Ski movies make us dream. Whether it’s cranking turns down steep first descents, popping pillows deep in the backcountry or celebrating the culture that animates these sports of sliding on snow, these movies are responsible for capturing our imaginations and inspiring us.
It will come as no surprise that, as employees at a heli-skiing company, our team are fans of ski movies. We thought we’d ask the office what their favourite films were, and what captivated them.
CMH staff share their top ski movies
“Steep”
Jimi Brooks | Inside Sales
I love this documentary because it tells multiple skiers stories, from around the world, about how they discovered skiing and how it’s shaped their lives. There’s also an awesome segment about Chamonix, the place where I grew up skiing.
“Out Cold”
Steve Pampel | Director, Sales & Business Development
No contest, this is it. Zach Galifianakis’ coming of age as an up-and-coming comedian. The legendary King of the Mountain sequence. Although, this movie could be the reason people think you need to jump out of helicopters… You don’t!
Stewart Varley | Hospitality
Another vote for Out Cold! One of the only snowboard specific movies that Hollywood ever made and it may or may not have inspired me to drop out of university at one point of my life, but this cannot be confirmed.
“The Unofficial Game of GNAR”
Diana Cocchiarella | Inside Sales
I picked this one because it’s fun and it showcases the community and camaraderie found in skiing and snowboarding. The competition can be (and has been) easily replicated at your local ski resort, so it creates an experience that anyone can get involved in.
Rachel Machin | Employee Experience
Tough to pick, but I think GNAR takes the top spot because it nails everything I love about the sport. The skiing is absolutely unreal, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It feels like an obstreperous (Editor’s Note: Good diction, Rachel) reminder that skiing is supposed to be fun.
“Totally Board 2”
Sada Furue | AP & Purchasing Administrator
My hero, Terje Håkonsen, was in this video. It was 1992-93. The internet was in its infancy, and there weren’t any social media platforms, so these videos showed me the snowboard world. This movie was why I moved from Japan to Canada for snowboarding.
“CLAIM, The Greatest Ski Movie… EVER”
Tommy Tuer-Sipos | Inside Sales
This was the first dedicated ski movie I owned. Importantly, there wasn’t any of that snowboarding nonsense stuff.
“Hot Dog…The Movie”
Kirsten Madsen | Marketing
We were in a little dive bar. My friend pointed to the Hot Dog poster on the wall and said, “That’s a crazy movie poster, what is that?” Our bartender and bar mates all exclaimed, “You haven’t seen HOT DOG?!” And they played it on an old TV.
So, we sheepishly watched with a growing number of bargoers crowding behind us and reminiscing about their favourite scenes. I love that memory. I love skiing. And I love people who love skiing.
“Ski Your Ass Off”
Rob Whelan | Information Services
The best short ski movie ever. Also, fun fact: the director also did a promotional movie for Kootenay Heli-Skiing back in the 80s before it became part of CMH.
“Blizzard of Aahhh’s”
Steve Dunn | Marketing
At the risk of severely dating myself, Greg Stump’s 1988 film is an absolute classic. It paved the way for companies like Matchstick Productions and Sherpas Cinemas, kicking off the era of professional freeskiers. It made all of us little groms of the ’80s and ’90s want to shred a little harder. And wear a Glen Plake mohawk haircut, obviously.
Laura Newsome | Operations
Blizzard of Aahhh’s motivated little groms in 2010, too! My son rocked that haircut for Halloween and still routinely busts out the Glen Plake moves on the slopes.
“Weak Layers”
Rylie Moscato | Mountain Operations
Katie Burrell? A bunch of sick female skiers? Skiing dope lines? With ski town culture at the forefront? Oh, and it’s a comedy? Say no more.
“Warren Miller’s Ski Time”
Julia LoVecchio | Marketing
The reason this one is my favourite is very simple: my dad’s in it shredding at Wiegele World!
“Aspen Extreme”
Chris Taylor | Sales
I can’t believe no one has said Aspen Extreme! It’s the classic ski bum, ski instructor flick. Naturally, trouble ensues. As someone who moved from a place with no real skiing to go and live the dream, this will always have my heart.
Go heli-skiing and make your own ski movie next winter
This now begs the question: What are YOUR favourite ski movies? Let us know in the comments below. And if all of this ski movie talk has got you dreaming of going from the silver screen to the whiteroom, know that we’re booking spots for next season right now.
Comments