Burton’s top female riders—Olympian Kelly Clark and backcountry specialist Kimmy Fasani, collaborated to design the ideal freeriding and powder board for the Family Tree collection. The directional camber underfoot, rocker in the nose, and tapered tail combine for a floaty feel that’s effortless to turn, yet solid and stable for all-mountain riding. It utilizes the most environmentally friendly materials in the Burton line and is a versatile medium-flex board for intermediate to advanced riders. 

Handling
This board was stable at speed, while still fun to carve on groomers. It handled well in variable conditions over advanced and intermediate terrain. The directional hybrid camber/rocker design combines for the ideal integration of finesse and power. One tester said, “It’s fun, fast, and cruisey – wish it came in more sizes.”

Pop + Energy
With a lightweight wood core, tapered tail, and medium flex, the board feels lively with plenty of pop and good energy. 

Float
The Burton High Spirits is the most powder-specific in the test and has one of the widest noses of any the women’s all mountain boards. That combined with rocker in the nose and a tapered tail adds up to superior float in soft snow. 

Versatility
This board utilizes Burton’s directional Flying V technology for a versatile all mountain experience. The directional camber underfoot creates power and stability in variable terrain while rocker in the nose makes the board feel surfy. Even though the board is described as powder-specific, it holds up in all conditions. It’s a fantastic all-around freeride board.

Edge Hold
Camber underfoot offers plenty of stability and edge control, though the board does not stand up to Mervin’s magne-traction. 

Sustainability/Craftsmanship
The Vermont-based company manufactures snowboards overseas, but offers the best warranty repair with guaranteed 48-hour turnaround on defects of workmanship.  This model utilizes bio resin and eco top sheet materials that are used in Burton’s Family Tree series of boards, however the company realizes it can improve environmentally.