Mali Noyes Partners with DPS Skis: What This Means for Powder Performance Testing
Utah skier Mali Noyes has officially joined the roster at DPS Skis, the Salt Lake City-based boutique manufacturer known for their premium powder-focused designs. This partnership represents more than just another athlete sponsorship—it's a strategic move that could influence the brand's product development trajectory.
Why This Partnership Matters
For gear nerds like us, athlete partnerships provide valuable insight into a brand's R&D priorities. DPS has built their reputation on handcrafted skis designed specifically for deep snow conditions, and Noyes brings legitimate backcountry credentials to their testing program.
Key factors that make this partnership significant:
• Local testing advantage: Noyes skis Utah's varied terrain daily, from Wasatch powder bowls to spring corn conditions • Product development input: Athlete feedback during the design phase typically results in more refined final products • Real-world validation: DPS gains access to extensive field testing across different snow conditions and terrain types
DPS Ski Technology Overview
For those unfamiliar with DPS's approach, here's what sets them apart in the powder ski market:
Construction Methods: • Carbon fiber layups for reduced swing weight • Traditional camber profiles optimized for float • Hand-finished sidewalls and topsheets • Limited production runs ensuring quality control
Target Specifications: • Waist widths: 112-130mm (powder-focused range) • Turn radius: 22-28m (longer for stability at speed) • Weight: Typically 15-20% lighter than comparable metal-laminate skis
What to Expect from This Collaboration
Based on DPS's development timeline and Noyes's skiing style, we can anticipate several potential outcomes:
Short-term (2024 season): • Refined flex patterns on existing models like the DPS Wailer 112 • Feedback on current carbon fiber layup configurations • Testing data from Utah's variable snow conditions
Medium-term (2025-2026): • Potential signature model development • Possible expansion into adjacent categories (touring-specific designs) • Enhanced binding compatibility testing
Technical Considerations for Consumers
If you're considering DPS skis, Noyes's involvement should provide additional confidence in their powder performance claims. However, keep these factors in mind:
Ideal conditions for DPS designs: • Powder depths: 6+ inches • Open terrain: Wide bowls and gladed areas • Advanced to expert skill levels • Skiers prioritizing float over versatility
Complementary gear considerations: • Bindings: Marker Kingpin 13 for touring applications • Boots: Lange XT3 130 for all-mountain compatibility
Bottom Line Analysis
The Noyes-DPS partnership represents a logical fit between athlete expertise and brand positioning. For consumers, this means potentially more refined powder ski options backed by extensive real-world testing. However, DPS products remain premium-priced with specialized applications—they're tools for specific conditions rather than daily drivers.
Expect to see the results of this collaboration in DPS's 2025 lineup, with refined flex patterns and possibly new width options based on Noyes's feedback from Utah's diverse terrain.
Source: Powder Magazine
