With glaciers reopening and the first proper snowfall just around the corner, now is the time to get those winter plans in action and decide where you’ll be to score those fresh tracks.

Split boarding is a cheap, effective and eco-friendly way to get out and make the most of the available terrain, plus it’s one of the most rewarding ways of making it to the top!

But while most people will be heading to a resort for their adventures this year, it’s worth considering a backcountry destination for a real mountainous experience. The first instinct is to imagine life on a cat boarding mission, or at an Alaskan heli operation, but unless you’re made of money most people are often priced out of these ventures.

Split boarding, as you should know by now, is a cheap, effective and eco-friendly way to get out and make the most of the available terrain, plus it’s one of the most rewarding ways of making it to the top!

Our new contributor – Andy Malton – has spent years researching and experiencing the best the world’s mountains have to offer and is a certified backcountry enthusiast. This is his first piece of many for Whitelines.com, but for more of his off piste wisdom you can check out his own site at www.thegemsstock.com