Cutting a dashing figure against a canvas of endless white, skiers have a long history of sporting eye-catching looks on the slopes. The latest must-have accessory is a limited-edition ski top sheet developed by abstract painter Mark Grotjahn in collaboration with the U.S. manufacturer DPS Skis.

The new design is based on the Los Angeles-based artist’s drawing #15 from his “50 Kitchens” collection, a colorful series of striking radial geometric drawings that take inspiration from a butterfly technique that Grotjahn has returned to throughout his decades-long practice. 

A passionate skier, Grotjahn had been exploring the mountain ranges of Colorado for some years before he reached out to DPS to learn more about their designs after coming across a pair of the brand’s monochrome yellow skis. 

Artist Mark Grotjahn’s DPS 50 Kitchens #15 Skis. Courtesy of DPS Skis.

Retailing for around $2,000, and already available in-store at Cripple Creek Backcountry, as well as online, the skis are made using Kaizen construction and PHANTOM Glide, a permanent glide treatment.

“This project is radically different than anything we’ve done before, but at the same time, Mark’s use of color and the level of discipline that comes through in his work spoke to us as the perfect collaboration,” explained Dan Pizza, the creative director of DPS.

Installation view, “Backcountry,” Gagosian Gstaad. Photo: Julien Gremaud. Courtesy of Gagosian.

To celebrate Grotjahn’s love of skiing as a source of artistic inspiration, Gagosian Gstaad has recently opened “Backcountry,” a special exhibition of new paintings that runs until April 1. The works are notable for how the artist’s abstract techniques capture the emotional charge and fleeting nature of the experience of skiing from the first-person perspective. 

The new skis will be unveiled by Grotjahn at a launch party at the Aspen Art Museum. They will be auctioned in the future to benefit the museum.