NITRO SPLITBOARDING F/W 2025/26 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Splitboarding F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Nitro
Interviewee: Tommy Delago, President

How was last season in the splitboard market?
After the massive growth for splitboarding during growth, the European market has experienced an equally large drop. There is still a bunch of stock in the market, and many people that bought splitboarding equipment in 2020 and 21 don’t typically buy new stuff every season. They seem to have their setups, and many of them use it 3-4 times per year. So at this point, the splitboard market seems to mainly consist of more dedicated riders, ready to invest in new equipment if necessary.

With the recent overall price increases, have there been any positive developments in manufacturing, sourcing, or logistics?For Europe, the US Dollar exchange rate plays a big role as does shipping. Exchange rates have stayed within a reasonable corridor for the past two years, and shipping costs have come down again after Covid. This is why the environment for stable prices is quite good right now. The main challenge is shipping through the Suez Canal, which has caused problems this season and continues to be a challenge that might only be countered with longer shipping routes and the resulting earlier production.

What are the major trends you’re seeing with product pricing in the splitboard market?
Stable, with some more aggressive pricing from brands that need to get rid of overstock.

E-commerce Vs. physical retail, how are you balancing both channels?
We’re not doing our own e-commerce at this point, but we see a trend towards more volume going through online dealers. And brands are gearing their products more towards improved online presentability.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
Nitro has been on the forefront of splitboarding for over three decades. Aside from our own testing, we work closely with professional mountain guides, who are constantly using our products and are providing feedback. This ensures maximum durability and ease of use for our splitboarding products and allows us to tailor products perfectly for the intended user.

What unique brand messages are you focusing on for the 2025/2026 splitboard season?
“Forever Snowboarding”, our main message for 25/26, is also true for splitboarding: Nitro first introduced a splitboard to its line in 1993, making us the brand with the most experience and dedication in this field. This also reflects in our efforts to constantly improve also other key components, such as splitboard boots and bindings.

What about new board construction, innovation, or shape trends? Any big advancements in functionality? Skinning, transitions, etc, as well as riding? Any specific effort on ranges for 25/26? If yes, where and why?
As per many retailers’ request, we are carrying over the Vertical model to support price stability, but we refresh all other models. And we are adding a split version of our most successful all-mountain board in recent years with the Alternator Split.

Are you using any new materials in your splitboard for 25/26? If so, what, and why? We’re interested in anything new in inserts / edges / cores / sidewalls / glue / resin/ wood types / base material / top sheet / wax / etc..
Same proven materials and constructions.

Any new design or pattern approaches in your 25/26 gear? Any collabs on the line?
Reasonable updates and new graphics on selected models.

Have you made any new innovations in buckles, straps, highbacks, baseplates, heel cups, etc.?
We are carrying forward the proven Vertical ST biding, based on Spark’s best- selling platform.

Are you using any new materials in your bindings for 25/26? If so, what, and why?
Same proven materials and constructions.

What lacing systems are your main focus in 25/26 and why?
Our brand-new Vertical TLS+ is more than an evolution of our highly praised Incline boot. It offers all the proven features of the Incline but combines them with a more snowboard-specific styling and feel. For reduced weight, this unisex splitboarding boot now offers a new Vibram® Outsole with Litebase technology, combined with Vibram XS Trek Evo Compound and Arctic Grip for improved traction and durability. The boot is still fully compatible with semi-automatic crampons, while the new Speed Gaiter keeps out the elements. Our new TLS+, combined with Re/Lace liner lacing makes closing and adjusting the boot a breeze, whether for skinning or riding.

Key Products:

Alternator Split:
When our backcountry team designed the all-mountain Alternator solid board, they instantly dreamed about a split version. It offers the versatility, float, and stability to enjoy every run down to its fullest. If you are looking for a do-it-all board, combined with the split features to get you to the summit, then follow the pro team and get out there on the new Alternator Split.

Vertical ST Split Binding:
Get ready for extended days of breaking trails and exploring new terrain with the Vertical split board binding on your feet. This ultra-light binding rides smooth and controlled yet transitions from hiking to riding lightning fast, even when conditions are cold or icy. With its riding performance, simplicity, and reliability in the backcountry, it is the most sought-after split board binding for a reason.