Dedicated to pushing innovation in splitboarding since 2006.
866.725.2085
Email: sales@sparkrandd.com
Spark R&D
P.O. Box 3284, Bozeman, MT 59772 USA
Dedicated to pushing innovation in splitboarding since 2006.
866.725.2085
Email: sales@sparkrandd.com
Spark R&D
P.O. Box 3284, Bozeman, MT 59772 USA
Words by: Billy Madej
Interview with: Tanner Crow
'THIS' is Splitboarding
Ah mornings at Spark R&D, the coffee’s brewing, that fresh snow energy is filling the air and there’s nothing like the hype of a new film to kick it off. Today we are sitting down with Spark R&D Shred Fam Rider Tanner Crow to talk about his recent trip to Alaska with Jimmy Bueler and their part in the film THIS. Our new short film captures splitboarding’s humble community with friends and family while tackling some big lines, reflecting on the experience and having fun.
Reflections Of ‘THIS’ - An Alaskan Road Trip with Tanner Crow
Tanner was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. He has been a snowboarder since age six and took the plunge into splitboarding at 18. He was not interested in splitboarding until good friend Mike Meru basically forced Tanner to buy one. Tanner spent the entire next season in the backcountry and didn’t buy a pass, leading him into the magnificent lifestyle we call splitboarding. He has been a Spark R&D Shred Fam Rider for the past seven years and a board shaper at Chimera Snowboards for close to nine years. In fact, Tanner built one of the many snowboards he rode through this adventure. Buckle up and get stoked on the upcoming winter as we breakdown how THIS got started.
Building Connections in the Snow
Their journey to Alaska wasn’t just about the destination; it was an epic road trip that continued a bond created through social media. Tanner has been riding with his mountain partner Jimmy Bueler for nearly a decade after connecting on Instagram. It’s incredible how social platforms have become a gateway to finding some of your best friends and touring partners. Tanner and Jimmy have been making their annual pilgrimage to AK together for the past three years, learning the ins and outs of the area and refining their riding skills. Each year, they push further, tackling bigger, steeper lines than before. Their trip stretched over 90 days, and they each lived out of their trusty old 2WD vans, camping at the top of Thompson Pass. With sleds and gear, they embraced the backcountry life.
Learning from the Best
Despite having no formal avalanche training during high school, Tanner was fortunate to learn from great mentors who taught the basics of avalanche safety, including the proper use of a beacon, shovel, and probe. Splitboarders were a rare sight in the Wasatch Backcountry in 2010 but with time he realized the mountains do not discriminate against splitboarders vs snowboarders. So Tanner opted in and completed his official trainings. “Things have changed and its good to see the snowboard community take avalanche education to the next level”
During their trip, Tanner and Jimmy had the privilege of taking personal classes with Nicholas Klco from Matanuska Glacier. Nicholas taught them some general mountaineering and solid set of crevasse rescue skills. The realization that crevasse rescue is an essential skill for splitboarding was a wake-up call. Even touring the flats in Alaska made the boys acutely aware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface—"something I hadn’t considered while riding in the lower 48.”
The Adrenaline Rush of Alaska
“Alaska is a playground of adrenaline, and that’s precisely why we chose to explore it.” Their first trip exceeded every expectation they had. “We were blown away” Each year, the team ventured into new zones, often miles deep in the wilderness without cell signal or a living creature around. It was eerie but exhilarating, especially when filming and pushing themselves, knowing that help was far away.
One of the most memorable days of the 90-day trip involved an intense sled ride through crazy glacial terrain. Tanner and Jimmy searched for new lines and booted up some challenging paths, all while feeling a rush of fear from a close call earlier in the trip.
Lessons Learned
One particularly memorable mistake happened when Jimmy and Tanner were on a ridge. Tanner lost track of time waiting for the sunlight. “When I finally got to ride my line, I decided to send up the drone to guide Jimmy through a tricky spot. Just as I did, a massive cornice broke off nearby, sending me into a panic. Thankfully, Jimmy was safe and past the danger, but the experience reinforced the lesson of caution in the backcountry.”
“Timing is everything in Alaska. If other groups are on a line you want, it’s usually best to wait or choose a different route. While it’s great to share the mountains with others, safety must always come first.”
How do you find your calm?
“In moments of panic, I’ve learned to take deep breaths and remind myself of why I’m there. What else would I be doing? I’d think. Sitting on the couch?” Not a chance!”
“The highest elevation we rode was around 5,000 to 6,000 feet, but the vertical relief we experienced was breathtaking. My preference? Pillows over couloirs. Those soft, cushy features are hard to find, but they’re where the real fun lies. Understanding spines took me a while, but now they feel like a delicate dance—navigating steep terrain requires quick micro-adjustments, much like surfing.”
What was in your day pack?
“My pack is filled with essential gear: avalanche safety tools, snacks, layers, water, a crevasse rescue kit, and camera gear, weighing in at about 50 lbs. A key item? My gas station pickle. I swear by the ‘juice keeps you loose’ mantra. Every time I grab a pickle, it seems to bring good vibes to the day!”
How about your setup?
"My setup for Alaska included the Chimera Hermit and Mythmaker, designed for Alaska’s unique terrain. I’ve adjusted my stance to accommodate more switch riding, and I’ve found a preference for the stiffer Spark Surge Pro bindings.”
Final Thoughts
“Would I do anything differently? Not at all! In fact, I’m already planning the same trip for this year. As I look forward to the 2024/25 season, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement building. Here’s to another year of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable moments in the mountains!”
Every trip is a lesson, and this one reminded me of the importance of preparation, patience, and respect for the mountains! Until next time, keep your lines tight and your spirits high!
We are thrilled to share ‘THIS’ with you, including a segment featuring Tanner and Jimmy in Alaska. If you’re in the area, join us at the Rialto Theater on November 14th at 6:30pm for the World Premiere of ‘THIS'. For those who can’t make, don’t worry – the YouTube release will follow later in the season. Stay Tuned!!
