‘Next Level’ Ski Racing: Porsche Announces Partnership with HEAD to Develop New Ski Design Out Fall 2022

Exciting news to share as Porsche announces their new partnership with sporting goods company HEAD to develop a winter sports line that includes; apparel, poles, visor helmet, travel bag, but most importantly… a new ski series. Just wait until you hear what the new Porsche/HEAD team has planned!

Porsche’s Lifestyle Brand Concept

First introduced in 1972, Porsche Design had the idea of carrying F.A. Porsche’s genius and brand beyond the automotive circles. Porsche Design is a major product design studio and lifestyle brand that showcases Porsche’s “…exceptional precision and perfections created with a high level of technological innovation, representing a unique symbiosis of intelligent function and purist design.”

Porsche’s Prior Venture into the Ski Industry

Although you may be asking why a product design studio is interested in skiing, it’s also important to note that this is not Porsche Design’s first venture into the ski industry. In 2019, Porsche successfully collaborated with ELAN to extend part of Elan’s Black Edition series with the Amphibio ski. The Amphibio takes its name from having two distinct edge designs, a cambered inside edge for stability and grip as well as a rockered outside edge to allow for maneuverability and forgiveness.

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HEAD’s Tradition of Excellence

Now Porsche looks to HEAD as a worthy partner that brings its own standard for excellence and innovation to the table. First founded in 1950 by Howard Head, HEAD sporting goods company has a long tradition of creating composite skis with cutting-edge designs. Mr. Head astutely applied his engineering background to create one of the first composite skis, with added metal layers in his construction. Following a company mission that looks “to supply athletes and players of all levels with the perfect equipment,” it’s no surprise why they too are excited about this opportunity to work with Porsche Design.

The Nitty Gritty Details

This new collaborative series features two distinct skis, both built with solid-wood cores comprised of carbon fiber and titanal layers and then bordered with full sidewall construction for stability. Skis will be available in 163cm, 170cm, and 177cm. Skis will also come with the revolutionary Tyrolia Protector bindings featuring Full Heel Release technology, that allows riders to release across 180 degrees of pivot, both vertically and horizontally. Unfortunately, at the moment, the skis/bindings combo retail prices are not for the faint of heart and hover near $1,999 USD.

PORSCHE 7 MODEL

According to Porsche’s newsroom press release, the PORSCHE 7 is “geared for groomed slopes grabbing inspiration from the giant slalom” and has dimensions of 124/70/109 with a turning radius of 13 meters @ 170cm.

PORSCHE 8 MODEL

The second ski anticipated, the PORSCHE 8, is slightly different and built as a “handmade high-performance ski that is equally at home on- and off-piste.” It boasts slightly larger dimensions of 130/88/124 yet holds the same turning radius of 13 meters @ 170 cm.

Parting Thoughts

Looking at the dimensions myself, I can’t help but think these skis are absolutely lightning-fast, at least on-piste. But who knows how they will actually ski. Maybe we can have a kind soul (with deep pockets) report back on their experience?

Nevertheless, in preparation for the upcoming release, I did hear (sarcastically?) that Porsche’s Track Experience will offer a special discounted program for those interested in racing safely. Perhaps after this new release, they might also think about providing a ‘Ski Experience’ as well??