What is the Burton Family Tree collection?

We all have a few odd birds in our family tree (we’re looking at you, Aunt Edna), but some are just so fantastically weird and fun that we wish they could stick around forever. Well, that is exactly how the Burton Family Tree collection came to be. Family Tree resurrects the best qualities from classic snowboards of the past and combines cutting edge modern technology with a genuine love for powder to make brand new boards even better.

In launching the Burton Family Tree Collection, we stuck to our roots and dug deep into the archives in search of design aspects that were rad, but possibly ahead of their time. Then, with a bit of in-house R&D, select items from the “good ‘ol days” found new life in the most progressive line of snowboards Burton has ever produced.

Expand Your Quiver with Burton Family Tree

Beginner riders will often take home one snowboard and make it work for every condition. And in general, this is good idea for snowboarders who are just getting into the sport, as it allows them to learn on a consistent platform and doesn’t break the bank. But after a few seasons, riders will start to notice the subtleties of how a board performs in different conditions—the base chatter on ice, the contact point stickiness, the tip-to-tail flex at high speeds. Spoiler: This is where snowboarding gets really fun.

The bottom line is that there is (literally) an infinite number of options and combinations when it comes to snowboards, snowboard boots, and snowboard bindings. And while it seems like obvious advice coming from a snowboard manufacturer, we genuinely recommend it: add more snowboards to your collection to maximize fun.

The solution is to start a quiver. A concept taken from surfing, a quiver is a collection of boards that all have different benefits. The quiver approach allows riders to tailor specific snowboards to the conditions or terrain they plan to ride. The Family Tree collection is engineered with this in mind, offering a unique range of powder/freeride snowboards specifically designed for different conditions and riding styles.

Tight trees? We've got a Family Tree board for that. Big open steeps? We've got a Family Tree board for that, too. Ironing your clothes? Sure, but an ironing board might be a safer bet.

So, start small. Your main snowboard should be geared for the conditions you ride most frequently. Then develop your quiver with other snowboards that cater towards the weak spots you notice. And remember, it doesn’t matter if your quiver is one board or many boards (we’re looking at you now, Jake), as long as you get after it and have fun.

When building a quiver with the Family Tree collection, focus on strategically aligning snowboards to different types of terrain.

• Low-pitch, floaty powder runs
• Aggressive big mountain chutes
• Wide open bowls

Pro tip: In building a quiver, always spend within your means and only get a new board when you actually want one (don’t listen to people who say that you should get another board every X years).

Explore New Tapers with Burton Family Tree

Family Tree has a history of incorporating innovative designs and unique shapes. In fact, every snowboard in the collection features a slightly different taper.

The taper of a snowboard is the difference between the width of the nose and the width of the tail, measured in millimeters (nose width in millimeters – tail width in millimeters). For example, a taper of 10mm indicates that the nose of the snowboard is 10 millimeters wider than the tail of the snowboard.

In general, taper affects edge control and the amount of float that a board will generate. A snowboard with large taper will be more buoyant in deep snow, while a snowboard with smaller taper levels out for less float but more edge control. In conjunction with sidecut, taper is a major factor in how smoothly a board enters and exits turns in deep snow, as a wider nose helps the rider engage the edges with less force.

When exploring the Family Tree, start with boards that are designed for specific uses and pay close attention to the taper. Since the Family Tree collection contains several uniquely tapered boards for different types of terrain, you can really take your time and get to know each one. But remember, taper is just one of the design factors that defines each snowboard and other aspects like width, flex, bend, and sidecut are also extremely important in delivering the kind of performance that adds a new dimension to your quiver.

Pro tip: For bottomless powder days, add a snowboard with maximum taper to your quiver. The exaggerated taper reduces stress on your back foot and will allow you to pack in more runs with less fatigue.

Family Tree Graphics

The Burton Family Tree collection features graphics that are simple and consistent. In fact, many of the Family Tree boards from the first run in 2013 can still be spotted on the mountain (if you know what to look for). And while the board graphics have subtly evolved over the years, the Family Tree logo remains instantly recognizable as a symbol of the freedom and fun of snowboarding.

When considering the addition of a Family Tree board to your quiver, focus on shapes and sizes that meet your needs and know that graphics will remain timeless.

Family Tree Spotlight

2020 marked the first year that the Family Tree collection was built to be completely gender neutral and the entire line was retooled to include sizing for everyone, with a goal of increasing accessibility and building a more inclusive family. We suspect that the collection will continue to evolve but there are a few models that we think you should add to your quiver no matter what.

Pow Wrench

Surfy, wide and directional, the Burton Pow Wrench was made for a day in the powder. The short, floaty shape delivers a nimble feel making it ideal for quick turns in the trees. Its directional shape and significant taper keep the nose riding high and help power the tail to slash and carve through deep conditions.

Straight Chuter

Designed in collaboration with Danny Davis, the Burton Straight Chuter is a hard-charging freeride board that’s ideal for high-speeds and big mountain lines. A wide nose and taper keep it maneuverable in powder, while its directional shape and stiffer flex give it a ride-hard attitude.

Hometown Hero

A great base for a quiver, the Burton Hometown Hero is extremely versatile with a slight taper and directional camber profile. We designed this daily driver with Vermont's tight trees and icy lines in mind. A focus on high-end materials gives the board a responsive flex and just enough taper to float when the powder falls.

Both Mark McMorris and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott took home wins on this all-mountain slayer at the 2021 Natural Selection Tour stop in Jackson, Wyoming (United States).

Backseat Driver

Free your feet and free your mind with the Burton Backseat Driver. This pow surfer is designed to surf (sans-straps) everywhere from your backyard to the backcountry. A spoon nose provides float and flow and the V-hull in the tail maintains a loose feeling that transitions into a strong, powerful turn when engaged. This board is built to push boundaries and spread the joy of surfing on snow.

Everyone is Welcome in the Burton Family Tree

You can expect the Family Tree collection to grow every year for the foreseeable future and continue its legacy of innovation and inspiration. And with an ever-changing lineup of snowboards, you will certainly have plenty of options. But if you find a board you like don’t hesitate too long, because Family Tree boards are usually produced in smaller manufacturing runs and sell out quickly.

So, build that quiver, shred the entire mountain, and welcome to the family.