If you love snowboarding, Burton is a name that needs no introduction. From the earliest days of the sport to today’s most advanced gear, Burton has played an integral role in shaping snowboarding culture. But what most riders don’t get to see is where the magic happens — the design, the experimentation, and the craftsmanship that go into every snowboard.
We were invited to Burton’s global headquarters in Burlington, Vermont, for a full tour inside Craig’s, the brand’s cutting-edge prototype facility. Named after Burton legend Craig Kelly, this space is where new shapes, technologies, and materials are tested and refined before they ever reach production. Every idea starts here, and every board tells a story that begins within these walls.
Craig’s isn’t just a prototype facility — it’s a symbol of Burton’s dedication to pushing snowboarding forward while honoring its roots. Every detail in the building reflects that spirit, from eco-conscious materials in the construction, to the wall of prototype boards that document Burton’s evolution, to the museum containing some of Jake Burton's original sketches, notes, and ideas.
The Process: From Concept to Snowboard
Inside Craig’s, Burton’s process is equal parts engineering, craftsmanship, and obsession. Every board begins as a concept — a blend of rider feedback, on-snow testing data, and creative experimentation.
We had the chance to see how those ideas come to life, step by step:
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Design & shaping: From CAD models to physical templates, the shaping room is where theory meets feel.
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Core construction: Burton’s team carefully selects wood species and profiles each core to balance strength, flex, and weight.
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Fiberglass & layup: Layers of fiberglass and carbon are added to tune flex patterns, energy transfer, and response.
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Base & sidewalls: Each base is precision-cut, and sidewalls are hand-finished for consistency and durability.
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Pressing: Heat, pressure, and timing combine to turn layers into a single, rideable work of art.
Watching Burton’s crew work was a reminder that every snowboard is a mix of art and science — a fusion of years of expertise and constant innovation.
Our Takeaway
Seeing Burton’s process up close gave us a new level of appreciation for the gear we ride every winter. Every flex pattern, edge, and camber profile is the result of thousands of hours of testing and refinement.
While Craig’s is primarily focused on prototyping and building boards for Burton’s team riders, the craftsmanship doesn’t stop there. The same attention to detail, materials, and hand-built precision carries through to Burton’s production facilities around the world. Every board that ends up on a shop wall — whether it’s a Family Tree shape or the staple Custom — is built by hand using the same processes we saw inside Craig’s. That consistency is what keeps Burton’s boards feeling so dialed-in year after year, no matter where they’re pressed.
And having the chance to build a board inside Craig’s — with guidance from the people who shape the future of snowboarding — was something special. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why we all fell in love with this sport in the first place.
Watch the Build
Check out our short video below to see highlights from the tour, the build process, and what makes Craig’s such an incredible place for snowboard innovation.