SALT LAKE CITY — Two groundbreaking Utah-based ski industry manufacturers, DPS Skis and PHANTOM Glide, announce the hire of two-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and ski mountaineering pioneer Chris Davenport as the head of ambassador relations and field testing.
Davenport will lead athlete relations, brand representation and community building efforts for DPS Skis and PHANTOM Glide while working closely the DPS design and development team to help shape future ski designs and performance standards.
“Chris Davenport is a true legend throughout modern ski culture, with a career defined by technical mastery, global exploration and a deep connection to the mountain community,” says Thomas Laakso, senior vice president of DPS. “Having both Ted Ligety and Chris Davenport integrated with full time positions in R&D rounds out a true dream team that will support our relentless drive to push both hard and soft snow performance breakthroughs.”
Davenport is widely regarded as one of the premier big mountain skiers in the world today. He has pushed the boundaries of ski mountaineering throughout his prolific career, completing numerous first descents on peaks around the globe, from the Himalayas to Alaska. In addition to his accomplishments as an athlete, Davenport is a respected ski guide, climate activist, and the author of two books.
“I am thrilled to be joining DPS Skis as a hands-on team member supporting community development and product innovation,” shares Chris Davenport. “Joining the team was an easy decision after I spent last season skiing DPS skis exclusively by independent choice. I’m looking forward to working with the product development teams in the lab and on the snow to help shape the future of ski design and performance and further foster DPS’s community of committed skiers and customers.”
Davenport will serve as a key connector between the brand and the broader mountain community, helping to foster authentic relationships, amplify athlete contributions and introduce new skiers to DPS’s high-performance products. His leadership will be central to shaping a larger and inspired community around the brand’s values and vision.
For information on DPS or PHANTOM Glide, please contact senior PR manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.
About DPS Skis:
Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space-age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-impregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one-time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. www.dpsskis.com.
About PHANTOM Glide:
PHANTOM Glide is an eco-friendly base treatment for alpine skis, Nordic skis and snowboards that delivers lasting glide performance across all snow conditions. Developed by a team of experts, PHANTOM Glide uses responsibly sourced PFAS free materials to minimize ecological harm while ensuring top-tier performance. Unlike traditional wax, PHANTOM Glide bonds to the base and doesn’t wear off, eliminating the need for regular waxing. This simplified solution lets skiers and riders spend more time on the slopes and less time on maintenance. For more on PHANTOM Glide visit dpsskis.com/phantom.