Choosing a snowboard that rips through the park while also floating effortlessly in powder is a dream for many riders. If you’re the kind of snowboarder who doesn’t want to switch boards every time the conditions change, then a true all-rounder is your best friend. Fortunately, Burton has crafted several snowboards designed specifically to handle both terrain park features and deep powder runs without sacrificing performance on either.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the 6 best Burton snowboards to ride park and powder in one setup. Whether you’re hitting rails, boosting off kickers, or navigating backcountry pillows, these boards blend freestyle agility with freeride capability.
Why Choose a Dual-Purpose Board?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s answer a crucial question: Why ride one board for both park and powder?
- Convenience: One board for all conditions means less gear to buy, maintain, and haul around.
- Cost-effective: Investing in a single high-performing board is often cheaper than buying two specialized boards.
- Skill Development: Mastering transitions from groomers to powder to park helps you become a more well-rounded snowboarder.
- Adaptability: You’re ready for anything the mountain throws your way—whether it’s a surprise storm or a sunny park day.
With that in mind, let’s get to the Burton boards that truly deliver on both ends of the spectrum.
1. Burton Custom Flying V
Best for: Riders who want the perfect blend of playfulness and powder float
The Burton Custom Flying V is a legendary choice for all-mountain riders. Its hybrid Flying V profile combines camber underfoot for pop and edge hold with rocker zones for a surfy, forgiving feel—ideal for both powder and freestyle features.
Key Features:
- Flying V profile: Combines rocker between and outside the feet with camber underneath for versatility.
- Twin flex with directional shape: Great for switch tricks and powder riding.
- Sintered base: Fast and durable.
- Squeezebox core tech: Enhances energy transfer, improving pop and stability.
Why it’s great for park and powder: The Custom Flying V floats in pow due to its rocker sections, while the camber keeps it snappy and responsive on jumps, rails, and groomed snow.
2. Burton Deep Thinker
Best for: Freestyle-influenced riders who want to charge powder lines with creativity
Designed with input from pro rider Danny Davis, the Deep Thinker is a directional camber board built for deep snow and freestyle creativity. While its shape leans freeride, it’s surprisingly park-friendly, especially for those who like to approach features with style and finesse.
Key Features:
- Directional camber profile: Powerful edge hold with a floaty nose.
- Twin flex: Balanced feel for spins and tricks.
- Squeezebox core and carbon highlights: Lightweight yet responsive.
- Creative graphics: Always a bonus for riders who appreciate style.
Why it’s great for park and powder: The setback stance and nose shape provide float in powder, while the poppy tail and twin flex are ideal for stylish park laps and side hits.
3. Burton Skeleton Key
Best for: Riders who surf powder and lap the park with equal energy
The Skeleton Key is a favorite for those who blur the line between aggressive all-mountain shredding and creative freestyle. It’s directional in shape but highly maneuverable, making it a beast in powder and a playful park partner.
Key Features:
- Directional shape with a tapered tail: Helps the nose float effortlessly.
- Camber profile: Delivers power, control, and response.
- Medium flex: Just enough stiffness for stability and softness for tweakability.
- Fast sintered base: Glides through all snow conditions.
Why it’s great for park and powder: The wide nose and setback stance make it floaty, while the responsive flex and camber help lock in landings on rails and jumps.
4. Burton Process Flying V
Best for: Riders who want a soft-flexing, forgiving board that doesn’t sink in powder
The Process Flying V is a twin-shaped, soft-flex snowboard with a hybrid rocker profile that caters to riders who want an easygoing feel in both park and pow. It’s one of Burton’s most popular freestyle options, and its added versatility makes it mountain-ready.
Key Features:
- Flying V profile: Mellow rocker zones for float and forgiveness.
- Twin shape and flex: Great for spins, jibs, and riding switch.
- Frostbite edges: Extra grip on icy terrain.
- Extruded base: Durable and low-maintenance.
Why it’s great for park and powder: It presses and spins with ease in the park while maintaining decent float in softer snow thanks to its rocker-heavy design.
5. Burton Kilroy Twin
Best for: Park rats who chase powder days when they happen
The Kilroy Twin is a true twin board with a camber profile that delivers park-focused performance. However, its stiffer flex and wide platform also help it handle off-piste terrain when the conditions are right.
Key Features:
- Traditional camber: Maximum pop and control.
- True twin shape: Ideal for freestyle domination.
- Sintered base: Fast and ready for big jumps or deep snow.
- Kilroy construction: Lightweight, energetic, and affordable.
Why it’s great for park and powder: While camber may not be the first choice for deep snow, the Kilroy’s stability and platform width give it just enough float to make it a solid option for powder hunting on freestyle days.
6. Burton Hometown Hero
Best for: Riders who want aggressive performance in the backcountry and the park
The Hometown Hero is built for riders who love to attack terrain aggressively but still want to throw down in the park. It’s a directional board with a setback stance, but it’s surprisingly nimble and fun for jumps, side hits, and switch riding.
Key Features:
- Directional camber: Precision and pop with a floaty nose.
- Sintered base: Built for speed.
- Squeezebox core: Powerful energy transfer.
- Mid-stiff flex: Responsive yet tweakable.
Why it’s great for park and powder: This board handles steep lines and tree runs with ease, while still being lively enough to stomp park features with confidence.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Park + Powder Board
When choosing a snowboard to ride both park and powder, here are the key factors to consider:
1. Hybrid Profiles
Look for Flying V or Directional Camber for the best balance of float and control.
2. Twin or Directional Twin Shapes
True twins are better for park. Directional twins give you a mix of switch capability and better float.
3. Medium Flex
A medium flex (5–7) allows you to press and jib in the park without feeling like a noodle in deep snow.
4. Nose Shape
A slightly longer, rockered nose enhances float in powder without making the board feel awkward in the park.
5. Core and Base Quality
Higher-end models with sintered bases and Squeezebox cores will provide better energy transfer and speed across all terrain.
FAQs about Best Burton Snowboards for Park and Powder
1. Can one snowboard really handle both park and powder?
Yes! Hybrid profiles, balanced flex, and innovative shaping allow certain Burton boards to thrive in both conditions.
2. Are Flying V profiles better than camber for dual-purpose riding?
Flying V is more forgiving and floaty. Camber offers better pop and control. It depends on your style.
3. Should I choose a twin or directional board for park and powder?
Directional boards float better in powder; twins are more balanced in the park. Directional twins offer the best of both.
4. What is the ideal flex rating for park/powder snowboards?
Medium flex (5–7) is ideal for maintaining control while staying playful.
5. Do I need to wax my board often if I ride mixed terrain?
Yes, regular waxing ensures better glide on both groomed runs and deep snow.
6. Can a beginner use these boards?
Boards like the Process Flying V are beginner-friendly. Others like the Deep Thinker or Custom require more experience.
7. Are there women-specific versions of these boards?
Yes! Burton offers similar tech and shapes in their women’s lineup, such as the Story Board and Feelgood.
8. What bindings pair best with a dual-purpose Burton board?
Look for medium-flex bindings like the Burton Cartel or Malavita for all-around performance.
9. Do these boards work for side hits and natural features?
Absolutely. Most have responsive flex and lightweight cores perfect for side hits and creative riding.
Final Thoughts
Finding a snowboard that excels in both the terrain park and untouched powder might seem like a tall order—but Burton delivers. From the playful Process Flying V to the powerful Deep Thinker, each of these six boards offers a unique combination of flex, profile, and shape that balances freestyle performance with powder prowess.
If you want to ride everything with one setup, any of these Burton boards will let you switch seamlessly between park laps and backcountry lines. Whether you’re buttering boxes or slashing through snowdrifts, your dream ride is just one board away.
