DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2 Review: A Light Touring Ski With Alpine DNA

Introduction

The DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2 takes a shape that has already earned its place in the alpine world and rebuilds it for touring. At 106 mm underfoot it sits toward the wider end of the spectrum, but it keeps enough of a narrower profile to stay versatile across a range of backcountry conditions. The goal behind the build is straightforward: make the climb more efficient without giving up the downhill performance the shape is known for.

In the 171 cm length the ski comes in just under 1,500 g, at roughly 1,470 g. That is light enough to pair with a lightweight tech binding and a lightweight touring boot and still head out for long days in the backcountry.

Who the DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2 Is For

This ski is aimed at touring enthusiasts who spend most of their time in the backcountry and want a platform that performs on the descent as well as it climbs. It suits riders who like the feel of the 106 C2 shape in the alpine world and want the same character in a lighter package.

It is also a good fit for skiers who prioritize soft snow and fresh snow, where the moderate rocker, the taper and the 106 mm waist have the most to offer. Riders chasing a dedicated firm-snow carver, or a very narrow uphill-focused ski, will be looking at a different category of product.

Main Strengths

The appeal here comes from two things working together: a core built to shed weight without feeling flimsy, and a shaping profile that keeps the ski predictable at speed and in soft snow.

Lightweight Core Construction

The core uses paulownia wood, with two vertical strips of ash running through it and a central strip of a lighter sidewall material between them. That central strip takes the place of a traditional ABS or poured sidewall, which is where a meaningful part of the weight saving comes from. Placing it between the two ash stringers adds dampness and energy back into the ski, and the arrangement helps reduce vibration so the ride stays smooth and stable.

A laminate of aerospace foam adds another layer of weight savings. The material is remarkably light but also hard, which means the ski loses mass without losing performance. Two layers of carbon sit above and below the core, keeping the ski stiff and holding performance at a high level while the overall build stays light.

The result is a touring ski that stays maneuverable and predictable, which is exactly what you want when the snow underfoot is variable.

C2 Shaping and Rocker Profile

The C2 shaping is the longer-radius option in the range. Where the RP profile adheres to a 15 m turn radius, the C2 runs between 17 and 19 m depending on length, so the 171 cm sits closer to 17.5 to 18 m. Rocker and taper are tuned to match: the shorter length carries a little more tail rocker to help it hold that radius.

Overall the profile is what you would expect from a 106 mm ski: moderate rocker, moderate play, and a fairly straight shape through the tip. The widest points are brought down into the forebody, though not as far as on the RP, which makes for a more aggressive cut that favors taking a straighter line. The tail tapers back toward the middle of the ski, again slightly less than the RP.

Soft Snow Performance and Maneuverability

Soft snow is where this ski makes the most sense. The moderate rocker and the tapered tail let it stay loose and easy to steer in fresh snow, while the 106 mm waist gives it enough surface to float without becoming a handful on the skin track.

The moderate rocker also keeps edge contact reasonable for a ski of this width, so the ride stays composed rather than vague when conditions firm up underfoot. Combined with the light build, that makes for a ski that is easy to move around in tight backcountry terrain.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The C2 shaping is built around longer turns. If your typical day involves short, snappy turns in tight trees or on hardpack, the 17 to 19 m radius will feel like a different style of skiing than a tighter carver.

This is also a 106 mm touring ski first and foremost. It is designed around soft snow and backcountry use, so riders who spend most of their time on firm groomed terrain may find a narrower, more carving-oriented ski better suited to their days.

Finally, the lightweight construction is the whole point of the Tour version. That is a clear strength on the uphill, and it means the ski is tuned around a specific kind of day rather than trying to be everything at once.

Buying Advice

Length matters more than usual here, because the C2 turn radius changes with it. The 171 cm sits at the shorter end of the 17 to 19 m range and comes in around 1,470 g, so it is a sensible pick for riders who want quicker handling and the lightest build in the line.

To get the most from the Tour construction, pair it with a lightweight tech binding and a lightweight touring boot. That combination keeps the uphill efficient while leaving the downhill performance of the shape intact. If you already know you like the 106 C2 in its alpine form, the Tour version is the natural step for days that start with a skin track.

Conclusion

The DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2 is a well-considered touring ski. It carries over a shape that works, strips weight out of the core with paulownia, ash, a lighter sidewall material, aerospace foam and carbon, and keeps a moderate rocker and taper profile that shines in soft backcountry snow. For skiers who spend most of their time touring and want a downhill-oriented ride on the way back, it is a confident choice.