It’s seemingly impossible for Hollywood to add a ski scene into a movie without involving guns, tables, major wipeouts or questionable green screens. Whilst some of us despair every time we see the skis being dusted off on the big screen, we do have to admit these scenes provide us with a lot of entertainment. Here we’re giving you a rundown of our top 9 (because 10 would be too predictable) ski scenes from the movies.
1. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
This is one of the first Bond movies I ever saw and the scene through the restaurant has stuck with me ever since as being just utterly absurd. Add to that the fact that Bond is being chased down a mountain by motorbike-riding lunatics and he’s not even wearing a helmet… I was aghast! The moment where the ski school line comes a cropper is also strangely satisfying.
2. Hot Dog… The Movie (1984) – The Chinese Downhill Scene
If you have never seen this movie, you will want to after watching this scene. It’s a masterpiece. The whole premise is brilliant. The beginning could be a scene straight out of the White Race (held at the end of the season every year in St. Anton) but from there, all bets are off. A favourite of ours is the elaborate machinery that allows a frontrunner to shower those behind him in snow, rendering them temporarily blind. Oh, and there’s another skiing through a restaurant scene because why not?!
3. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
You really can’t post about ridiculous skiing scenes without including good old Bridget. From ridiculous outfit to the the total loss of control, attempts to stay upright and wild screaming, I think everyone can relate to this scene on some level. Bridget Jones quicker than two slalom skiers though? Ridiculous.
4. Spellbound (1945)
This scene contains the movie’s key moment of revelation for the main character, which just so happens to take place as he and his female companion are skiing towards a sheer cliff drop, with no apparent intention of stopping. The acting and effects of this one really just have to be seen to be believed (we do forgive them though – it was 1945).
5. Hot Tub Time Machine
I mean, the whole premise of this movie is ridiculous so it’s only fitting that one of the only scenes featuring the main characters actually out on the slopes is equally so. Featuring some interesting acting, questionable (read utterly unbelievable) skills, and truly impressive 80s outfits, the pinnacle of this scene is the final wipeout.
6. Hot Dog… The Movie (1984) – Ski Ballet scene
OK yes, we included this movie twice, but it had to be done. For those that have never witnessed the joy that is ski ballet, thank me later. Set against a backdrop of fierce macho rivalry between the two main characters, this scene is a work of art.
7. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
This opening scene is often regarded as one of the best openings, as well as best ski chases, in the Bond franchise. It’s clear why. The evil henchmen in their matching outfits, the elaborate ski jumps, the gun-inside-a-pole contraption, it’s classic Bond. The union jack parachute at the end just puts the cherry on the top.
8. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
While this is not a ridiculous scene in the way that others in this list are; truly absurd or down right hilarious, it is completely unique in its creation. Director Wes Anderson, known for his original and innovative style of cinema, used puppets to create this scene and the result is a very entertaining ski scene completely different from any other.
9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
James Bond on skis, check. Beautiful Bond girl, check. Baddies with guns, check. Avalanche, check. All the ingredients for a cracking Bond scene, which this is indeed. The skiing is sublime, the plot as ridiculous as you can expect from a Bond ski chase, and George Lazenby’s one-liners are just something else. Our particular favourite? “The guy had lots of guts”.
If you want to check out some real-life ski edits, visit our ski videos page for all the latest drops.
