The first Slovenian medal in Ski mountaineering on Elan skis

The Elan brand continues to be focused on providing skiers and active-lifestyle enthusiasts innovative products, that enable unforgettable mountain experiences. Besides recreational skiers globally, Elan supports also skiing professionals – not only Ski Cross athletes but also the Slovenian Ski Mountaineering team (SKIMO).

On European Championship 2024 in Flaine/Chamonix in France our Klara Velepec has on Elan Lynx skis won silver medal in the category of young cadets – and brought home the first Slovenian medal in Ski mountaineering!

 In the Slovenian flagship discipline, young athlete Maj Pritržnik also performed well with a 5^th place finish, junior member Klemen Španring at 6^th, cadet Jon Pritržnik and member Ana Čufer at 14^th.

At Elan we are proud to support the Slovenian Ski Mountaineering Team, which is already reaching for the stars. The team includes 7 athletes, 5 of them skiing on Elan skis.

 

About Ski Mountaineering

Ski mountaineering (short: skimo) is a skiing discipline that involves climbing mountains either on skis or carrying them, depending on the steepness of the ascent, and then descending on skis. Competitive ski mountaineering, managed by ISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation) is typically a timed racing event, which follows an established trail through challenging winter alpine terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints. Racers climb and descend under their own power using backcountry skiing equipment and techniques. Different disciplines (individual races, sprint races, relays, and vertical races) also require different abilities from the athlete. There are distinct regional/continental circuits that are part of the ISMF calendar, as well as an annual World Cup circuit, with Continental and World Championships taking place in alternate years.

Ski mountaineering is gaining worldwide recognition and will make its debut as an Olympic-recognized sport at the Olympic Games 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The equipment

Ski mountaineering disciplines require specific and lightweight competition equipment to be able to easily move over snowy, mountainous terrain. ISMF also sets rules and safety standards.

Elan Lynx - Built for effortless climbing and speed touring performance

The Lynx series was specially designed for Ski mountaineering athletes, those who know that every gram counts when it comes to being fast on the ascent. These skis deliver an exceptionally light, yet strong and stable feel. The Lynx series incorporates Elan's AirLite Technology, using a carefully selected and shaped wood core, which reduces the weight to the minimum for uphill efficiency, while EST-Touring sidewall results in effortless and confident descents. Up or down, Elan's Lynx series sets the standard in high-performance touring skis.