DPS Skis
On the slopes in Utah with the innovation-focused line of locally made skis
With spring right around the corner in the Northern Hemisphere, hitting the mountains in search of snow might not be at the top of everyone’s To-Do list, yet some of the best and most consistent conditions of the year can be found as the season winds down. Whether your looking to catch the last storms of the season or simply rip some groomers in the sunshine, for those averse to extreme cold, there’s no better time to ski. With this in mind we recently toured some of the top resorts in Utah in a range of conditions, from bluebird slush to whiteout blizzards.
Salt Lake City-based DPS Skis is no stranger to awards and recognition. Widely considered to make the most technically advanced freeride skis in the world, having won seemingly every Editor’s Choice award in the ski industry for performance and perfectly simple graphics, the brand is committed to quality and innovation. From sketchbook to the factory floor and up to the peaks of the Wasatch, every aspect of DPS’s production is done in Utah. With the unique ability to test and manufacture their products within less than an hour’s drive, it’s no wonder why DPS continues to push the envelope of ski design.
One of the most awarded skis of the past few years is the Wailer series. Built with all terrains and conditions in mind, the Wailer 112RP is a one-ski quiver for advanced and expert riders. The combination of variable radius underfoot along with the brand’s specially designed rocker technology (which balances playful float with precise edge control) allows it to perform in everything from sunbaked crust to freshly groomed corduroy and blower powder.
When the snow really starts to fall, you’ll want something specially designed for the job. They might attract a few stares in the lift line, but there is nothing better to have on your feet when it’s steep and deep than the Lotus 138. After building the world’s first rockered ski with sidecut, DPS added its Spoon Technology this season, giving unparalleled control and feel in deep snow.
The Spoon Technology is essentially a convex shovel in the base around the nose of the ski that acts as a sort of “powder edge.” The result is a feel unlike any other powder ski we’ve tested. While the Lotus thrives in the deep stuff, we put it through its paces on groomers and hard-pack as well. While it takes a few runs to get used to, the Lotus can handle any surface, though it’s best suited for well seasoned skiers.
For a closer look at the full range of skis, constructions and technology visit DPS online.
Photos by Hans Aschim
