldn't wait to get out into the Alps to refresh our spirits.  After ISPO Munich Tyler and I decided to check out Klosters Switzerland since it's a great name.At ISPO we meet downhill skateboarder Patrick Switzer who live near Klosters.  Patrick likes snowboarding and we... Read more...
The 2015 Mt. Baker Splitfest: It happened!
Yes! Despite the lack of snow this winter we we're still able to make the Mt. Baker Splitboard Festival happen. The lack of snow more so exists at the lower elevations of our mountains but up higher the snowpack is hanging in there. One of the concepts of a splitboard anyway is to get up higher, so there was no reason not to hold the event! Bryce making his way down a fun little ramp. Photo: Paul Stanley On day 1, we had enough time beforehand to go for a... Read more...
Mt. Baker Splitboard Festival
  The Mt Baker Splitfest is indeed happening this weekend! If you are planning on going and would like to demo a pair of Karakoram bindings, we will be bringing our entire demo fleet with us. Last year we sent out every pair of bindings we had so it may be a good idea to sign up to demo a pair in advance! If you would like to sign up for a pair ahead of time, please send an email with your name and boot size to robert@karakorambc.com by this... Read more...
Exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with Kyle Miller
Words and photos provided by Kyle Miller "Over the month of Febuary I had the good fortune to make a pilgrimage to Japan and see for myself what everyone was talking about with the waist deep snow to be found, epic sushi on the cheap and a culture filled with kindness and respect." "Simply put the rumors are true. I quickly got into a routine of waking up at 5a.m. to the alarm of avalanches falling off our roof, eating a bacon and egg breakfast and putting my board in... Read more...
Making the Most of a Dismal Winter
There is no question the entire Western half of the U.S. is having a rough Winter. Here in Washington State, splitboarding and ski touring at lower elevations has been a struggle and our ski areas are barely open if they aren't already closed. The Summit at Snoqualmie and now Mt. Baker, two major ski areas in our region are both closed until there is more snow, IF there is more snow. Weather forecasts don't look too promising unfortunately. Our mountains haven't seen any serious snowfall at lower elevations (below 6-7000 feet) since... Read more...
Cat Boardin' in Colorado With Weston Snowboards
We recently took a trip down to Colorado, not only for the SIA Tradeshow, but to get some snowboarding in as well. Since our winter has been so rough here in Washington State, it sure was nice to extend our stay and see how conditions were in the Rockies. Sure enough, the Rockies did not disappoint! First, we had to take care of some business in Denver for a few days. Here's Kyle "Handsome" looking like his usual handsome self in our booth at the 2015 SIA tradeshow. Before heading... Read more...
Splitboarding Mt. Clemenceau
This past spring Karakoram Guide Ambassador Naoyuki Kato made his second attempt at climbing and riding the north face of Mt. Clemenceau. Read about his adventure below:Words by Naoyuki Kato1. IntroductionDeepest in the Rockies, Mt Clemenceau is far more remote than any mountains in the range. We headed to Red Rock Harbor, 150K east from Revelstoke, BC to launch our expedition. From there we kayaked windy sometimes wavy Kinbasket Lake to Wood Arm for 25K. The following day we started hiking old logging road in 60s with possibly 50kg backpacks... Read more...
Know the 5 Red Flags
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Nipple Deep Webseries: Splitboarding Alaska
Looks like our friends from True Color films had a good time camping out in Alaska. In this Nipple Deep RedBull webisode check out Stephan Maurer, Lisa Filzmoser, David Bertschinger Karg, Nicholas Wolken and Alvaro Vogel splitboarding and shredding.http://www.redbull.com/en/snow/stories/1331689222716/nipple-deep-chapter-1-ak-camp-out Read more...
Liz We Will Miss You
It is with immense sadness that we say goodbye to Liz Daley, a friend, an ambassador, a person filled with so much energy for life.  I first meet Liz in 2010, she was one of Karakoram's first customers.  She came by our garage shop to get her new Prior Brandywine splitboard set up with bindings.  The garage was dreary and dark, but Liz's smile brightened the place up.  As we set up her board she talked about moving to Chamonix, Liz gushed with enthusiasm for the mountains.  Working with Liz was... Read more...
Limited Edition Higher PRIME System
Karakoram, in collaboration with Teton Gravity Research, is proud to announce the release of the “Higher” Limited Edition PRIME splitboard bindings. The “Higher” bindings are to mark and celebrate the final chapter in Jeremy Jones’ Deeper, Further, Higher trilogy and will all be offered using Karakoram’s new groundbreaking PRIME Interface platform, which cuts change-over time down to less than two minutes.“We felt a need celebrate the monumental journey Jeremy has taken with the Deeper, Further, Higher trilogy of films by offering a product that’s unique to the release of the... Read more...
Innovation Forever. Developing the PRIME Splitboard System
Mechanical design is funny process sometimes. You have an idea. You get stuck. You put the idea away for awhile until inspiration strikes again. You eventually come up with a solution. I've noticed another trend that has happened with our first release of the Split30 Splitboard System and now the PRIME Splitboard System, both designs stem from earlier designs we came up with. There was just an element we could not quite figure out with the initial designs so we went down a slightly different path. The end solution has... Read more...
Xavier de le Rue Interview
Russell had a chance to catch up with one of snowboarding's leaders in backcountry exploration, Xavier de le Rue. Here's their conversation: Xavier, what an honor it is to be talking with you! Your riding is downright innovative and inspiring. You have defined a whole new discipline within snowboarding itself: Fast, fluid, technical and explosive descents on large-scale mountaineering lines. What role would you say the splitboard has played in your creativity as a snowboarder? I think that having the option of accessing everything in the mounatins I want is... Read more...
Karakoram Dreamlines 1st Place Video
First place in the Karakoram Dreamlines video contest goes to Casey Crangle. Casey recently moved from South Dakota to Utah to follow his dream of living in the mountains and snowboarding. The Wasatch mountains are famous for quality backcountry lines. This was Casey's first year on a splitboard and it enabled him to knock off a line that he has been staring at from his liftee job at Solitude Resort- Wolverine Cirque. Read more...
Karakoram Dreamlines 2nd Place Video
Second Place in the Karakoram Dreamlines Video contest goes to Simon Feigl. He has a slightly different take on what a Dreamline is. Simon broke his back and leg in a snowboarding accident and has chronicled his difficult path back to snowboarding and splitboarding. Despite a 26% permanent disability, Simon is still getting after it. Way to persevere! Keep on dreaming. Read more...
Karakoram Dreamlines 3rd Place Video
It's time to announce the winners of the Karakoram Dreamlines Video contest. We had a lot of good videos submitted. The top ten peer voted participants will receive a Karakoram t-shirt. We will be announcing third place today.Third Place in the Karakoram Dreamlines contest goes to Chris Shook for his video about splitboarding Ymir Peak in Whitewater, BC. Chris has been looking at Ymir Peak for 5 years and finally ripped it on his splitboard. There are so many lines like this that sit above your local resort just waiting... Read more...
Lucas Debari Ripping Pillows on his Splitboard
It's safe to say that Lucas Debari rips on his splitboard and Karakoram bindings. Read more...
Splitboarding is Fun
One of our favorite splitboard tours is a little couloir in Common Wealth Basin on Snoqualmie Pass. We can do the whole tour in about 4 hours door to door from our shop in North Bend, WA. It's a nice little morning split tour and we can get back to the shop and still get some work done. Here is a little video of the tour: Russell ripping the East Couloir. Russell was like, "Oh snap, that was fun!"Thanks to Paul Bagels for putting the video together. Paul is pretty... Read more...
Mt. Baker Splitboard fest This Weekend
The Mt. Baker Splitfest is this weekend March 28-30. This will be the first public on snow demo for our Prime Splitboard System. Come on out and check out the new gear for 14-15.We will have seven sets of Primes Bindings available for demo and 16 sets of SL bindings available. Bindings will be set up Friday evening and Saturday evening. If you'd like to reserve a set of bindings contact chad@karakorambc.com with your boot size and day you would like bindings. Chad will confirm your reservation. Demos are free,... Read more...
Miikka Hast: Splitboarding from Here to There
Miikka Hast has been having a great winter. Currently Miikka is in AK, but here is some video footage from his earlier trip to Switzerland. The Southern Alps were hit with some of the deepest powder in years. Miikka and his buddy Jonas were there to rip it up. Miikka & Jonas - Back to Back 4/4 from Protest Boardwear on Vimeo. Miikka & Jonas - Back to Back 3/4 from Protest Boardwear on Vimeo. Read more...
Liz Daley: Powder Asphyxiation & Col des Cristaux; Chamonix
Words by Karakoram Ambassador Liz Daley:I've spent the last month basically in a little place called Trenchtown, Italy. It's a magical spot 15 minutes from Chamonix filled with fine Italian espresso, spines, awesome tree skiing, steep faces right off the tram tower, the deepest of powder snow and melt in your mouth pizza. If it's not snowing it's bluebird and everyone's always smiling, even the locals. We bought an unlimited Mont Blanc tunnel pass so we were free to go over there at our leisure, maybe even just for dinner... Read more...
Spliting UP Volume 1: Splitboarding with Kevin Sansalone
Kevin Sansalone has decided that this is the year to get into splitboarding. We're going to be following Kevin's exploits as he grows from a backcountry booter legend to a backcountry splitboarder. Here's a little video showing Kevin making his first splitboard. Read more...
Early Season Sliding and Splitboarding
Since I was a kid I'd get this antsiness once Fall rolled around.  I'd watch and rewind and watch my snowboard videos over and over again.  It was a bit like scratching an itch, the more I watched TB2 or the Transworld Video Magazines the more I wanted to go snowboarding but I couldn't do anything about it.  I just had to wait until Stevens Pass or Alpental opened in late November or early December to finally slide on snow.  After 26 years of snowboarding I still feel the same... Read more...
Ian Holmes- Alberta, Canada
Why are you a splitboarder? Well the snow is better, the lines are more challenging, the terrain more varied, and things never get that tracked out. I mean it also keeps me from being arrested, because of how badly I want to hit the guy in the lift-line who is smoking, and yelling, and then leaves his crushed beer can on the ground *grin*. However, that aside, I do have to say that being able to get away from people, the noise, and all of the distractions that make a... Read more...
Matt Stouder- Harrisburg, OR
Why are you a splitboarder? How has splitboarding changed you as a snowboarder? I love snowboarding, the backcountry, solitude and the mountains. The progression to splitting was very natural. Splitboarding has allowed me to expand my knowledge as a snowboarder, and taken me to places I could never have gone on a regular snowboard. Once I started splitting, it reshaped how I viewed snowboarding. Now when I think of snowboarding, I think about the backcountry and where my next tour is going to be, not about riding at the resorts.... Read more...
Jeff Smead- Splitboarder Mackenzie, BC
Why are you a splitboarder? How has splitboarding changed you as a snowboarder? Splitboarding truly allows me the freedom to ride untracked powder and explore the peace and serenity of the backcountry. I like the complete experience of climbing as well as riding my line. While splitboarding I can experience a sort of intimacy with the mountain that you can’t get doing sled laps or riding a lift. You really earn that view from the peak and a cold beer with friends at the end of a big day. I... Read more...
Mike Leeuw- Aspiring Splitboard Guide
How did you get into splitboarding? After a few years of snowshoeing around the Tahoe backcountry I saw people starting to split board and saw a bunch of splits in movies and was just like yeah if the technology is there, it will ride like a normal snowboard, and I can put miles behind me!? Yeah that's what I want to do. How long have you been splitboarding? First year on the ol' split. After watching your video I can tell that you've been sliding on snow for quite some... Read more...
Kinsey Smith- EVO Employee and Backcountry Shredder
Working at EVO, what do you feel is the holistic impact of riding bindings that are made right here in Washington by snowboarders? This part is huge for me… I live and bleed in this industry… I work down at evo gear tuning ski’s and boards all day. I ride Lib/GNU snowboards and karakoram bindings that are made in Washington. Why do I want my snowboard or bindings made in a place I can’t work or be proud to promote? By supporting companies that are truly made local I feel... Read more...
Julian Hanna- Mt. Rainier Climbing Ranger and Mountain Guide
What makes Mount Rainier so special? Mt Rainier is an icon of the Pacific Northwest. On a clear day it dominates the skyline for several hundred miles and rises up to 14, 400 feet. Big glaciers and valley drainages spill off of her. Most folks don’t realize that most of the mountain is wilderness and it’s quiet just off the beaten path. As a professional snowboard guide and Mount Rainier Climbing Ranger, what would you say we still need to do in order to make the ULTIMATE mountain tool? Continue... Read more...
Splitboard Season Just Around the Corner
With Splitboard season just around the corner, most of us mountain people are getting ready.  Summer is changing to Fall, the anticipation builds. We are taking inventory of our gear, waxing boards or skis, and sharpening edges.  Some of us are looking to upgrade our backcountry kits with a new set of bindings, a new board or a new back pack.  We're improving our fitness so we can take that third or forth lap.  One thing that is sometimes forgotten is to ask the questions, "How am I going to... Read more...
Summer Splitboarding
Not all of us have the means to migrate to the Southern Hemisphere to follow Winter. Whether it is lack of funds, a full-time job, or family commitments there are still a few of us that yearn to slide on snow after our Spring snowpack dwindles into Summer suncups. Here in the Pacific Northwest we are lucky enough to have a deep snow pack that lasts late into the Summer. So for the willing, we can make turns all year (there is even a great website here in the PNW... Read more...
Story of a Splitboard Binding Made in the USA
I was just born in North Bend, Washington, but where did I really come from? These guys designed me, but many more people helped bring me to life. I’m proud of my Washington roots, 95 percent of my parts are made by suppliers around the Puget Sound and the Greater Northwest. Here is my story: Bryce and Tyler, creators of Karakoram Washington supply chain, ferry across Puget Sound, and Cedar waiting for Patrick (our UPS guy) My journey begins in a little town on the west side of Puget Sound,... Read more...
Karakoram Splitboard Binding Maintenance Video
Maintaining your Karakoram bindings is very simple and will keep your gear performing at its best. Check out this new video Russell put together showing the basics of maintaining your bindings. Read more...
Where Do Splitboard Bindings Come From?
A couple days ago we decided that we wanted to share more with Karakoram users about how Karakoram the company (Bryce, Tyler, Russell and Robert) works. So we are going to start doing more blog posts about the inner workings of our small forward thinking company. This first post should hopefully give you some insight into how we innovate and create. We have built Karakoram on the principle of innovating. We won’t make a product unless it makes the backcountry experience better than before. You will never see a “Me-too”... Read more...
Alaskan Dreams: My Wilderness Experience
What is this all about?To find one’s self here, complete with a beating heart and inflatable lungs?To find that we have legs, arms, and a mind that thinks… WHY, are we here?In a logical sense, splitboard mountaineering is one of the silliest activities a person can get interested in. To go into environments that are clearly, blatantly and outrageously not designed for sustained human life. To seek out vast wilderness, and to climb and descend massive snow-covered mountains seems to be more congruent with the pleasure-seeking behavior of a drug... Read more...
Karakoram Splitboard Binding Set Up Video
In the coming weeks we will be releasing new set up, use and maintenance videos for Karakoram products. This first video is a set up video that applies to Karakoram 2012-13 bindings. Read more...
SIA, ISPO and Austrian Splitboarding (Trade Show Detox)
Before starting a business in the snowboard industry I used to think that I'd snowboard a lot more if I worked with snowboards every day. Little did I know that trade show season falls right in prime snow season. Trade show prep, OR, SIA and ISPO basically take up all of January and February. This was our third year at the trade shows so we were a bit more prepared, but it is always exhausting being on your feet all day and talking for eight hours straight. To make matters... Read more...
Mt. Baker Splitboard Festival
The Mt. Baker Splitfest is March 22-24. Demos on Saturday and Sunday. The Raffle supporting the NWAC is Saturday night, Grand prize is a Jones Solution with Karakoram Carbon SL bindings. We will also be raffling off a set of Split30 bindings and 20 sets of board clips. Come on up for the festivities! Read more...
Mitch and Bibi Splitboarding Praxmarerkarspitze
Mitch Toelderer sent me this picture a couple weeks ago pointing to his next splitboard mission. Mitch and Bibi got out two weeks ago to ride Praxmarerkarspitze. Check out the video: Snowboarding Praxmarerkarspitze from GoPro Fitnesstraining on Vimeo. Read more...
Liz Daley Splitboarding on EpicTV
Liz Daley is in Chamonix and meet up with EpicTV to show off her new Jones Splitboard with Karakoram Split30 splitboard bindings: Read more...
Fun Times at the Dirksen Derby
We had the opportunity to make it down to Mt. Bachelor, Oregon for the Dirksen Derby this year. The Dirksen Derby is one of the first snowboard events of the season, so lots of industry folks make it to the event. It was pretty cool to race against some of the best riders in the world like Terje Haakonsen and Temple Cummins. Needless to say, I did not win... Josh Dirksen has been putting this event on for six years. The Derby is a great event with a great cause,... Read more...
Karakoram on Instagram
We're now on Instagram!  Follow us on instagram @karakorambc Read more...
SL and Carbon SL Splitboard Bindings
Buy This We've received many requests from customers to put our Air Flow Highback with Ride-Stride on the SL chassis. We now have a few of these built up and stocked in our store. The Carbon SL comes with our carbon fiber highack and the SL (Dupont Zytel Highback) comes with the Air Flow Highback with Ride-Stride. Retail price on the SL (Dupont Zytel Highback) is $749.99. Read more...
October Splitboarding in Tahoe
Story by Allison Lightcap, Photos By Seth Lightcap Have you ever had the feeling that Old Man Winter was going to come early? I started to get this feeling in Tahoe a few weeks ago when I saw the squirrels rushing around collecting food. They knew what was up. Then I got this subconscious urge to clean out the garage and find all my winter stuff. I never like to clean the garage. Something was seriously screwy. But then all of a sudden it made perfect sense. Tahoe got dumped... Read more...
Halloween Fun
We brought in the robots, dragons, ewoks, devils, frogs, cookie monsters, and mad scientists to help build for the day. Read more...
Karakoram Splitboard Binding Pre-Orders Shipping
After a long summer of machining parts, coordinating suppliers and assembling bindings we are finally shipping product! Our first pre-order have shipped and we are now opening a second round of pre-order that will be delivered starting in mid-October. Grab a set now to guaranty you'll have your binders before the snow starts to fly! Read more...
New Colors for Split30 Splitboard Bindings
For 2012-2013 we've decided to add two new colors to the Split30 Splitboard Bindings, white and red. We're big fans of the black, but we wanted to give customers a couple more options to choose from. I really like the way the red splitboard bindings pop on my board, but I'd have to say the white splitboard bindings are my favorite because they remind me of a Storm Trooper.Split30 splitboard bindings will be available in September. Read more...
Jeremy Jones' Further Trailer
Every once in a while I take a step back from the daily grind to think about how far Karakoram has come in the last three years. Watching the Further trailer is one of these moments. We started making production bindings in our garage three years ago and now we are working with some of the most talented athletes in the world like Jeremy Jones, Forrest Shearer, Lucas Debari, Mitch Toelderer, Bibi Pekarek, Ralph Backstrom, to name a few. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.Innovate.... Read more...
4th of July on the North Twin Sister
There is some fun summer shredding going on right now. Our friend Kael Martin sent us this nice little report of his trip with Lucas Debari and friends. A Mountain Adventure to Celebrate America’s Independence Lucas Debari, Kael Martin, Anthony Gervais, Calvin Patterson, Daniel Sandberg, Jerry Mark, Quinn Baumberger, Cody Garrington July 4th, 2012 was a unique day not only because it marked the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in which America went to battle with our northern neighbor Canada, but also seemed to be the beginning of summer... Read more...
Sun Cup Season
As the Spring warms into early Summer, the quest for smooth corn snow inevitably ends with sun cups. Sometimes you can hit the sun cups when they're soft enough to carve right through and other times they'll make you feel like a beginner snowboarder. One of the most annoying things is having your splitboard tip clips pop open while riding these challenging conditions. A simple upgrade to your splitboard to prevent your tips popping open is to outfit your deck with Karakoram Splitboard Clips and Tip/tail clips. Karakoram Splitboard Clips... Read more...
Karakoram Splitboard Heel Lock Down Update
I just put together a new video for the heel lock down showing more details.  Check it out. In our endless journey to make splitboard equipment the best it can be, Karakoram will be releasing a new heel lock down system for 2012-13.  The heel lock down will be compatible with all Karakoram Splitboard Bindings (Split30, SL and Prime) starting from 2010.  The purpose of the heel lock down is to allow splitboarders to skate more efficiently on flat terrain, and traverse and side step without skins on in tour... Read more...
Spring Time in the North Cascades
The North Cascades have to be one of my favorite places to tour. We are pretty spoiled with the variety of mountainous terrain we have within a three hour drive Seattle. The North Cascades are a little different than the rest of the mountains in Washington. They seem a bit more grand, maybe it's the higher elevation, maybe it's the larch groves, maybe it's just that I always end up going to the North Cascades when have a bit more time to tour on my splitboard. What ever it is... Read more...
Mt Shasta and the Great Pleiadian Eclipse Alignment
"On May 20th, 2012, for the first time in 26,000 years the sun, the moon and the constellation responsible for our evolution and ascension, the mysitc Pleiades, in a spectacular total solar eclipse directly over one of the most powerful, mysterious, spiritual vortexes in the world: the mighty Mount Shasta" (http://www.divinetravels.com/Shasta.html). Chris, Tyler and I drove down from Seattle to meet up with the Jones, TGR, twsnow and Further crew, for this was a once in 26,000 year event we couldn't miss. Anticipation was high and everyone was on the... Read more...
Spring Time Splitboarding
Once a year, whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere, the earth’s spinning axis tilts towards the sun. This has a profound impact: days get longer and temperatures rise. Just about every eco-system on the planet responds to this. Just as life has evolved to use water, so has it evolved to use sunrays. It’s Spring Time! And every year this seems to elicit a population-wide increase in happiness levels. For most snowboarders, closing chair lifts are the signal to put boards back into their summer hibernation, while... Read more...
Mt. Baker Splitboard Fest Recap
The third Mt. Baker Splitboard festival was great time. The last two we worked up until the last minute to finish off prototypes and demo bindings. This year we were a little bit more prepared, but we still rolled in a little late for the Demo set up on Friday evening. We'll be on time next year... I always look forward to the Mt. Baker Splitboard fest because it is the time of year that I actually get to ride my snowboard a bit more. This year Karakoram was the... Read more...
Karakoram Splitboard Binding Heel Lock Down
In our endless journey to make splitboard equipment the best it can be, Karakoram will be releasing a new heel lock down system for 2012-13.  The heel lock down will be compatible with all Karakoram Splitboard Bindings (Split30, SL and Prime) starting from 2010.  The purpose of the heel lock down is to allow splitboarders to skate more efficiently on flat terrain, and traverse and side step without skins on in tour mode. The Karakoram Heel Lock Down will be available for upgrades to your current Split30 or Split30SL set... Read more...
Forrest Shearer in Haines
Forrest Shearer splitboarding and getting after it in Haines, AK with the Patagonia crew. Read more...
Mt. Baker Splitfest 2012
Hello Splitboarders, Karakoram is the headline sponsor for this year's Mt. Baker Splitfest.  We'll be raffling off a set of Split30 splitboard bindings, a set of Super Light splitboard bindings, crampons, board clips, etc.  All proceeds from the raffle go to support NWAC.  We'll also have a bunch of bindings for demo, so if you're curious about how our gear works here's your chance to take it for a test ride. Also, get a sneak peak at our new Prime binding, heel lock down and other goodies we have in... Read more...
SIA and ISPO Whirlwind Tour
So we just got back about a week ago from a whirlwind trade show tour of SIA and ISPO.  What a trip!  Splitboarding is truly taking off and it's pretty amazing to be right in the thick of it. It was great to see the excitement for our new releases for next year, including the Prime- our new 575gram binding The Prime on the Jones Carbon Solution Our new heel lock down (just realized we didn't take any pics of this, so I'll post one later), the rest of our binding line, and... Read more...
Neil Provo Splitboarding in Silverton
There are some lucky people that get to follow the snow for a living. I think everyone who loves to ride has done it or wishes they could pull away from their 8-5 job and live the dream of riding powder everyday. Neil Provo is one of those lucky people. Neil has teamed up with fellow Outdoor Research Ambassadors Zack Giffin and Molly Baker to chase storms in their "Tiny House." They've followed the snow to Silverton Colorado. I wish I was there as it's raining here in the PNW...... Read more...
Winchester Lookout Trip: A Magical Return to Winter
Just got this trip report from our friend Kael Martin. I'm incredibly jealous of the snow he got to shred last weekend. Heading deep into the Northern Cascade mountains provided an incredibly satisfying and refreshing start to the 2011/2012 snowboard season. Many uncertainties nearly hampered our trip plans, but in the end it all came together and we were thoroughly rewarded for our persistence. We all gathered in Bellingham on Friday night and set out to the Winchester Lookout via the Twin Lakes Trail very early Saturday morning. Almost 4... Read more...
October Riding on Mt. Rainier
Hike on Rainier with Karakoram Splitboards from Walter Yi on Vimeo.Finally got around to posting this video our friend Walter Yi made of a couple of days in October on Mt. Rainier.  We were rained out a couple of times, but eventually had a clear day to make it up to Camp Muir and ride down the entire snowfield.  The riding isn't special, but the views are amazing and any riding in October is good to me.-Bryce Read more...
Vote Karakoram for the ISPO Brandnew Award (One click to vote!)
Hello Karakoram Family,We have an easier way to vote for us for the ISPO Brandnew Award. Click the "like" button below to vote for us. Thank you all for your support!-Bryce and Tyler Read more...
Vote Karakoram for the ISPO BRANDNEW Award
Hello Karakoram Supporters,Please vote for us for the ISPO Brandnew Award. The ISPO Brandnew award is the largest start-up company competition in the sporting goods industry. With your help we can win this. The process for voting is1.Click the link below 2. Select "vote for your favorite" 3. Select Karakoram from the menu 4. Scroll to the bottom of the "video" window and select "Like" buttonThank you everyone for your support!!! Bryce and Tyler http://www.facebook.com/ispo.brandnew.awards?sk=app_299646646729963 Read more...
Karakoram Split30 Splitboard System Video
We just finished up a new product video showcasing our Split30 Splitboard System. We want to thank Walter Yi for the numerous hours he put into editing the video.  We'd also like to thank Teton Gravity Research for providing the riding and touring shots . Read more...
Jones Solution Video
Check out the new Jones Solution Video.  Jeremy is riding the Snowboard Mag Editor's Choice splitboard set up and  Backpacker's Ultimate Splitty Setup: the Jones Solution and Karakoram Split30 Splitboard System. Read more...
Splitboard Clip Review by Kyle Miller
This past summer professional splitboarder Kyle Miller contacted us to see if he could try out our Splitboard Clips on his trip to South America with the Sweet Grass crew for their film Solitare.   Read his review below: When I first got my hands on the Karakoram splitboard clips I was a tad bit concerned. I had been using the standard Voile hooks for years and wondered what the benefit would be from trying out a new system. My first adventure with the splitboard clips was the high volcanoes... Read more...
Backpacker's "Best in Snow": Split30 Splitboard System
Snoqualmie, WA October 19, 2011 – Karakoram has been honored as a recipient of a 2011 Backpacker magazine Editors’ Choice Snow Award, the most prestigious award in the outdoor industry, given annually to products in recognition of their outstanding innovation in design, materials and/or performance. Backpacker Editor-In-ChiefJonathan Dorn and his staff of editors and testers presented the Karakoram Split30 Splitboard System with the award at the annual Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, August 4, 2011. In total, nine manufacturers were honored as recipients of... Read more...
Autumn Anticipation
Autumn has always been a season of anticipation for people who love the snow.  The leaves start changing from green to brilliant hues of orange, red and yellow, the morning air becomes crisper and eventually the morning dew turns to morning frost.  Winter is getting so close.  Sometimes I would say I'm giddy with eagerness and other times I'd say I'm fidgety with withdrawal.  My last white room powder day was months ago.  I'm lucky enough to go splitboarding in the summer and fall on Mt. Rainier, but I still long for... Read more...
Forrest Shearer Talking About His Karakoram Splitboard Bindings
 Splitboarding is taking off. It's really cool to see the progression of the equipment thats happening right now.  Since meeting the Kloster brothers and checking out Karakoram, I was blown away with the passion they both had for innovative designs. After putting a season in on the Karakoram system it made sense to me to get on board with Karakoram.Riding the Karakoram system you can tell the difference it makes in you riding. The bindings are great they are the lightest things out there.  Five contact points on the binding... Read more...
New Split30 Gallery
Just added this new gallery to the Split30 splitboard system webpage.   You can now see the entire binding, ride mode interface and tour mode interface in great detail.   A big thanks to Kyle Christenson for shooting the studio shots!  Check out the Split30 Splitboard Bindings page here. Read more...
Split30 Splitboard System in Stock
Buy ThisAfter a long summer of assembling bindings we are ready to change the Split30 status from "pre-order" to "in stock". We are still building bindings as quickly as we can. There may be a short delay between when an order is placed and when it ships, but we will be doing our best to ship the day after your order is placed. For the most up to date shipping dates contact me at: bryce@karakorambc.comSplit30SLs are still on a waiting list. More details to come soon. People on the waiting... Read more...
Forrest Shearer Shredding on Karakoram Splitboard Bindings
With winter approaching quickly it's video premiere time. Check out Forrest Shearer shredding on his Karakoram Splitboard Bindings in the following films this September. Forrest had this to say: Snowboarding to me is all about evolving my riding and adapting to the terrain in front of me. Now that I splitboard almost my entire season the right gear is crucial for taking it to the next level in the backcountry. Karakoram is the interface that I rely on to get the job done. Sweet Grass Productions: Solitaire World Premiere next... Read more...
Split30 Pre-Orders Starting to Ship
We  have been working hard all summer and we are starting to ship pre-orders of the Split30 Splitboard Bindings a month early.  We will be shipping in the order we received payment and orders are going out as quickly as we can build and package them.   If your order doesn't show shipped it is because we are still working through the back log.Split30SLs are still in production and are targeted to start shipping mid-November.Thank you to everyone who is supporting us!-Bryce Read more...
Press Release: Jeremy Jones Partnering with Karakoram
PRESS RELEASE, Snoqualmie, WA- Karakoram is proud to announce a partnership with Jeremy Jones, renowned big mountain snowboarder and owner of Jones Snowboards. The partnership will combine Jeremy’s legendary backcountry freeriding experience and Karakoram’s innovative design capabilities with the goal of delivering products that redefine the backcountry experience for snowboarders around the world. “We started Karakoram to create backcountry snowsports equipment that challenged the norms and provided performance beyond expectations. The opportunity to work with Jeremy on this journey will bring a perspective destined to help take our designs and... Read more...
Q & A with Jeremy Jones
Why did you change to the the Karakoram Splitboard interface? I am always looking for ways to improve my riding system.  I spend about 80 to 100 days splitboarding so most of my focus is on finding lighter product that is faster in the transitions and makes my snowboard ride better.  This was a lot of my motivation to start Jones Snowboards.  We have made great improvements on boards but the interface has the biggest room for improvement. When I first saw the Karakorm interface system I was really intrigued. It looked like a... Read more...
Splitboard Clips Back in Stock
We finally have splitboard clips back in stock. Get them while they are available!Buy This Read more...
Mt. Shasta with Jeremy Jones and Friends
Last week I got a phone call from Chad at Jones Snowboards saying that Jeremy was putting together a crew to climb and splitboard Mt. Shasta and he wanted to know if Tyler and I would like to join. My immediate reply was, "Ummm... YES! When are we going!" Plans were hastily made and on Wednesday Chad, Josh, Russell, Byron, Tyler and I packed up my truck with splitboards and gear and hit the road for Mt. Shasta. The drive down for us was a long 9 hours or so.... Read more...
Splitboarding in the North Cascades
This past winter I haven't been out on my snowboard as much as I'd like, so I've made it a goal this late spring and summer to get away from my computer and out into the mountains. Russell called me on Thursday and it turned out to be a great excuse to head north. We had originally planned on climbing Eldorado Peak, but a late start, lack of a permit, and a Ranger turning people back at the 7600ft camp changed our plans. We headed back to Marblemount to get... Read more...
2011-2012 Split30 Splitboard Binding Pre-Order
Cedar the office dog would like to announce the start of our pre-order for 2011-12 Split30 splitboard bindings.  For special offers "like" Karakoram on Facebook.  Pre-sale deals are good until July 31st.   Pre-orders for Split30 splitboard bindings will start to deliver in October.  Pre-orders for Split30SL splitboard bindings will start to deliver mid-November. For more information on our splitboard bindings check out the bindings pages on our website:https://www.splitboardbindings.com/products/splitboard-bindings/https://www.splitboardbindings.com/splitboard-bindings-sl/    Read more...
Split30 Splitboard Bindings Pre-Order Email List
Hey Splitboarders! We're working like crazy to get the 2011-12 Split30 and Split30SL Splitboard Binding production going. We're just about ready to release our pre-order details. To get our special promotional offers "like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/karakorambc and get on the pre-order email list by contacting me at: bryce@karakorambc.com Read more...
Crampons are ready for Spring Touring!
Karakoram Splitboard Crampons are here, just in time for the Spring corn season. The splitboard crampons are weighing in a hair above 6 oz (173g) per side, 12 oz (345g) a pair. That is .2 to .25 lbs (80 to 104g) lighter than our competition. In addition to the light weight design, the crampons nest together to take up less space in your backpack, provide fix crampon traction with a floating design, and can be installed on the fly. For more information visit the splitboard crampon product page. Buy This... Read more...
Board Clips in Stock
We just built up a few more sets of splitboard clips. Get them while they last. We can ship outside of the US and Canada now.Thank you for the support!Buy This Read more...
New Tip/Tail Clips
Tyler and I drove out to our injection molding supplier last night to check out our First Article Tip/Tail Clips. Most companies now days go offshore for plastic components, so we're really excited to be working with a local shop that's 25 minutes away. The Tip/Tail Clips are really simple parts, so there wasn't much to inspect. The tool needs to have the surface finish smoothed out in one spot, but other than that we're good to go. The Tip/Tail Clips snap into place nicely and are incredibly stiff and... Read more...
Kalifornia Split Party 2011
  I don't really know what to say except, "Man, I can't wait to go back!!!" This was the second year for Bryce and I to attend and the Kalifornia Split Party didn't disappoint!  Josh, Mike, and the crew did an amazing job all around, but I have to especially thank them for ordering up the healthy helping of deep pow.  Not sure how they did it, but they must have an in with the snow gods :-) We flew in to Reno, picked up our economy car, and as... Read more...
Mt Baker Splitfest 2011
  What a difference a year makes... last year at the first annual Baker Splitfest we unveiled our new Split30 system to the public for the first time. We scrambled like mad to get everything in order for our first demo and I have to admit the nerves were a bit high, our minds running, “What will people think?” Fast forward to this past weekend... we sold out of bindings in December, had a great showing at SIA, and have some new partners for the 2011/12 season. It’s been a... Read more...
High Avy Danger... To the trees!
The snow hasn't stopped falling here in the PNW, which is great for snow accumulation, but not so hot for avalanche conditions.  Avalanche conditions were high to extreme this weekend, so Tyler and I decided to find some fun low angle trees in the Common Wealth Basin with some natural features to play on.  Here is a little helmet cam footage of what we found... Karakoram- Day in the Trees I'm working on trying to figure out how to get a little higher resolution video. Read more...
I wish I was in Chamonix...
While I'm stuck behind my computer working on the 2011-2012 bindings (lots of top secret stuff we're working on here...)  I keep seeing friends getting after it on their splitboards.  Here's a little helmet cam video from Liz Daley shredding in Chamonix.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4FzZ-jQQ44]Liz's Prior Brandywine with Karakoram Split30s Read more...
Dan Donnelly Slashing Up the Mt. Baker BC
Washington has had a bad month or so of snow, or should I say rain, but winter hasn't given up and the Snopacalypse is back!  Tyler just received some awesome pics from photographer Mike Stamm (www.mikestammphotos.com) of Mt. Baker local Dano Donnelly taking advantage of the new snow. Dano laying out a toeside slash Baker style on his Split30 splitboard system.There are a lot of different mind sets on what size split you should ride.  Dano showing us how it's done on a custom 158 splitboard made by his buddy... Read more...
Ralph Backstrom Binding Review
We've been in the trenches building and shipping bindings lately and haven't had a chance to post anything on the blog.  So, we're posting something we haven't written.  Jones rider, Ralph Backstrom, has been testing our binding for the past 7 months and just posted a review on UnofficialNetworks.com.Read Ralph's review here:Ralph Backstrom Karakoram Split30 binding review Read more...
Powder Day-Off
Tyler and I have been working like dogs for the last three months, so we decided we deserved a day off this weekend.  We headed out with my wife and brother-in-law.  The timing of the little trip couldn't have been better because a big storm front just came through Washington.  I guess we were "working" because we were "testing" product :).   Needless to say, the testing went well!Mattia riding a pillow line.My wife, Melissa, "testing" her splitboard setup.Playing on the powder marshmallows!A fun sequence of Tyler playing hide-and-seek through... Read more...
First Production Run Progress
Here are some pictures from our first production run.  Tyler and I are currently assembling the parts we have while waiting for the final parts from one of our local suppliers.  Board Clips will be ready to ship out this week and we are still on track to start shipping Split30s by the end of this month.  Thank you to everyone who has purchased, we really appreciate the support.Some heelcups racked and ready for finishing.Cedar came to the shop today to help rivet the board clips.A bucket full of toe... Read more...
Deeper Unplugged in Seattle this Friday
For anyone that missed the Deeper Unplugged showing in Bellingham, it is showing again this Friday August 27th at Evo's location in Seattle.  Tyler and I will be at this showing with our latest set ups for people to checkout.  Click here for more information.  We hope to see you there! Read more...
August Testing on Rainier
  Tyler and I got out last Saturday to test our improved ride mode interface and our first article bindings.  For this trip we zipped down to Mt. Rainier and hiked up to a little below Camp Muir.  On the ride mode interface we modified the toe attachment portion to be a single bent sheet metal part instead of a sheet metal part and a CNCd aluminum part.  This change makes set-up easier and it shaves .25 lbs out of the system.  All of our engineering calculations showed the part... Read more...
Deeper Unplugged Premiere 8/20/10
Tyler and I are going to be at the Deeper Unplugged showing at the Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham, WA this Friday, August 20.  We'll have our latest binding system for people to checkout.  For more information on the event click on this link to the Boundary Bay Brewery. Read more...
Split30 Pre-sale
With the first production run of our Split30 Splitboard System in full swing, Tyler and I would like to announce the details of the pre-sale.  As an introductory offer to those who pre-order we are offering a $50 discount.  Simply enter:PreSaleas the discount code at checkout on our store, www.karakorambc.com/store .  The $50 discount only applies to the complete Split30 Splitboard System.  If you would like to purchase the Split30 without straps and highbacks please contact me at bryce@karakorambc.com to work out a different discount.  This pre-sale discount will only be... Read more...
Split30 Technology Page
We've had lots of requests for more information on how the Split30 system works.  I finally had the chance to put together a technology page and post it to the website. Click on the link below for more information:Karakoram Split30 Tech PageWe don't have any production bindings built up yet, so all of the pictures are from prototype systems.  The production bindings will be much prettier :).I'm going through powder withdrawals right now, so I thought I would throw this picture up of Tyler exiting his powder roost.  Snow........... Read more...
A New Toy and First Article Board Clips
I just picked up the first article inspection board clip bases on Wednesday.  They look and feel a lot nicer than the prototype versions we've been using the last two years.  The base is a really simple part, but a lot of thought went into making this a cost effective part.  In the picture below you can see the difference between the prototypes and the production bases.  The protos are CNC'd aluminum with a lever mount attached with M4 screws.  The production is a cleanly bent piece of stainless steel,... Read more...
Summer Fun on the Flett
Last weekend we (Bryce, his wife Melissa, my wife Marcy, and I) headed up to Flett Glacier on Rainier for some casual summer touring and camping. The road to Mowich had just opened and after talking to the ranger we were expecting good snow coverage starting at the lake. Unfortunately it had melted out quite a bit so we ended up booting up and over Knapsack Pass. Crossing the creeks, scrambling up the mossy roots and across a few snowy patches, we were over the pass and finally able to... Read more...
Summer Season Riding
Late spring/early summer riding, one of the many great reasons to live in the northwest. So my day last Thursday: woke up and went to my paying job (no that's not working for Karakoram, yet :) ), cruised home at 5pm, met up with Aaron and headed up to Silver Peak to hit up the last of the late season up at the pass, at the trail head by 6:30pm a short hike to the snow before we can start skinning scoped the lines headed up the ridge dropped the... Read more...
Lassen Peak and Mt. Shasta
A couple weeks ago JimW invited Tyler and me to join the California splitboard crew on their trip to Shasta.   We jumped at the opportunity to check out a little more of the California split scene and also invited Russell to join.  50+ emails later the plan on where we were touring was still in flux, but we hit the road anyway. We just finished our new crampon concept around 5 pm Thursday and were looking forward to testing them out on the frozen late spring corn.  Despite finishing building... Read more...
Late Season Snow!
It seems like this is the snow season that never ends, I'm not complaining because I love it.  I woke up yesterday to two inches of snow at my house in Sandy, UT.  Late April and May have been good to us in Utah.  My only problem is my normal touring partners have hung up their boards and skis and turned to biking and climbing.May 1st, Cruising up White Pine May 4th, PM patrol May 11th, lunch time pow run down Lone Tree at Alta May 14th, looking down down... Read more...
Kalifornia SplitFest
Two words to sum up this last weekend: Freakin’ Amazing!Day 1 Bryce and I really didn’t know what to expect going down to the Kalifornia Split Party, except that it was going to be an adventure. We decided last minute we were going and scrambled to get plane tickets. Keeping with tradition... the night before was another long one. Finishing up parts and packing by 1:30am and crawling out of bed at 4:30am, I sleepily flew to Reno where Bryce and I met up and began our road trip to... Read more...
Karakoram Split30 Change Over
I've had a lot of requests to post a video showing how our splitboard system works.  I would have had the video finished yesterday, but we had about 12" of snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon and I would have been breaking company policy if I had worked on a powder day :).  Here is the video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoyyKmuIywA] Read more...
Going to California!
The Baker SplitFest was so much fun that Tyler and I have decided to check out the Kalifornia Split Party which is being put on by a bunch of California splitters on splitboard.com.  Here is a link to the Split Party thread. Neither of us have had the opportunity to ride/tour in the Sierra Nevadas, so this is too great a opportunity to pass up.   We'll be bringing a demo Split30 splitboard system with us for people to try out. Read more...
Toni on his Split30 Splitboard System
I just got some pictures from one of our first users, Toni Walbridge.  Toni has been riding his Karakoram Split30 splitboard system on his DIY Split Salomon Sick Stick 160 on tours in the Wasatch, sled-in tours in the Uintas, and slackcountry rides at Brighton since January.  Thanks for the pictures Toni! Read more...
Mt. Baker SplitFest
Leading up to the Splitfest Tyler and I were thinking we'd have a nice leisurely week getting ready.  But again, true to form we cut it down to the wire.  Our new boards for splitting didn't show up until Thursday night, some stainless parts we were waiting for were finally ready Friday morning, and our new straps arrived in Issaquah at 1:00 pm Friday afternoon.  We were mounting t-nuts at 5:00 pm Friday.At 7:45 pm we were finally ready to go.  We got on the road and made it up... Read more...
Slot Couloir
I flew back to Seattle March 20th to prepare for our first demo at the Mt. Baker SplitFest.  My flight came in around 7 pm and I went straight to the shop to finish building up my bindings with the production changes coming from input from our beta testers.  We didn't change much, only combining a couple parts to shave more weight and reduce hardware.  True to Kloster form, Tyler and I finished machining and building the bindings around 1:00 am.We woke up around 6:00 am and threw our gear... Read more...
Alpental Vertfest 2010
I wasn't able to get back to Seattle for the Vertfest, but Tyler got his first go at it.  The race is mainly AT guys, but there were still 10 splitboarders.  For those familiar with Alpental, the race went up under Armstrong Express to Chair 2, then up the Fan with a booter section and then up Rollen with another booter section with the up finishing at the entrance to International.  The riding portion went down International, Snakedance and finished at the bottom of Sessel.  Here is another write up... Read more...
Flagstaff, Days Fork, Toledo Chute
Snow conditions finally started to stabilize, so I was feeling good about riding some steeper lines with my friend Manuel and some of his friends from Chile.  The snow in upper Days Fork was nice on the north facing aspects.  Here is Manuel dropping into upper Days. The weather was perfect, so I skinned up to the Reed and Benson Ridgeline to take some pictures of Cardiac Bowl on my way to Toledo Chute.I skied down Cardiff pass in split mode and then skinned up to Toledo Chute.  Here is... Read more...