The Landsem Collection

The Landsem Collection consists of a large number of skis, machines, and equipment, along with photographs, letters, patents and drawings, and historically vaulable documents from the Landsem corporate archives. A highlight is Even Landsem's personal trophies from his own skiing career, displayed in his own handcrafted trophy cabinets. 

Today, Rindal Ski Museum is the proud steward of the complete collection from the Even Landsem Ski Factory, preserving the full legacy of this important industrial heritage.

Among the key pieces of the Landsem Collection are the signed winner skis. Even Landsem sponsored elite Norwegian skiers such as Harald Grønningen, Gjermund Eggen, Oddmund Jensen, Sverre Stensheim, Einar Østby, Reidar Hjermstad, Lorns Skjemstad, Ole Ellefseter, Magne Myrmo, Oddvar Brå, Berit Aunli, and Marit Myrmæl, providing them with two pairs of skis each year. "We received one pair for dry snow conditions and one for klister conditions," recalled Gjermund Eggen during a visit to the museum. "At the end of the season, we returned the skis to Rindal and signed them, so Even could display them."

The collection of these signed Winner skis from Norwegian elite athletes is a central feature of our museum. They are proudly displayed in the main exhibition, accompanied by information about the seasons the athletes used them and their championship results.

At our Ski Maker Barn we also display a vast collection of skis from over 30 Norwegian ski factories from the wooden ski era. This includes not only the skis produced in Rindal but also those from various regions, reflecting the rich history of ski manufacturing in Norway.

In the mid 1970s, fiberglass skis marked a significant change in the ski world. Landsem successfully adapted to changing market demands. In 1974, Landsem transitioned from wooden skis to fiberglass skis, continuing production until 1986. This innovative shift allowed them to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

As these new materials became popular, the demand for traditional wooden skis decreased, leading many factories in Norway to close their doors, including those in Rindal. However, today, Rønning Ski remains operational as Norway's only factory producer of wooden skis.

Moreover, traditional handcrafted skis have experienced a renaissance with the establishment of the Norwegian Ski and Ski Maker Association, fostering a renewed interest in this time-honored craft. At Rindal Ski Museum, we are dedicated to preserving this history and celebrating the legacy of ski production.

At Rindal Ski Museum, our extensive collection features an impressive array of trophies won by skiers who competed on skis made in Rindal. This includes medals, cups, diplomas, and other accolades from athletes such as Sigurd and John Røen, Magnar Fosseide, Even Landsem, and Torvald Heggem, all of whom achieved significant national and international results in the 1930s. From the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the collection highlights the accomplishments of skiers like Magnar Ingebrigtsli, Mikal Kirkholt, Reidar Helgetun, Edvin Landsem, Magne Myrmo, and Olav Langli.

The trophies reflect victories on both handcrafted skis from the 1930s and Landsem skis from the later decades. Notably, the collection includes numerous national trophies from Holmenkollen and the Norwegian Ski Championships, as well as international trophies from prestigious events such as the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, starting in Chamonix in 1937, and the Nordic Combined since the inception of the Winter Olympics in 1924. This underscores the global success of Rindal-made skis.