What Is a Separate Snowboard?
A separate snowboard consists of two independent boards—one for each foot. Compared to a traditional snowboard, the boards are:
- lighter
- more maneuverable
- and you can even ride the lift with them on
It looks simple, but don’t be fooled—this thing is hard.
Difficulty: Snowboard vs. Separate Snowboard
Traditional Snowboard (My experience: 10 years)
- Overall difficulty: ★★★
- Edge control: ★★★
- Stability: ★★
- Turns: ★★★★
- Quick turns: ★★★★
- Straight-line speed: ★★★
- Speed potential: ★★★★★
Separate Snowboard (My experience: 0 years)
- Overall difficulty: ★★★★★
- Edge control: ★★★
- Stability: ★★★
- Turns: ★★★★★
- Quick turns: ★★★★★
- Straight-line control: ★★★★★
- Speed potential: ★★★
Even with years of snowboarding experience, I felt the same fear I had the very first time I ever slid down a mountain. But once I got moving… it was incredibly fun.
Why Is It So Difficult?
From actually trying it, here’s what I noticed:
- The boards are not connected, so your feet easily drift apart → less stability
- Each board is very light, so at higher speeds they become harder to control
- More freedom = more difficulty
- Any bad habits you have become instantly obvious
My instructor even said: “If you can ride a separate snowboard, your regular snowboarding will improve too.”
And honestly… I felt that truth in my bones.
First Steps: Putting Them On & Learning to Stand
- Put them on while kneeling, without turning your back to the slope
- Walk by digging the front edge into the snow
- Keep the boards close together—shoulder-width stance is key
My biggest habit: relying too much on my right leg. My left leg was shaking like crazy the entire time.
First Lift Ride: Pure Chaos
Once I reached the top, everything fell apart.
My legs were trembling, my stance was too wide, and I kept raising my arms out of fear. I genuinely questioned whether I had reverted to an 8‑month‑old baby.
One Hour Later: A Battle Against My Past Self
I fell countless times. But my stance became lower, my feet closer together, and I slowly gained control.
Inside my head, Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” was blasting on repeat as I kept telling myself:
“This body was born to ride this mountain.”
My instructor was incredibly encouraging, which helped me push through.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely—if you enjoy a challenge.
Here’s what I gained:
- A humbling reminder of how hard learning can be
- A chance to push myself with full effort
- A deeper understanding of my own snowboarding habits
- A new way to enjoy the mountain
Who might enjoy it?
Skiers and snowboarders with some experience
People who like technical challenges
Anyone who wants to improve their balance and control
What to keep in mind
The boards are light → high-speed control is difficult
Advanced slopes become extremely challenging
Powder snow would probably be insanely fun
It’s great training for regular snowboarding
