For those of us who lack access to helicopters, CATs, and other exceedingly expensive modes of transport (jetpacks?), accessing remote untouched runs in the backcountry must invariably be done by foot.

Skiers with telemark or AT bindings have a decidedly better go of this, while snowboarders are left with only a few semi-viable options. The splitboard, a hybrid snowboard that splits down the middle to make a pair of skis, has gained some popularity but is still a muddled compromise went put into practice. Sticky ascent skins must be affixed at the base of a climb and then removed at the top. Reattaching the two planks can be cumbersome and the strength of the bindings doesn’t always inspire the greatest sense of confidence.  The main drawback though, is a splitboard isn’t anyone’s ride of choice, and when attempting some particularly challenging terrain nothing can compare to riding your own board.

This is where the MTN Mountain Approach System comes in:

Developed by professional snowboader Cory Smith, the Mountain Approach System utilizes a pair of collapsible climbing skis that fold down to fit inside a mid-sized backpack. The skis’ specially designed bindings fit universal snowboard boots and have adjustable heel lifts for steeper ascents. At the top, they collapse down to a 1/3 of their size and get stowed away. There’s no skins to take off or attachments to make. All you need to do is sling the backpack onto your shoulders, strap into your own board, and get shredding.

MTN Approach is located in Central Idaho in the middle of some of the most isolated backcountry zones in the country. MTN Approach skis are assembled in the USA and are designed, built, and tested, by passionate snowboarders.

[ Via Cool Hunting]