Elan Alpine Skiing Museum
Collection
Elan is the first ski producer to boast its own museum. The idea to have its own museum came as the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra near Vrhnika put up an exhibition called With Elan to the Stars, to mark Elan’s seventieth anniversary.
Alpine Skiing Museum is located in the building that houses the Elan factory and sales outlet in Begunje. Since the company manufactures in addition to ski equipment also boats, air planes, sport equipment and wind turbines for wind farms, part of the museum exhibition is dedicated also to other products as well as to interactive exhibits.
History
Elan, which has an important place in the history of skiing and the development of ski equipment, was set up in 1945 as Elan Craft Cooperative upon the initiative of ski jumper and ski maker Rudi Finžgar. From the very beginning, the company has gained the reputation of the skiing innovator and the trend-setter. Its products are distinguished by innovation, technological refinements and design perfection, and its technology, design and technical characteristics have changed the history of Alpine skiing. For example, in 1990 Elan introduced the first carving ski (SCX) to the market, which forever changed the shape of skiing. In the last decade alone, Elan has received over 45 prestigious international awards, including twice winning the title of the most innovative brand in the world of sport. Among the museum's exhibits are also the first wooden skis made by Rudi Finžgar, as well as the latest ones featuring Amphibio technology.