Snowboarders have struggled to keep up out of bounds. Not by any fault of our own, simply by design. Versus an AT setup there are limited options for boarders- a splitboard, mountain approach skies, snowshoeing or straight up post-holing through the powdery backcountry. A couple years ago I tried to rock a men’s splitboard, but it was too big and too heavy, and just no fun. But splitboards are seeing exponential progression and innovation, and all this technology is making women’s boards even better – with distinctive flex, narrower width and lighter. With proper equipment I am able to command the backcountry, and my weapon of choice is the K2 Northern Lite Splitboard, the all-conditions, all-purpose tour board.
The Overview
The K2 Northern Lite is tough, lightweight, responsive and smooth. All the ingredients required for a great day in the backcountry. No more are the days wondering if you can keep up, you will be leading the pack to all the secret stashes and bottomless pow runs.
The Test
I have tested the K2 Lime Lite and Eco Lite so I knew this board would perform well on the snow. I am partial to the flat/rocker profile that K2 uses, but after having ridden a men’s splitboard for years I had my doubts that it wouldbe much different than those. Much to my surprise the Northern Lite splitboard was much more than a mini-men’s version, it was a lightweight, responsive board that performed perfectly. So after I floated some turns around on a snowy afternoon in Aspen, I took it out for a skin up Buttermilk Mountain. The pre-cut skins hook right into notches at the tip and tail of the board and adhere quickly and securely. The lightweight of the board made for an effortless hour long skin, only to reattach as a board in matter of seconds and I was ready to ride quicker than I realized. So when I packed for my trip to the famous powder stashes of Japan, the K2 Northern Lite Splitboard was the first thing that was packed in my bag.
Rating
5 (out of 5)
Design: K2 utilized all the technological game changers in recent splitboard progression and created a women’s splitboard that leads the charge into the backcountry. Compared to other split models I have tried, the Northern Lite Is lighter than most with out sacrificing quality. By eliminating top sheet and using a bamboo core the strength-to-weight ratio outperforms others. Also unique to K2 is the new Split Track mounting. Instead of traditional inserts, the twin channels make it swift and simple to position the angles on your Voile setup. +1
Style: This board oozes backcountry style. A rad graphic graces the non-topsheet with a feminine, but not girly, feel. But looks aside, this board is ready for an amazing adventure and everyone around you knows it. +1
Durability: The K2 Northern Lite is as tough as they come. Built to withstand a backcountry beating, this board can handle anything you throw at it. +1
Performance: Like other K2 boards the Northern Lite profile is mostly flat stability, with more rocker at the tip to keep you afloat in deep snow and less rocker at the tail to help stomp landings. The profile of this board makes it more responsive at high speeds and by extending the rocker all the way out to the ends of the board you have more rideable surface. This board really does it all-smooth on hardpack, and float in the pow so you can transition from inbounds to out of bounds with no problems. +1
