DPS Pagoda Tour CFL 105 Skis

DPS designed the Pagoda Tour CFL 105 with a directional shape and a longer effective edge that encourages confident fall-line skiing. They excel on long days in the backcountry and inspire trust in advanced skiers on the descent. With a 105 mm waist, subtle rocker profile, and tapered tips and tails, they deliver maximum float and maneuverability in deep snow. While not a hard-charging resort ski, they prioritize ultralight efficiency on the skin track without compromising downhill performance. The ride feels powerful and smooth—nimble in tight terrain yet stable enough to carve wide arcs, thanks to the 18-meter turn radius.

The ski’s construction starts with a paulownia wood core, known for being stiff yet lightweight. A carbon and woven flax laminate adds liveliness while damping torsional chatter. These flax fibres are woven directly into the carbon sheets to further reduce vibration. Since carbon alone can feel harsh, the flax naturally softens the ride, making the skis smoother and more predictable. The aerospace-grade carbon fibre, running tip to tail, keeps the overall weight extremely low while preserving power and energy transfer. DPS has spent the past 20 years perfecting this carbon layering process—a key factor behind the skis’ premium price, as they avoid industrial carbon stringers used by many competitors. Rounding out the eco-friendly build are a bio-based epoxy resin and 60% algae-based sidewalls that lessen environmental impact.

There is a generous amount of tip rocker and minimal tail rocker, so the DPS Pagoda Tour CFL 105 Skis float well and can link turns on a dime.

Phantom Glide Treatment
I opted for the Phantom Glide Treatment to be factory-applied. This eco-friendly base treatment delivers long-lasting, low-maintenance glide without PFAS or fluorocarbons, making it safe for both people and the planet. Unlike wax, Phantom bonds chemically to the base and doesn’t wear off, eliminating the need for regular waxing while maintaining consistent performance across snow conditions. The treatment penetrates deeply, so there’s no need to reapply even after a base grind. Phantom can be applied at authorized dealers using a Cure Station in about 30–40 minutes, or at home via direct sunlight in two to three hours.

Optional pre-cut nylon/mohair skins are a nice addition to the DPS Pagoda Tour CFL 105 Skis and complete this touring kit. 

• Textured polyamide top sheet to reduce snow buildup and keep swing weight low
• New Carbon+Flax (CFL) laminate for lightweight energy with improved damping and reduced chatter
• Paulownia wood core for low weight and strong flex pattern on the skin track and descent
• Binding reinforcements
• Full-wrap polyurethane / algal-tech sidewalls
• Rocker/camber/rocker profile with generous tip and tail rocker for float and nimble turning, plus camber underfoot for edge grip
• Rockwell 48 steel edges for durability and bite on firm snow
• World Cup race base for excellent glide and impact resistance
• Handmade construction with bio-based Super Sap resin for a lighter environmental footprint

The Pagoda Tour CFL 105 is built for backcountry skiing and thrives in soft, deep snow—that’s its true element. Short-radius turns feel fluid with reliable initiation, and they remain composed when you let them run in consistent conditions. There is, however, a speed limit; push too far, and they’ll remind you they’re lightweight backcountry skis. Their generous tip rocker ensures impressive float in powder, but on hardpack or variable snow, expect some deflection and chatter. While well-damped for their weight class, they’re not the dampest skis out there—by design. Their purpose lies in carving, slarving, and floating through untracked snow. Though they can carve on firm snow, but their happy place is deep powder, where you can glide effortlessly from one turn to the next.

On the uptrack, their featherweight build truly shines, making even big vertical days feel easier. I paired mine with the Fritschi Xenic Plus 12 Bindings to keep the setup efficient and responsive. If budget is a concern, consider the Blizzard Zero G 105, which has a similar shape and weight but a different performance profile.

All DPS skis are handmade in the USA using premium materials, come with a lifetime warranty, and include free shipping. DPS also offers pre-cut climbing skins (priced at $249.95 USD) composed of 70% mohair and 30% nylon for optimal glide and durability.