S2:E5 Stephan Drake

Afterglow, A Mountain Storytelling Podcast

In episode 5 we enter the white room for a deep dive with Stephan Drake, the founder of DPS Skis. Drake epitomizes the definition of a soul skier and has spent his entire life roaming the globe in search of deep snow. While most skiers think of the pursuit as a sport, Drake considers it an art that is constantly evolving and being perfected. He is a modern day powder surfing samurai with a total devotion to the craft. Drake’s dogmatic pursuit of the perfect powder experience lies at the core of his existence. The result has been some of the most revolutionary ski shapes and technology the world has ever seen. Drake leads the technology and design initiatives behind DPS Skis, the most revolutionary ski company of the last 15 years. In a parallel evolution with the powder surfing ideas of Shane McConkey, Drake is responsible for the creation of rocker in powder skis, the first prepress carbon fiber sandwich skis and the fusion of space-age carbon in groundbreaking shapes. The result is a complete reset on what the powder surfing experience truly means. In our chat Stephan reflects on his personal journey and the transcendental nature of the true powder surfing experience. It’s a philosophical exploration of what skiing is, what it means to him, and how by harnessing it’s energy we can make the world a better place. He’s a massively intelligent person who provides listeners with intriguing insights into one of the most revolutionary characters in the history of skiing. Fascinated by Stephan Drake and DPS Skis? Check out more here: SLUG Magazine Interview HERE https://www.slugmag.com/action-sports-features/shaping-future-interview-dps-founder-stephen-drake/ Blister Gear Review Podcast HERE: https://blisterreview.com/featured/new-dps-skis-products-with-stephan-drake Business Insider Magazine Interview HERE: https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/dps-skis-founder-stephan-drake-interview-2014-8 Check out the Cowboys Fiddle (@the_cowboys_fiddle) on Instagram to enjoy more of their music. This duo of 13-year-old Elia Schreiber and Declan Mack are responsible for the wonderful music of Afterglow’s second season.