How the Burton brand changed the world of snowboarding
The Burton brand is not just an ordinary winter equipment manufacturer. It is a synonym for innovation and a revolution that permanently reshaped the face of winter sports. Whether you are hitting the slopes for the very first time or searching for the perfect gear for demanding runs, boards bearing this logo are among the absolute elite.
The birth of a legend: From a Vermont garage to the Olympic Games
The story began in 1977 when Jake Burton Carpenter founded the company in a garage in Vermont. His vision was to make the joy of snowboarding accessible to a wider audience and to develop equipment that performed much better on snow than the existing alternatives of early wooden boards. Jake was not just an entrepreneur, but above all a visionary and an enthusiast who believed that riding a board would become a fully-fledged and recognized sport.
From a small workshop, the company gradually became a global leader, continuously pushing technological boundaries. It was thanks to Jake Burton’s tireless efforts that snowboarding officially became an Olympic sport at the 1998 Nagano Games. Today, the brand has become a worldwide icon, setting trends in the development of not only the boards themselves, but also bindings, boots, and performance apparel..
Types and characteristics: Which models Burton offers
Choosing the right equipment is the foundation for fast progress, safety, and enjoying every ride. The brand offers a wide portfolio of models that cater to various riding styles and skill levels:
Burton Custom
This represents the flagship among all-mountain boards. Thanks to its stability, responsiveness, and precision, it is the ideal choice for all-mountain snowboarding because it can handle any terrain.
Burton Process
A lightweight, playful, and forgiving board. It is designed to make snowboarding much easier and more intuitive for beginners. At the same time, it has plenty to offer to more advanced riders looking for flexibility in the snowpark. We also use this model in our snowboard courses for children.
Burton Deep Thinker
A directional board. It is tailor-made for freeride snowboarding and riding in deep powder. Its wider profile and specialized shape ensure that the board doesn’t sink into the snow, but instead provides excellent float.
Innovative technologies that push the limits
The innovative approach is reflected in every single detail. The brand constantly develops and patents new materials that improve riding characteristics:
- Flying V profil: This combines the benefits of two different camber types: rocker (lifted ends of the board, which make turning easier) and camber (the middle of the board arched upward, which ensures stability and confidence on the edge). The result is an agile board that turns easily, yet maintains a solid edge grip even at higher speeds.
- Channel system: This is a unique way of mounting bindings that uses track-like slots instead of fixed holes. This system allows you to adjust the binding position with millimeter precision, removing the limitations associated with pre-drilled holes. Furthermore, the board flexes more naturally under the bindings. This results in better power transfer and higher overall control over the ride.
- Infinite Ride technology: This is a special manufacturing process where the board is mechanically overbuilt and broken in right at the factory. Thanks to this, it retains its characteristics, pop, and performance throughout its entire lifespan, never losing its flex even after years of intense use.
Which Burton snowboard should you choose?
Choosing the right board is the key to unlocking your full potential on the slopes and enjoying every single ride. When making a decision, you should consider not only your experience level but also the terrain and riding style you prefer. You can guide your choice with the following recommendations:
➣ For beginners and recreational riders: If you are just starting out with riding on snow or prefer to focus on groomed slopes at a slower pace, reach for softer boards. These models are forgiving and easy to control at low speeds. A great example is the Burton Process model.
➣ For versatile riders (All-mountain): If you are looking for a single board that can handle everything—from the morning corduroy on the slopes to riding off-piste—then the Burton Custom is the ideal choice. It offers a balanced stiffness, stability, and precision in any terrain.
➣ For deep snow lovers (Freeride): Advanced riders who seek out un-groomed terrain and powder need a specialized shape. A board like the Burton Deep Thinker provides a wider profile and a directional shape, thanks to which it doesn’t sink and maintains float even in the deepest snow.
If you want to test these premium models directly on the slopes, visit us at the Jasná resort. At our SNOWFLAKE ACADEMY school, we will prepare you for any terrain during individual lessons, or we will gladly rent you high-quality gear.
