Snow where are you?? It’s that time of the year again, the long summer months are here and news of fresh powder on the slopes feels like a distant memory. So here at Iglu Ski we have put together a wintry themed list of Hollywood movies involving skiing and ski resorts that are so frosty you really should watch in the warmth of summer.
Without further ado and in no particular order, I give you the Top 10 Best Hollywood Ski Films.
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Hot Tub Time Machine is an adventure comedy that follows a group of best friends who've become bored with their adult lives. In an attempt to reconnect and reminisce about the Good ole days the group revisit Fernie Alpine ski resort in British Columbia, Canada. After a crazy night of drinking in a hot tub the men wake up back in 1986. With the chance to amend past mistakes, rekindle lost relationships and improve their own lives in the future firmly in their own hands as well as the consequences.
Frozen (2010)
Not to be confused with the children (and adult) Disney hit film of 2014. This Frozen is the terrifying tale of three eager snowboarders, whose endeavour to get one last run, takes a turn for the worst with them fighting for their lives. Joy soon turns to despair when they get stranded high up on a mountain ski lift when a storm approaches, and the realisation that the resort will be shut for the whole week sinks in.
Stuck in the bitter cold the trio take their chance at survival to get off the lift and back down to the resort. Filmed at Snowbasin near Ogden in Utah and without giving away too much, hypothermia isn’t the only thing they have to fear.
Chalet Girl (2011)
Set in St Anton, Chalet Girl is a charming romantic comedy that brings the resort life to the big screen. Think chick-flick with snowboards, Chalet girl tells the tale of former skateboarding champion Kim who has become resigned to working in a fast food restaurant until she gets the surprise job opportunity to work for a wealthy family in the Alps. After being whisked away from England her fun filled adventure begins, full of love, heart-break, partying and a turbulent time in her new job, she enters a snowboarding competition with the dreams of winning the huge cash prize.
Dumber and Dumber in Aspen (1995)
Dumb and Dumber is a comedy classic, full of hi-jinx and slapstick comedy, the two good-natured but dimwit friends set out on a cross-country trip to Aspen, Colorado to return a briefcase full of money to its owner, only to be pursued by a group of criminals who are also after the briefcase. Aspen, known for its extravagant hotels and picturesque mountain views is comically described by Jim Carey as "a place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano”. Take a look at this laughter filled adventure.
Happy Feet (2006)
Okay, okay! We know this film is an animation that doesn’t feature skiing or ski resorts, but hey those penguins are incredible body boarders. And who doesn’t love a musical themed heartfelt story about a courageous penguin that is unable to sing like the rest of his kind, but instead is inspired to tap dance in the hope of winning the affection of the penguin he loves.
Inception (2010)
This science fiction heist thriller, featuring a star ensemble cast with leading man Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) who sets out on an impossible task fulfil his redemption. Dom acquires a team of specialists to perform corporate espionage using an experimental military technology to infiltrate the subconscious of their targets and extract information while experiencing shared dreaming. This mind boggling movie features an adrenaline fuelled scene high up in the mountains where the team are trying to destroy a snow covered fortress.
The World is Not Enough (1999)
With the world’s oil supplies hanging in the balance, James Bond is assigned to diffuse an international power struggle and protect the daughter of an oil tycoon. Though filming for this movie took place all around the world, the most iconic scene of the whole movie is undoubtedly set on the slopes. Pierce Brosnan & Elktra King expertly navigate their way down the slopes with the breath-taking mountains ofChamonix in the background, before battling villains in the sky on flying snowmobiles. For more action packed clips of James Bond on the slopes check out our must read blog.
Cool Running's (1993)
Based on the true story of four Jamaican bobsledders, who dream of competing in the 1988 Winter Olympics despite having never seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, this joyful feel good comedy follows the Jamaican hopefuls as they set out to become worthy of Olympic selection, and go all out for glory. Cool Running’s is the charming tale of determined underdogs, with plenty of laughs, moments of real tension, and five engaging performances, this is a definite must watch.
Out Cold (2001)
Combining outrageous comedy, awesome snowboarding and the most over the top après-ski antics you’ve ever seen on the big screen. Out Cold, captures that youthful time in our lives where the party and fun never seems like it is going to end. Set in the fictional tiny-town of Bull Mountain, Colorado – a winter wonderland of snow, skiing and snowboarding. A place where there's always fluffy powder to plow through and hilarious friends around every corner.
Bridget Jones - The Edge of Reason (2004)
Whether you’re shaking your head in admiration or shaking your head in despair, the hopeless lovable Bridget Jones never fails to raise a smile. The edge of reason takes Bridget on a hilarious and unexpected new journey as she navigates the treacherous territory of modern love without ever losing her inimitable sense of humour.
One of the film’s most iconic scenes takes place in Lech, Austria where Bridget loses her composure after convincing herself she’s pregnant and ends up slaloming down the slopes before inadvertently gate-crashing a professional ski race and whizzing off piste and miraculously ending up in the resort pharmacy. This jolly movie is a must watch if you haven’t already!
Now that’s what you call a great list, by the time you’ve watched them all it might just be time to start dusting off your skis and preparing for your winter ski break with IGLU Ski. Let us know your favourite film from our list in the comments section below.
By Myles
(Here at IGLU Ski we promote safe drinking and encourage everyone to act responsible on the slopes.)
