Jean-Luc Brassard of Grande-Ile, Que., is one of the honoured members of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, which is seeking a new home. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

The Canadian Ski Museum has narrowed its search for a new home to one of five potential locations, all outside Ottawa.

The museum moved out of its last location above the Trailhead outdoor enthusiasts store on Scott Street in Westboro in 2011, and since then it has only existed online.

The museum, which also includes the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, has more than 15,000 artifacts but most of those are currently in storage lockers.

Chris Edgell, a member of the museum's board of directors and the leader of the task force looking for the new home, said four potential bids are from British Columbia, including Whistler, B.C. — and the fifth is from Mont Tremblant.

He said the proposals from the five groups are due Jan. 13, and the board will meet Jan. 16 to consider their options.

Museum's collection could be shared

Edgell would also not rule out the possibility that more than one location might share the museum's collection.

"There is definitely a potential for an east-west component. It's a Canadian national ski hall of fame and museum," said Edgell.

If none of the potential bids works out, the museum could give its collection to the Canadian Museum of History, the former Canadian Museum of Civilization.

The museum's displays include century-old wooden skis, champions' winning outfits and Canada's first Olympic gold medal.

Ivo Krupka, a former racer himself and the museum's chairman, said he hopes the museum and the legacy of the sport in Canada can live on in some form.

"Skiing has been an important part of my life, but I do see it as an important part of Canadian culture and I would certainly hate to see Canadian skiing heritage disappear from the consciousness of Canadians," said Krupka.