Industry News
DPS Skis, the U.S.-based ski manufacturer pairing space-age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes, is proud to launch an exclusive collaboration with artist Mark Grotjahn. Grotjahn has developed a ski top sheet based on drawing #15 from Grotjahn’s 50 Kitchens Collection. The limited-run DPS 50 Kitchens #15 Skis are available today at dpsskis.com and Cripple Creek Backcountry, in-store and online.
“I like being immersed deep into nature where I feel small and like a little tourist, just a little guy on a big, big globe. Nature doesn’t care about me. Nature doesn’t not care about me. I just get to be a little visitor. I love the feeling of contemplation and quiet when I tour ski. I feel so in the moment that everything else disappears and I feel invisible. I think any skier or anybody who takes it seriously knows what it’s like to disappear into their sport. And I have to say, this feeling exists in making paintings too. It just happens more consistently on the mountain.”
– Mark Grotjahn on his passion for backcountry skiing
Grotjahn was first introduced to backcountry skiing in Colorado’s Elk Mountains when he bought his first backcountry ski set-up and attended a level-one avalanche course. After the course, Grotjahn wanted to take his new skills to practice and hired the head guide and owner of Aspen Expeditions, Amos Whiting. They spent the next two years exploring the backcountry when the time would allow Grotjahn to sneak away. When Grotjahn was ready to upgrade his backcountry set-up, he walked into Cripple Creek Backcountry in Aspen and was immediately drawn to a pair of yellow monochrome skis made by DPS. Grotjahn was curious about the brand and soon reached out to DPS to learn more about the team behind the monochromatic design.
Just six months after the initial introduction, Grotjahn and DPS release the new 50 Kitchens #15 Skis to the ski and art world. The 50 Kitchens collection consists of “Butterfly” compositions, a motif Grotjahn has been creating since the nineties. Grotjahn selected a pencil design from the 50 Kitchens collection because he knew it would take to a ski beautifully.
“Mark’s work, specifically the 50 Kitchens Collection, was a natural fit for DPS. This project is radically different than anything we’ve done before, but at the same time, Mark’s use of color and the level of discipline that comes through in his work spoke to us as the perfect collaboration. Mark is super down to earth and this project was a true collaboration where everyone worked together, asked questions, and listened to each other’s ideas. In the end, we are all super happy with the final product.”
– Dan Pizza, creative director at DPS Skis
The limited-edition 50 Kitchens #15 Skis (MSRP: $2,000) are made using the Kaizen construction, the latest DPS ski design evolution. With a 15m turn radius and 112mm width at the waist, the 50 Kitchens #15 Skis are made for maneuverability and powder skiing. The skis come cured with PHANTOM Glide, a permanent, waxless base glide treatment, and are available today at dpsskis.com and Cripple Creek Backcountry in four lengths: 168cm, 178cm, 184cm, and 189cm.
Grotjahn and DPS Skis will celebrate the launch of 50 Kitchens #15 Skis at Aspen Art Museum in Aspen, CO, on Feb. 18, 2023, from 6-10 pm. Tickets are available for $85 at www.aspenartmuseum.org.
these look so cool
That guy grew up ripping @ Squaw!