2027 DPS Koala 111 Skis

The DPS Koala 111 is a wide freeride ski that blends a distinctly playful, freestyle-friendly feel with the backbone to ski fast when conditions get rough. At 111 mm underfoot, it sits in that sweet spot for skiers who want real powder float without giving up the ability to slash, pivot, land, and ski creatively all over the mountain. It's built for soft snow first, but has enough composure for chopped-up runouts, technical lines, and bigger terrain.

Why we like it:

We like the Koala 111 because it does not force a choice between surfy fun and serious freeride support. Plenty of skis in this width either go fully loose and vague or feel so directional that they stop being playful.

Who it's for:

It's well suited to advanced to expert skiers who want a soft-snow ski that encourages a centered, creative style.

Highlights:

The 40 percent rocker profile and 60 percent effective edge give this ski a ton of float and an easy-releasing feel in soft snow, but there is still enough cambered platform underfoot to keep it from feeling disconnected when you need to stand on it. DPS pairs its multidirectional wood core with hybrid carbon construction, so the Koala 111 comes across lively and responsive rather than dead, and that added energy is a big part of why it feels so good popping off terrain and driving out of soft-snow turns. An 18-meter radius is fairly tight for a 111 mm ski, which helps it feel more eager and maneuverable than a lot of bigger freeride shapes, especially in trees, tight chutes, and technical soft snow.

Things to consider:

This is still a 111 mm soft-snow ski, so it's not the best choice if most of your days are spent on firm morning trails or in low-snow conditions (even if you wish they weren't). The playful shape also means it is not as locked-in and trench-happy as a more directional metal freeride ski. Skiers who prefer to drive hard from the shovels all the time will want something with a flatter tail and a more traditional feel.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Koala 111 generally skis a touch shorter than a fully directional charger because of the generous rocker and more centered, playful design. If your priority is trees, tricks, and a looser all-mountain powder feel, your usual length should work well. If you plan to ski faster, land bigger, or use it more as a freeride weapon in open terrain, going a bit longer makes sense.