Salt Lake City-based ski company, DPS, turned heads in the ski industry with the prototype of a very unusual looking ski called the Spoon. The convex-shaped skis brought a range of reactions from anyone who laid eyes on it, as the dimension of the skis defy everything we know about ski construction. Everybody (myself included) wondered how on earth these goofy-looking boards would handle on the snow. Well, DPS has released the first video of the Spoon in action. See it below:
According to DPS, the video was shot in the Alta backountry in March 2011. Stephan Drake put the Spoon through its paces in deep, north-facing snow. Looking at the video, it almost seems like Drake is cruising groomers on top of the powder. The skis plane on top of the snow and appear to allow effortless turns and high speeds. Looks like they’re hella fun!
But will such an odd-shaped ski take hold? DPS says the Spoon is, “singularly meant for deep powder skiing—and nothing else. Think deep, untracked touring, heli, or snowcat days for skiers who understand angulation and planing. The Spoon is huge, fully rockered, has a convex base, and six downward-facing cleats.” Looking at the skis, I imagine they would be a nightmare on hard pack and ice. But that video is making me think the Spoon may change the way we ski powder. Time will tell.
DPS says a formal launch date for the Spoon has yet to be determined. Keep tabs on them at http://www.dpsskis.com/