18 of the Best Ski Movies and Films

From cult classic ski movies of the 80s and 90s to the documentary-style films that propelled Warren Miller to icon status, ski movies and films have been a defining aspect of ski culture. There’s just something timeless about a great ski or snowboard film—whether you’re kicking back with friends for a movie night after a day on the slopes, attending a film event, or just want to whet your appetite for the upcoming ski season. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ski films and movies.

We’ve broken down ski cinema into two categories: Ski movies and ski films. What we call “ski movies” are those plot-driven Hollywood movies that weave skiing and/or the ski resort life into the story. Ski films, on the other hand, skew more documentary style. These films follow elite athletes as they travel to spectacular locations, tackle big mountain lines, push the boundaries of the sport, and often spotlight a bigger message along the way. So without any further ado, here are some of the best ski movies and films to add to your watchlist.

Ski Movies

Aspen Extreme (1993)

We begin with a cult classic. Aspen Extreme follows two buddies who leave the city of Detroit behind for the promise of the grand Rocky Mountains. With the luxury of Aspen as the backdrop, Dexter Rutecki and T.J. Burke become two popular ski instructors and compete in the coveted Powder 8 Contest. Peter Berg and Paul Gross star in this over-the-top movie that has become a legend. Loosely based on the real-life experience of writer and director Patrick Hasburgh, Aspen Extreme dives into epic love stories and the complexities of friendship, with tons of swooshing powder shots along the way.

Eddie the Eagle (2016)

This 2016 biopic sees Taron Egerton portraying Eddie the Eagle, the underdog ski jumper who competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics. After being cut from the downhill team, the British athlete decided to try his hand at ski jumping. On his journey, he finds Bronson Peary, played by Hugh Jackman, a former ski jumper turned snowplow driver. The pair set off on a mission to train young Eddie to be the next best thing at the upcoming Olympics in Calgary. Inspired by true events (though Bronson Peary is fictionalized), Eddie the Eagle is an inspiring, feel-good underdog story sure to warm even the coldest of hearts.  

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

While there may not be much skiing in Hot Tub Time Machine, the movie primarily takes place at a ski resort, so it earns a place on this list. In the star-studded 2010 comedy, featuring John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Dune, four friends vacationing at a resort accidentally stumble upon a hot tub time machine. The hot tub transports them back to the good old days of 1986, where they experience the life-changing events of Winterfest. There’s romance, bromance, iconic nods to 80s ski culture, and a glowing hot tub that you may wish was at every ski chalet. Hot Tub Time Machine is an excellent movie to throw on for après to unwind after a day on the hill.  

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Again, while Dumb and Dumber isn’t necessarily what you think of when you envision a classic ski movie, Harry and Lloyd do end up on an epic Aspen ski trip for some of the most memorable scenes of the movie. This slapstick comedy, starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, sees the two best friends come into possession of a suitcase full of money. What else do you do with a suitcase full of money then head to Aspen to ski and find love. Along the way, they get tangled up in a kidnapping scheme and are unknowingly on the run from a killer and the cops. The ski town setting is iconic in every 90s way, while the movie itself is a comedy classic.

Johnny Tsunami (1999)

Johnny Tsunami, a Disney Channel original movie from 1999, is a classic coming-of-age tale. Brandon Baker stars as Johnny Kapahala, a young Hawaiian surfer who struggles as his family moves across the country to Vermont. With no waves to be found, he must find a new hobby and a way to fit in with his private school classmates. Surfing skills can translate well to snowboarding, so instead of surfing waves he begins surfing Vermont powder. As Johnny learns to hone his new craft, he becomes determined to beat snooty new prep school rival, Brett, in the ultimate snowboarding showdown competition. Johnny Tsunami is a heartwarming movie that the whole family can enjoy. However, real-life residents of New England will have to suspend their belief that the movie’s big mountain with open bowls is actually located in the Green Mountains (it was filmed in Utah).

Out Cold (2001)

Out Cold, which bills itself as a parody of 1990s ski school films and the teen comedy crazy of the 90s. After a resort titan threatens to redevelop their beloved Alaskan ski resort, the party-loving good-time staff are determined to keep things traditional and uphold the integrity of their home. When one of the crew’s ex-girlfriends shows up on the side of the titan, who happens to be her father, king of the mountain Rick Rambis must put his emotions aside to help save the park. This zany party comedy stars Zach Galifianakis, Jason London, Willie Garson, and Lee Majors.

Ski Patrol (1990)

Next up is the movie that inspired our previous pick, the 1990 movie Ski Patrol. Following a very similar plot, a rag-tag bunch of resort workers set out on a quest to save their hometown mountain from the evil clutches of corporate America. Along the way, they laugh, cry, perform ridiculous ski stunts, and cement their place in ski film history. The film stars Ray Walston, Martin Mull, Roger Rose, Yvette Nipar, Paul Feig, T. K. Carter, Leslie Jordan, and George Lopez. Many of the ski scenes were filmed at resorts across Utah including Park City and Snowbird.

Chalet Girl (2011)

Felicity Jones, known for her starring role in Rogue One, and Ed Westwick, known for terrorizing Manhattan for five years as the iconic Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, pair up at an exclusive ski resort in Chalet Girl. Jones plays Kim, a former skateboarding champion who moves to the Alps to become a chalet girl for the winter soon after her mom dies. Westwick plays Jonny, one of the elite clientele that the chalet serves. The pair bond in the stunning Austrian mountains, learning to overcome their class differences as Kim learns to snowboard.

Hot Dog: The Movie (1984)

Hot Dog: The Movie is the quintessential 80s ski movie. Widely considered one of the most successful ski films of all time, the plot follows Idaho native Harkin (Parker Houser) as he heads to Palisades Tahoe (formerly and in the movie known as Squaw Valley) for a competition. Along the way, Professional skier Dan (David Naughton) helps Harkin in his efforts to win the prize and beat his Austrian rival Rudi (John Patrick Reger). Harkin also grapples with a budding flirtationship with Sylvia (Shannon Tweed). Come for the epic freestyle skiing footage and zany stunts and stay for the outlandish plot and ridiculous characters. 

Downhill Racer (1969)

Not every ski movie is a slapstick comedy. Downhill Racer follows downhill skier David Chappellet (Robert Redford) as he joins the American ski team. The arrogant athlete begins to employ flashy maneuvers on this hill that get him in trouble with his coach, played by Gene Hackman. In order to do well for his team he must confront his ego and his rival as they both fight for gold in the upcoming Olympics. The film is based on the 1963 novel, The Downhill Racers, by Oakley Hall. Filming for the movie took place at some of Europe’s most famous ski resorts, including Kitzbühel, Sankt Anton am Arlberg, Wengen, Megève, and Grenoble. 

Ski Documentaries 

McConkey (2013)

McConkey follows extreme skier Shane McConkey throughout his life and career. Shane developed a love for sports and pushing boundaries at a young age, thanks in part to growing up with a father, Jim McConkey, who was a professional skier. This led him to a successful career as a professional freeskier. The film follows Shane’s years of competition, life changes, and his goal of forging a path for like-minded freestyle skiers. It also examines the legacy he left on the sport following his death during a ski base jump in 2009. It’s an inspiring tale of Shane’s lifelong love and what made him such an iconic presence on the mountain.  

Spirit of the Peaks (2022)

An REI Co-op Studios production, Spirit of the Peaks follows Hunkpapa Lakota skier Connor Ryan through his journey to find a balance between his passion and culture. Being a skier in the Ute Territory, which encompasses several popular ski states including Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, Ryan has had to navigate the emotions and obligations that come with recreating on sacred Indigenous land. It’s a poignant story that also explores the futures of Indigenous people and skiers. Produced in partnership with Wondercamp, NativesOutdoors, Salomon, Peak Design, and Protect Our Winters, Ryan uses this film to highlight Ute culture and tradition and show how that can benefit people in preserving the land they all love.  

Supervention (2013)

Field Productions created Supervention to explore modern free-skiing and snowboarding opportunities across Norway. A group of athletes travels to some of the world’s most enticing skiable runs and ride through terrain that is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. In association with Head, Samsung, VGTV,  Norrøna, Sweet Protection, and more, the athletes traverse throughout Alaska, British Columbia, New Zealand, and Norway. Supervention, and the second installment, Supervention 2, showcase the stunning scenery of these places and feature unreal skiing action sequences. 

Steep and Deep (1985)

A Warren Miller classic, Steep and Deep follows the birth of extreme skiing and riding. Pro athletes Stein Eriksen, Phil Mahre, Billy Kid, and Craig Peterson take on the challenges of mountains across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and New Zealand. They come face to face with the true meaning of ‘steep and deep’ while pushing the boundaries of modern skiing in the process. Steep and Deep is an excellent look into skiing history complete with super long skinny skis, 80s ski culture, and tons of mind-blowing tricks.

Fire on the Mountain (2019)

Made in 2019 in collaboration with some of today’s biggest industry names, like Chris Bentchetler and Jeremy Jones, Fire on the Mountain features unreal skiing footage set to music by the Grateful Dead. Equal parts snow and surf movie, Fire on the Mountain makes use of colorful mountain lighting and tricked-out wetsuits to create an artful cinematic experience. While there isn’t much plot, the artistic approach to creating a sports documentary makes it worth a watch, especially for Deadheads. The film is a Teton Gravity Research production, narrated by Bill Walton, and featuring Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis, Kimmy Fasani, Rob Machado, Michelle Parker, and Chris Benchetler. 

Here, Hold My Kid (2023)

Being a mom is tough, but not so tough that you need to hang up your skis for good. Released in 2023, Here, Hold My Kid follows a fearless group of female skiers. Pro athletes Elyse Saugstad and Jackie Paaso navigate new motherhood and their careers on the mountain as they humorously strive to be crowned the “mom who can do it all.” Produced by Red Bull, it features incredible footage of these ladies absolutely ripping, while the film also delivers an inspiring message for moms of all kinds.

Feel It All (2024)

The most recent addition to this list, Feel It All was released in the summer of 2024. Selected to be featured at the Winter Park Film Festival, Breckenridge Film Festival, Wasatch Mountain Film Festival, and Montana International Film Festival, the film chronicles professional skier Drew Petersen’s journey with mental health and skiing. The story chronicles his journey through suicidal depression and his goal to run the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon and ski the highest 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Feel It All aims to stimulate more conversations about mental health in the industry and inspire cultural change in breaking down stigmas. 

The Blizzard of Aahhh’s (1988)

The Blizzard of Aahhh’s, directed by Greg Stump and stars athletes like Scot Schmidt, Mike Hattrup, and mohawk-clad Glen Plake, mixes extreme skiing with an extreme soundtrack. The film also features music by Andrew Poppy, Schonherz and Scott, Ted Musgrave, Nasty Rox Inc., Propaganda, Alpha Blondy, and Act. Made in 1988, this is another classic 80s ski film that helped put extreme skiing on the map. At its core, The Blizzard of Aahhh’s is a film for outsiders, for those who stand out on the mountain, and in their lives, and who excel at going against the status quo. It helped break the ski movie mold and continues to inspire people to this day.