Powder aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
In early April, I had the opportunity to visit the DPS Factory in Salt Lake City’s Granary District, for a tour centered around the new Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL skis. After learning about the product, the process, and hearing from passionate ski builders, I highly suggest taking the opportunity to visit a ski factory if you get one.
A lot of work goes into creating a good backcountry ski. The design needs to balance stability and mass to offer performance on the downhills and efficiency and ease on the uphills. DPS is also committed to durability and so the ski needs to be constructed well for a long lifetime of use. As a science nerd at heart, I loved learning about the chemical and physical properties of all the different materials that go into a ski. And as a climate scientist by training, I was pretty impressed by the commitment to sustainability across the life cycle of the ski.