Audi creates Carbon Ski design

Audi has recently teamed up with Head to produce these lightweight skis. Far from being the first manufacturer to dabble with downhill equipment, Audi claims that its expertise in motorsport has resulted in a ski that is significantly lighter than its nearest competitor.

Taking Audi's knowledge of carbon fiber in motorsport and combining it with Head's extensive background in skiing, the duo have created a significantly lighter ski than those from other industry competitiors.

According to the company, the Carbon Ski weighs in around 200 grams lighter than comparable models. The use of carbon fiber allowed engineers to achieve optimal stiffness giving 'outstanding strength, good dampening and low weight'. The design follows Audis philosophy of "Vorsprung durch Technik" and adds no unnecessary lines or applications to the minimalist design.

"Carbon and aluminum are central elements in Audi design – these exclusive materials underscore the outstanding quality of our cars," chief designer Wolfgang Egger said. "The design of the ski also intentionally dispenses with unnecessary lines and concentrates fully on the material."

By doing so, Audi claims that the influence on the handling properties of the ski is 'revolutionary.' It is not only able to flex over uneven surfaces, thereby offering optimal grip, but as it also does not twist on icy patches – allowing the steel edges to maintain their course on the snow – their stability is unmatched.

By John O'Brien