Slovenian ski manufacturer Elan in conjunction with
the Slovenian Ski Association, Tourism Slovenia
and the Bernardin Hotel Group successfully staged
White Circus by the Sea. The event constructed an
artificial mountain in the heart of the Hotel Bernadrin
(Portoroz, Slovenia) 10 meters away from the ocean.
Designed to increase the interest in snow sports
in Slovenia, the organizers of the White Circus
by the Sea combined a series of activities to give
children a chance to explore, enjoy and experience
snow sports. Included was a round table discussion
for the media about ways to increase youth snow
sports participation. Participants of the round
table discussion included the Slovenian Minister
of sports Dr Jernes Pikalo, World Cup Athlete Filip
Flesar, Slovenian Ski Association Member Matjaz
Strabon, Elan Brand and Product Director Luka Grilc
and FIS Bring Children to the Snow Coordinator Andrew
Cholinski.
The panel highlighted the need to bring back the
‘fun’ in snow sports. Slovenian Ski Association
Member Matjaz Strabon remarked, “many of our ski
clubs focus too much on the competition and not
on why children begun snow sports in the first place
and this is because they are fun.”
Following the discussion, the Mayor of Bernardin,
Peter Bossman, officially opened the hill and White
Circus by the Sea. Children were treated to a special
‘Ski with a legend’ activity with a chance to ski
the artificial slope with a legend. On hand was
overall 2012 World Cup Ski Cross winner Filip Flesar,
in addition to World Cup legends Christian Mayer,
Bojan Kriz(aj and Urs(ka Hrovat, Alpine World Cup
athletes Andrej Sporn and Matic Skube and free skiing
professional Glen Plake.
After the Ski with a Legend event, the hill was
transformed into a miniature World Cup. Children
from local ski clubs competed with full enthusiasm.
It was fast, fun and saw great sportsmanship from
all of the participants.
All in all, the event attracted close 2000 participants
and spectators as well as various national media.
Elan Product and Brand Designer Luka Grilc commented,
“we achieved what we set out to do and that was
to bring children to the snow. Although we had to
bring the snow to the sea what took place was something
unique, enjoyable and a first for Slovenia. We hope
that many children and organizers are inspired by
the actions here today and decide to stage more
events to bring children to the snow.”
