If you ever find yourself in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia make sure to pop into The Elan Alpine Ski Museum (adult admission 4€) and learn more about the world’s first commercial manufacturer of skiing equipment. Skiing is the main focus of the exhibits but over the company’s 70 year history they have branched into everything from sailing vessels to airplanes to blades for wind power stations. 10 points if you shave your head into a mohawk to honor longtime Elan athlete Glen Plake.
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Alpine Ski Museum Elan
Elan boasts a rich history of making skis. Its story can now be discovered at the Elan Alpine Skiing Museum, which opened its doors at its factory in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia.
In its more than seventy years of history, Elan’s important innovations have changed the development of skiing numerous times. The people at Elan had a different viewpoint. They were pioneers. They were “first”. Now, it is again breaking new ground in a totally new field. As the world’s first commercial manufacturer of skiing equipment, it is now opening its own skiing museum. The focus is on the very rich contribution of the Elan brand to the development of alpine skiing. Since Elan also manufactures sailing vessels, aeroplanes, gym equipment and blades for wind power stations, part of the museum exhibition will also host these other divisions.
Elan was founded in 1945 on the initiative of the recognised ski jumper and manufacturer of skis, Mr. Rudi Finžgar. It began reinforcing its reputation as a skiing innovator and trend-setter from the very beginning. Elan has since provided numerous important products to the market which have changed the history of alpine skiing with their technology, form and technical characteristics.
In addition, Elan has had many significant competition achievements in its history. The best skier of all times, the Swedish skier Mr. Ingemar Stenmark, raced exclusively on Elan skis his entire career and won an astounding 86 World Cup races.
Elan holds a special place in Slovenian society and is a national treasure. Its importance is also felt globally as its innovative products are exciting skiers in all parts of the world.
