The modest museum room holds an extensive collection of skiing equipment. The collection gathered in the Low Beskid is one of the largest in Poland
HISTORY OF THE FIRST SKIS IN THE LOW BESKID
It all started with Stanisław Barabasz, who went hunting with a friend. This journey brought him to the Low Beskid, a region rich in wildlife and stunning landscapes. However, it was winter, and thick layers of snow made movement challenging. Barabasz had heard of a scandinavian invention designed for such conditions but lacked the skills to create it himself. He enlisted the help of a local craftsman, Teodor Poliwka, who, in December 1888, crafted the first pair of skis in Poland in Cieklin. One was made of ash, the other of beech, both with curved tips and attached to boots with simple string.
Although these early “boards” did not perform well in the snow of the Low Beskid, they became a prototype for future pairs. Improved over time, they eventually allowed for the first snow expeditions. Barabasz took this historic pair to Kraków and later to Zakopane. Today, half of the original pair from Cieklin remains. One ski was lost in a fire during World War II, while the other is displayed in the Tatra Museum.
SKI COLLECTION IN THE LOW BESKID
The museum collection includes skis, ski equipment, and sports memorabilia. Among the artifacts are poles, ski boots, and historical bindings, as well as several skiing-related books. Notable titles include the "Skiing Handbook" by Aleksander Bobkowski, published in 1918, and the "Ski Competition Regulations" from 1927.
The most valuable part of the collection is its over 350 pairs of skis. The oldest items date back to the late 19th century, though only a part of the collection is displayed in the Low Beskid. The equipment is arranged chronologically, allowing visitors to observe how skis evolved in shape and material with technological advancements. A unique item in the collection is a ski with bindings from the American company Cubco, the first fully safe release binding. Although the first skis crafted in the Low Beskid aren’t on display, a life-sized photograph of them is featured.
LOW BESKIDS ATTRACTIONS - SKI MUSEUM IN CIEKLIN
Cieklin is a small, quiet village in Poland. While it doesn’t have many landmarks, it boasts one very interesting site. Located in the newly built Community Cultural Center, the Ski Museum was established in 2008. Thanks to the generosity of donors and collectors, it houses unique pieces from skiing’s history. Entrance to the museum is free. Stanisław Barabasz, a pioneer of skiing in the Low Beskid, was chosen as its patron.
The museum is managed by Mr. Wiesław, a skiing enthusiast who knows the history of each item and is happy to share it with interested visitors. Curious about what skis used to be made of? Want to know what a skier’s outfit looked like centuries ago? How skis were attached to boots? Mr. Wiesław is eager to answer any questions and even offer tips on nearby mountain trails.
LOW BESKID TRAILS
When visiting the Ski Museum in Cieklin, it’s worth taking advantage of the close proximity to the Magura National Park. This park offers many trails to explore the wild nature of the area. You can start your journey in Folusz, where there are ample parking spots at the trailheads. From here, you can set out to see the Devil’s Rock or the Magurka Waterfall. The Low Beskid are a haven of peace and quiet, free from crowds, with breathtaking landscapes—a perfect place to escape everyday life.
Places worth seeing in the surrounding area:
Photo: Ski Museum in Cieklin
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