Former US Olympic Ski Racer Joins DPS Skis Design Team

Salt Lake City-based ski makers DPS Skis announced a new team member today: Ted Ligety. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, who won the combined event in the 2006 Torino games and the Giant Slalom in the 2014 Sochi games, is joining the team as both an athlete ambassador and the new Head of Product Performance. As a member of the US Ski Team for 18 years and a 25-time World Cup winner, Ligety is renowned for his technical prowess on snow and brings years of expertise testing race skis, as well as co-founding the protection and eyewear company Shred Optics .

DPS, co-founded by ski engineer Peter Turner in 2005, has long focused on crafting high-tech backcountry touring skis that break the mold of traditional ski design, like the massive Lotus 138 and lightweight Pagoda Tour series. The brand has been known for going all-in on lightweight carbon fiber constructions in their backcountry skis but has recently been including more and more resort-focused skis in their lineup like the Koala and Kaizen series.

DPS also developed Phantom Glide, a permanent application base treatment that provides increased glide for skis.

In a press release, DPS says that: "Ligety's expertise will be instrumental in creating high-performance skis that deliver exceptional carving and all-mountain capabilities for skiers seeking excitement and versatility on frontside terrain."

By adding someone to the team who can drop a hip on hardpack like Ligety, it's unsurprising to see this shift.

"Ted Ligety is an American ski racing icon, and his skiing reputation is without question. Ted’s creativity, hunger for perfection, and insights into ski dynamics and design will elevate our product development,” says DPS Senior VP Thomas Laakso. “With his unparalleled expertise and passion for skiing, Ted will be a key component of notable upcoming brand partnerships where DPS will push the envelope of what’s possible in carbon ski design and manufacturing."

Related: Best All Mountain Skis of 2025