There are very few things as wonderful as downhill skiing. I have skied often and it is one of my life’s passions. Why do I love skiing: because it’s fun and enjoyable; it’s an adventure; it makes me feel alive. There is nothing quite like it with its thrilling adrenaline rush. No matter the level of skiing from beginner to advanced, it’s addictive and exhilarating.
“Skiing is the best way to have wings,“ Oprah Winfrey. It’s like flying, similar to hang gliding, ski diving, and wing suits. It gives you freedom, it’s otherworldly, like scuba diving, backpacking, dancing, and mountain climbing. “A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom,” Warren Miller, famed ski film director.
Below are some of the best ski movies ever, although hard core skiers may have other picks, no doubt.
Steep and Deep
“Steep and Deep”, 1985, is one of the best Warren Miller classic ski documentaries. Miller made 70 ski films and was a pioneer of extreme skiing. The film is authentic 1980s ski culture and follows the birth of extreme skiing. It follows several skiers around the world, to the U.S., Europe, Japan, and New Zealand. Skiers include Stein Eriksen, Phil Mahre, Billy Kidd, and Craig Peterson.
Downhill Racer
A sports drama with breathtaking skiing and intense sports competition along with serious drama. “Downhill Racer”, 1969, is about an arrogant skier who joins the U.S. Ski Team. He clashes with the coach and competes with the top skier for a spot in the Winter Olympics. Roger Ebert called it “The best movie about sports without really being about sports at all.”
Filmed in Switzerland, Austria, France, and Colorado. Directed by Michael Ritchie with a cast of Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, and Camilla Sparz.
Ski School
“Ski School”, 1991, is a thrilling sports comedy filmed in Oregon and British Columbia. A group of ski instructors must compete with another team in a high stakes downhill competition.
Directed by Damien Lee with a cast of Dean Cameron, Tom Bresnahan, Patrick Labyorreaux, Darlene Vogel, and Stuart Fratkin.
Eddie the Eagle
“Eddie the Eagle”, 2015, is a sports biopic that is an inspiring, feel good, underdog story. It is based on the real life Michael ‘Eddie’ Edwards, an unlikely but courageous British ski jumper who beat the odds and competed in the 1998 Winter Olympics. The movie was filmed in Germany and Austria. Directed by Dexter Fletcher with a wonderful cast of Taron Eagerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Iris Berbin, and Jim Broadbent.
McConkey
Considered a ‘Must See’ ski documentary. It is an inspiring biopic about Canadian legendary skier Shane McConkey (1969-2009). McConkey was voted Number 1 skier by both Powder and Skiing magazines. He won numerous awards and championships. The movie is directed by Rob Bruce with a cast of Ingrid Backstrom, Andreas Barkhall, and Mark Broderick.
Few Words
A documentary film, “Few Words”, 2012, tells the story of French skiing champion Candid Thorvex. He is one of the most successful and talented freestyle skiers in the world. Directed by Matt Pain with a cast of Michi Albin, Edgar Grospiron, and Raphaelle Sjostrom.
Aspen Extreme
A cult classic of ski bum culture life filmed in Aspen. “Aspen Extreme”, 1993, has the thrills of skiing, intense competitions, and breathtaking scenery. The story is about two ski enthusiasts who become ski instructors in Aspen. Directed by Patrick Hasburgh with a cast of Paul Gross, Peter Berg, Finola Hughes, and Teri Polo.
Fire and Ice
The German ski movie “Fire and Ice”, 1986, is high in action with breathtaking scenery. It brilliantly captures the essence of skiing. Filmed in Aspen, Vail, and the Swiss Alps. Directed by Will Bigner with a cast of Kelby Anno, Phillippe Bernard, and Scott Brooksbank.
Claim
Great skiing in a tongue-in-cheek lampoon of ski movies and the ski industry. “Claim”, 2008, include skiers Mark Abma, Ingrid Backstrom, and Rory Bushfield.
The Blizzard of Aahhhs
“The Blizzard of Aahhhs”, 1988, is the most critically acclaimed sports documentary. Is is a classic 1980s ski film with excellent cinematography and attention to detail. Directed by Greg Stump with a cast of Scout Schmidt, Mike Hattrup, and Glen Plake.
Sources:
IMDB
Ranker
Powder
Ski
Outside
Dope
On the Snow
The Manuel
