Gara Splitboarding F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Splitboarding F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Gara Split
Interviewee: Marketing Team

How would you describe the 2024/25 splitboard season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
Considering the snow conditions, the sale wasn’t so bad. There was snow, but it was only available at high altitudes. Often, you needed a cable car to get to it, and these are expensive, so many people ended up staying on the slopes. However, some resorts already offer touring tickets, which is good, but they need to make their customers aware of them. Perhaps it was also our work. As in previous years, the optimal conditions came later and then it was good. Unfortunately, many shops were offering discounts on carry-over items, which I don’t understand, so they didn’t make any profit. I don’t think splitboards should be on the list of seasonal products like outerwear — it’s hardware.

What major trends are shaping the splitboard market (pricing, consumer preferences, backcountry participation)?
The market is definitely price-oriented. I don’t think splitboarders won’t spend more on their equipment; they are just influenced by pressure from all sides to get discounts. Today’s splitboarders know what they want, and newcomers usually have someone to guide them. Of course, there is also a big trend of people who only participate in one sport per year, rent all their equipment, and don’t want to invest in their own.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
The main problems are long production times and high prices in Europe. There is a shortage of skilled workers, and those who are available are expensive. The increased cost of labour, energy and services is reflected in the price of new equipment. As Gara Boards is a local brand with local production and suppliers, tariffs do not affect us that much. However, since we sell a lot of boards directly, we notice a relatively large increase in prices for shipments.

How are you supporting retailers in selling this category?
I work with a few prime partners on a daily basis, swapping items that aren’t selling for them and replenishing popular sizes. This process is time-consuming and requires a lot of work, but it’s the only way to ensure that both parties benefit and that customers are satisfied.I understand that large suppliers cannot provide this demanding logistics service, so this is what sets us apart, enabling us to avoid mid-season discounts. Furthermore, I know what sells.

SPLITBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or innovations in construction, shapes, or functionality (skinning, transitions, riding) are you highlighting in your 26/27 range?
Today’s customers either know what they want or are influenced by their surroundings and YouTube. They want a lightweight board that works just like a snowboard when going downhill and that can handle going uphill without compromise. For 2026, I have developed a whole new range of core models: the Enduro all-rounder freeride board and the surf-style Safari model. Both of these models have been fully optimised for their purpose. They represent two years of tuning. For example, I also have the Safari as a snowboard, but it’s a different board to the Safari Splitboard. The concept is the same: surf-style snowboarding. However, with a splitboard, you have to consider the way up, which means that ultimately it’s a different board. I don’t want to offer just a cut “fish” board because I don’t believe it can function optimally in terms of board/ski mode for walking uphill, which usually represents 70% of the overall experience. After 15 years of manufacturing splitboards, I believe we have a clear understanding of this.

Are you using new materials in your splitboards (inserts, edges, cores, sidewalls, resin, glues, wood types, bases, top sheets, wax, etc.)?
I am constantly experimenting. The key is to fine-tune every aspect: the materials, the shape, the profile… The possibilities are endless. Since we use only top-quality materials from the base to the top sheet, our focus is on making the most of these materials to optimise board performance.

What new approaches are you taking in design — graphics, patterns, collabs, or limited editions?
Design is always subjective, especially with splitboards, where many components are attached to the board, essentially covering it completely. That’s why I offer boards in two colours: silver, which reflects sunlight perfectly and prevents the top sheet from heating up, and anthracite, which customers can customise with colourful components.

Are you putting a stronger emphasis on particular ranges (e.g., freeride, expedition, lightweight touring, women’s-specific, entry-level) for 26/27?
Yes, we have had this category for a long time. For 2026, I have added sizes so that every girl can find the exact length she is looking for — the optimal length for her.

Key Products:

Safari 159:

Safari-159

EV3 Top 157 Hi:

EV3 Top 157 Hi

EV3 Base 157 Hi:

EV3 Base 157 Hi