Žan Kranjec Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Career, Parents, Wife, Children, Awards

Žan Kranjec, is Slovenia alpine ski racer in the technical disciplines, particularly giant slalom, where his blend of power and precision has redefined national expectations on the global stage.

He etched his name in history with a silver medal in the giant slalom at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, just shy of gold after the fastest second run, and boasts two World Cup victories alongside thirteen podiums that highlight his consistency amid fierce competition from powerhouses like Switzerland and Norway.

Kranjec’s journey from junior phenom to Olympic medalist underscores his mental fortitude, especially after personal losses, positioning him as a quiet leader who elevates Slovenia’s alpine legacy through sheer grit and tactical mastery.

Profile

• Full Name: Žan Kranjec
• Stage Name: Žan Kranjec
• Born: November 15, 1992
• Age: 33 years old
• Birthplace: Tržič, Slovenia
• Nationality: Slovenian
• Occupation: Alpine Ski Racer
• Height: 1.85m
• Parents: Mr. Kranjec and Mrs. Kranjec
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Žan Kranjec was born on November 15, 1992, in the alpine town of Tržič, Slovenia, to parents referred to as Mr. Kranjec and Mrs. Kranjec.

He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

Kranjec laced up skis at age five through the local Tržič Ski Club, racing juniors by nine and claiming national youth titles that fast-tracked him to international juniors.

He navigated secondary schooling in Slovenia with a focus on sports science, later pursuing informal studies in kinesiology to complement his training, though he prioritized the slopes over a full degree.

He is of Slovenian heritage, and kept his religion private.

Career

Žan Kranjec carved his path into elite racing early, joining the Slovenian junior national team at 15 and snagging bronze in giant slalom at the 2013 FIS Junior World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne, a breakthrough that earned him a World Cup call-up at 18.

He debuted in March 2011 at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia’s home turf, scraping into top-30s amid the learning curve of pro gates, but steadily climbed with top-15 finishes by 2014 that showcased his aggressive line choices and raw speed.

These formative years, marked by relentless summer dry-land drills and on-snow camps in New Zealand, built the foundation for his technical edge, turning him from promising underdog to Slovenia’s go-to giant slalom threat.

Kranjec’s ascent hit stride in the late 2010s, exploding with his maiden World Cup win in December 2018 at Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, where he edged Alexis Pinturault by a razor-thin margin after a flawless second run.

He added a second victory in Val d’Isère in December 2019, briefly donning the giant slalom leader’s red bib, and notched podiums in Adelboden and Alta Badia that propelled him to fourth overall in the discipline standings for 2019/20.

At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, he stunned with fourth in giant slalom, just 0.35 seconds off bronze, while his 2022 Beijing silver—eighth after run one, then blistering to overtake all but Marco Odermatt—delivered Slovenia’s first Olympic alpine medal in eight years, a moment that resonated deeply amid his father’s recent passing.

Žan Kranjec anchors Slovenia’s alpine squad with podium contention in every giant slalom start, including bronzes at the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel and consistent top-fives that keep him in the crystal globe hunt.

He mentors juniors through the Tržič club, sharing insights on mental prep and injury recovery from his own ACL setback in 2016, and partners with brands like Audi for off-season mobility that mirrors his on-course dynamism.

Kranjec’s legacy as a technician who thrives under pressure inspires Slovenia’s next racers, bridging raw talent with the unyielding focus that turns good into great on icy slopes worldwide.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @zankranjec
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Žan Kranjec maintains a private personal life, with no confirmed details about a spouse, romantic partners, or children.

Net Worth

Žan Kranjec has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.

He builds this through FIS World Cup prize money from his two wins and thirteen podiums, Olympic performance bonuses tied to his Beijing silver, plus endorsement deals with Audi and ski brands like Fischer that cover gear and travel.