Elan Skis: Ranges, Levels and Rental

Elan skis are made by a Slovenian brand based in Begunje na Gorenjskem, founded in 1945 and known for innovation: it pioneered the popularisation of carving-shaped skis and has launched ideas as unusual as a folding ski. In this independent guide to Elan skis we explain their ranges, which level each one suits and how to rent high-end skis in Chile, Argentina, Spain or Andorra.

If you were looking for Elán the band, a cosmetics brand or something else with that name, this page is about Elan, the ski brand.

Elan Skis: The Brand in a Nutshell

• Origin: Slovenia. Elan was founded in 1945 in Begunje na Gorenjskem, where it still manufactures.
• Innovation: in the early nineties it launched the Elan SCX, one of the skis that popularised carving, with a much more pronounced shape than the straight skis of the time.
• Racing: Ingemar Stenmark, one of the most decorated skiers in World Cup history, raced on Elan.
• Catalogue: alpine skis for every level, with piste, all-mountain, freeride and touring ranges.

Elan Ski Ranges and Which Level Each One Suits

Elan updates its models every season; these are its best-known families:

Range	Terrain	Suggested level
Amphibio	Piste	Intermediate to advanced
Primetime	Piste, versatile skiing	Intermediate to advanced
Wingman	Piste and all-mountain	Intermediate to advanced
Ripstick	All-mountain and freeride	Intermediate to expert
Voyager	Folding ski for travelling	Intermediate to advanced

Elan Amphibio: A Ski for Each Foot

Amphibio is Elan's most distinctive technology: the left and right skis are different. Each one combines camber on the inside edge, the one that grips in the turn, with rocker on the outside edge, which makes it easier to initiate the turn. The aim is a piste ski that's easy to turn and still grips. That's why Amphibio skis are marked left and right.

Elan Primetime and Wingman: Piste and a Bit More

Primetime is a versatile piste range for skiers who want a comfortable ski to progress on and enjoy their turns. Wingman adds a touch more versatility, useful when the snow gets chopped up in the afternoon or when you feel like heading to the edge of the run.

Elan Ripstick: Lightweight for the Whole Mountain

Ripstick is Elan's all-mountain and freeride range, known for being lightweight. It works in powder, mixed terrain and on the piste too, and comes in different widths depending on how much time you spend off-piste.

Elan Voyager: The Ski That Folds

Voyager is a folding ski: it folds in half so you can carry it in a smaller bag, designed for people who travel. It's a clever solution, although if you're travelling to ski for a few days, renting at your destination saves you from lugging your equipment around.

If You're a Beginner

Elan also has beginner models, soft and easy to turn. For your first days, a forgiving ski and a boot that fits well are worth more than any advanced technology.

Women's and Men's Elan Skis

Elan has women-specific models, usually lighter and with a flex suited to less weight. As with any brand, it's best not to choose by the label alone: what determines the right ski is your weight, height and level, and that's how equipment is assigned when you rent.

Are Elan Skis Good? Strengths and Things to Consider

• Pros: a history of innovation (carving, Amphibio, the folding ski), well-defined ranges and lightweight mountain skis.
• Things to consider: it's a less common brand in shops than other big alpine brands, so it's best to ask for it specifically if you want it. And, as always, choose the range by level.

If you're torn between brands, compare with our guides to Atomic skis, Rossignol skis and Fischer skis, or go through the complete ski guide to understand types, lengths and widths before choosing. To see specific models this season, there's also the best skis of the 2026/27 season.

How to Rent Elan Skis (or Skis of the Same Level)

At Caranva we don't sell skis: we rent them out (or hire them, as some say) through shops at the resorts. If you want to try Elan skis before thinking about buying a pair, renting them at the resort is the easiest way. Shops organise their equipment by range, from beginner to premium, and don't assign a specific model until they see you. In the premium rental ranges it's common to find brands such as Rossignol, Atomic, Head, Salomon, Fischer or Elan; if you want a particular brand, say so when you book.

1. Choose the resort and your dates; price and availability are shown on each product page.
2. Choose the range for your level, not for the brand: a race ski in a beginner's hands is tiring and scary.
3. Enter your height, weight, level and shoe size: with that information the shop sets the ski length and the binding.
4. Note your brand preference in the booking; if it's available in your range, they'll have it ready for you.
5. Pick up your equipment at the shop, where they check your boots and the fit with you before you head up.

Chile

• Ski Rental in Santiago de Chile: pick up in the city and head up to the Andes fully equipped.
• Ski Rental in Valle Nevado, with a transfer from Santiago to Valle Nevado if you'd rather not drive the winding road.
• Everything available near the capital, in Santiago de Chile.

Argentina

• Ski Rental in Cerro Catedral and the rest of the options in Bariloche.

Spain and Andorra

• Ski Rental in Sierra Nevada
• Ski Rental in Baqueira Beret
• Ski Rental in Formigal
• Ski Rental in La Molina
• Ski Rental in El Tarter (Andorra)

Frequently Asked Questions About Elan Skis

What brand is Elan?

In the snow world, Elan is a Slovenian ski manufacturer based in Begunje na Gorenjskem, founded in 1945. It has no connection with other brands or people with the same name.

What does Elan mean?

In French, élan means momentum or drive. As a ski brand, Elan is simply the name of the Slovenian manufacturer.

Where are Elan skis from?

From Slovenia. The brand was founded in Begunje na Gorenjskem and still manufactures there.

Did Elan invent the carving ski?

Elan was one of the pioneering brands: its SCX model, from the early nineties, helped popularise the carving-shaped ski that almost everyone uses today.

What is an Elan Amphibio ski?

It's a ski with different left and right skis: camber on the inside edge for grip and rocker on the outside edge to make turning easier.

Are there folding skis?

Yes. Elan has a folding ski, the Voyager, which folds in half for travelling.

Can I ask for Elan skis when I rent?

Yes, just note it in your booking. The shop will have them ready if they have them in your range; if not, they'll give you an equivalent ski for your level.