Elan Ripstick Tour with Glen Plake

Legendary skier Glen Plake sits down to discuss his latest project with Elan Skis. Over the past 18 months, Glen and Elan worked to developed Ripstick Tour, a collection of backcountry skis that deliver freeride performance at a fraction of the weight. In this video, Plake talks about his history as a professional skier, gives a behind the scenes look at the ski development process, and unveils his new signature model ski.
00:24 Who is Glen Plake?
02:03 Why is this project unique?
02:55 What performance characteristics did you want to achieve?
04:30 What sort of technology is in the ski?
05:56 Where did the graphic inspiration come from?
08:07 Are you satisfied with the final product?
08:35 Are you ready to show us the ski?
The Legend Glen Plake
As Himself Matej Božičnik
As Himself Luka Bassanese
As Himself Franci Šmit
As Herself Melanja Korošec
As Himself Ben Fresco
As Himself Jeff Mechura
Director Klarisa Veselič
Writers Klarisa Veselič, Ben Fresco
Producers Klarisa Veselič, Eetu Tourunen
Director of Photography Jernej Leskovar
Editor Jernej Leskovar
Production Supervisor Žiga Višnar
Post Production Jernej Leskovar
Post Production Supervisors Klarisa Veselič, Eetu Tourunen
Set Decorator Kristina Simčič
Props Master Mitja Urh
Costume Designer Kristina Simčič
Locations Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I’m no Glen Plake, but I am a skier since 1962. I have been on Elan skis for a few decades. Just yesterday I skied my first day out this season and picked my vintage Elan apex summit. Generally I ride a slalom race cut because I love the shred of that side cut but I am 64 now and sometime like “mellow”. I was sort of hesitant to leave home with the Apex, and honestly I remembered the Apex being sort of flat but thought I’d just be ok with good enough for day one. WOW was I actually shocked!! When I first skied these years back for some reason I was not lit on fire, but the day I put down on these yesterday makes me wonder what kind of drugs I was on back then. The Apex was lively, solidly planted on the sparse made man groomers of a shit early upstate NY Tuesday. By now my vintage line up of Elans, 5 pair, are just that vintage, but the history shows up every day on the hill. I’m an old kid, a carpenter/artist/MTBer, I have skied my whole life on second hand gear I buy from members of my family who are in the “pro circle “, my kids ride snowbird everyday, everyday…. I appreciate someone in my generation who can still pull off a Mohawk, I’m not that bold my hair is just middle of my back! Anyhow, Glen, Elan, of all the brands we can choose, you are backing a winner, I’m sure I will find a pair of rip sticks , pampered with a thin layer of dust on them used on Craig’s list in my future…..thanks for keeping skiing free.

[@klank67]

I'm riding Ripstick 96 black ... highly recommend!!

[@EetuTourunen]

Finally some touring sticks that look amazing! 🤩 It was time to let Glen drive the design wagon 🙏

[@johncarr2333]

Whomever does not know Glen Plake, should never admit this fact, and is probably not be watching this tuber. Rock on brother

[@ynot0714]

Elan is the only brand of ski that I have ever purchased...since I started skiing in the early 80's til now! Bought a new pair of Ripstick 96's a few months ago! Love them! You the man GP!

[@lacolinadesyeux1326]

I know this video is 2 years old but I'm seeing it for the first time today. I usually buy American skis, like, ON3P, Moment skis, Fat-ypus, Voilé.....my last 2 free touring skis are Skilogik Yeti (it's was a small American brand that disappeared and Voilé). I never bought skis of big European brand, it's the first time. Yesterday I bought the Elan ripstick tour 104 and I'm really looking forward to being able to ski them. I think it's very cool that Elan listens to the athletes and applies suggestions even they are alternatives. Happy of my purchase and sure that I won't be disappointed. I known Elan are doing great skis.

[@cdawg9149]

Glad to see Plake still going strong in the ski industry. Been following since the Greg Stump days. BTW how is S Schmidt doin these days.

[@arcticwolf6671]

Go Elan!!

[@cliffacob856]

I met Glen Plake at the Vancouver Ski Show back in the late 80's, just after watching the Blizzard of Ahhhs. I can't believe what he was pulling off on those sticks back then! I ended up with a pair of 106 RS Black Edition and having a party session every weekend on them. I'm kicking myself for using them on a Rig training day as I had to go over some gnarly rock sections at the beginning of the ski season... adds character I guess. Looks like I'll be looking for a pair of the RS Tour. The poster that you signed back in the 80's said "SKI OR DIE". You are staying true to your words! Ski on!!!

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Great memories!

[@omnipotent9553]

4:20 Its meee and Glen 💪🏼

[@midi510]

Just pulled the trigger on a pair and with over 60' of snow this winter, it'll be an amazing spring (if winter ever ends). We just got three more feet and are at 695" at Main Lodge. Hoping you come home soon. Would love to tick off some long time objectives with you.

[@quentenjones5513]

Hell yeah Plake! Those look and sound amazing. Want some.

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Exactly! 🤩

[@619realGlaizer]

Was really good to see you up on the mountain. Just watched your video it was awesome to see you getting your hands dirty. Very awesome ski design. So awesome I think you have inspired me to get off my snowboard for a while and try a pair out!!! Also PS good to see you taking care of that awesome Cherokee!! Hope to see you on the mountain again, your new old friend, Mike

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Love it! Great design and color selection, as fun as Glen! Congrats!

[@tomkennedy8617]

Well done. I have the 106, and this looks like a great version.

[@jeffspicoli2643]

Glen, those are so beautiful! I want a pair! Well done Elan!

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Thanks Jeff! Great to hear you like the end result 😊

[@thisoledad1946]

I love Glen he’s so awesome I skied (well straight lined just to keep up) once or twice at mammoth as a kid. So i bought some elans but I was not a fan of the ski.

[@johndavidson7476]

Loved your style since the Blizzard of Ahhhs days with Scott Schmidt in Argentiere and Chamonix.90’s Must invest in a pair of your skis an get back out to teach my kids. Your looking great, love an respect from Scotland.

[@aleksey_kamchatkalifornia]

I need that one right here right now!!!🔥

[@aljosavister]

Have them and I just love them :)

[@julielangeberg7990]

Wondered what Glen was up to. Still sportin the doo i see. I did the ski show in seattle in 95' or 96 and met Glen and Kim , and again at my little ski hill in eastern wa. In 2010 ish, What fun friendly people to ski with. He still has the butt warmers i made! That ski sounds awesome.

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Glen and Kimberly are the same still! Always up for fun and skiing! :)

[@alanroach3692]

Hey Glen, Can you incorporate your laugh into the ski? Maybe it can talk to me when I make the correct edge set!!

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Sounds like one of those Glen's crazy ideas! We will drop a note to our R&D department!

[@willhorning9711]

That logo needs to be a sticker, and I need one or five!!!!!

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Good point, we will see what we can do :)

[@AnonymouSRU]

Thumbs up!

[@jons7e]

What's going on inside the brain of that mad scientist? Ripsticks are great!

[@ElanSkisVideos]

Always something crazy but at the same time beautiful as its from Glen!

[@jons7e]

@@ElanSkisVideos GP delivers again!

[@Dal_Fi]

Man! What's the name of that song at the end of thr video? Fire 🔥 🔥 🔥 song

[@miketorre16]

what bindings do you put on these?

[@ambertudor]

So these skiis are not JUST for the backcountry?? What about your other skis for the ski resprts ? what is the difference??? just the weight?? what ski in your line has the most versatility?

[@RCJH2022]

I hear "Touring" and it just sounds like "WORK". lol

[@ef1464]

Plake the old fashion Grandpa....Hot dog Glen...