Comedy writers of the 80s and 90s looked situations where large groups of rebellious youth could party of otherwise tick off the “adult” establishment. Golf courses (Caddy Shack), the army (Stripes), colleges (Animal House) and countless beach and vacation locations.
It was only natural that these movies would make its way to ski resorts. The ski industry had been building up since the late 19th century but really took off with the invention of lifts and the return of troops from the 10th Mountain Division who learned to see to navigate the Alps.
The first modern ski club organized in New Hampshire in 1880. However, a major turning point was the 1930s, when the first rope tow was installed in 1934 in Woodstock, Vermont.
The original ski mountains were basically any farmer with a decent hill, lots of natural snow and perhaps an old farm truck made into a tow rope.
The 60s and 70s saw more development and consolidation of ski spots into mountains with chair lifts. But the more modern resorts really started taking hold in the 80s with major developments and investment especially with more interest from the general public in winter sports with US successes in hockey and skiing events in the winter olympics.
Resorts offering nightlife or apres ski activities were a neccessary ingredient for ski party movies, as well as access to ski places to the general public rather than just the elite. As the developments grew, group trips to high schoolers and colleges entice novice skis to the slopes and introduced a new generation the sport of skiing.
I myself recall going skiing for the first time with a church group when my dad was stationed in Germany back in the late 70s.
The ski movies of this era were cheaply and aimed horny teenagers. Light on plot but heavy on the ski stunts, bare chested ladies and partying. Common themes, like many of the comedies of the era were that of the underdogs besting the wealthy snobby guys, getting the girls and fighting for their rights to party.
Parental barriers are rare and the situation allow the teenager or college kids to party on unhindered by disapproving adults or even common sense.
Ski School – Skiing is a high stakes game for Reid Janssens (Mark Thomas Miller), the preppy, pretentious and very serious skier who rules the slopes. And then there’s Dave Marshak (Dean Cameron), a reckless party animal, but with equally impressive skills on white powder. Like oil & water, these two do not mix. So, it’s a fight to the finish as they set out to win the title in the end-of-season downhill race, which tests their endurance as they battle one another on and off the slopes in the action-comedy Ski School.
Ski Patrol – The lease on the Snowy Peaks Lodge, a popular ski resort, is up for renewal and it’s owner Pops (Ray Walston, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) has no worries about signing a new lease. Despite his Ski Patrol, an out-of-control group of skiers led by Jerry (Roger Rose, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives) and Iceman (T.K. Carter, John Carpenter’s The Thing), the resort has an impeccable safety record. However, a devious land developer (Martin Mull, Clue) has other plans in mind for the resort and hires the talents of a young blonde named Lance (Corby Timbrook, The Glass Shield) to undermine the Ski Patrol’s efforts to keep the slopes safe.Featuring an all-star supporting cast including Leslie Jordan (“Will & Grace”), Paul Feig (Bridesmaids), Stephen Hytner (“Seinfeld”) and comedian George Lopez (“George Lopez”) combined with extraordinary aerial stunts, impressive snowboarding with an incredible downhill showdown, all add to the excitement as the Ski Patrol does their best to save Pop’s Mountain.
Hot Dog …The Movie! – The Iconic ’80s T&A Cult Classic – For the First Time Ever in its Original Uncut Version!
Harkin Banks (Patrick Houser) is an American hot-dogger who enters a winter skiing competition and goes pole-to-pole with Rudi (John Patrick Reger), an arrogant Austrian pro who will do anything to win! As Harkin’s “Rat Pack” and Rudi’s “Rudettes” battle on and off the slopes, Rudi’s ultra-sexy ex-girlfriend (Shannon Tweed, Playboy’s 1982 Playmate of the Year) sets her sights on Harkin with a few “pointers” of her own. Culminating in a final and dangerous “Chinese Downhill” race, only one will be victorious! See and hear HOT DOG … THE MOVIE the way it was always meant to be in this “Unrated Producer’s Cut” of the iconic ’80s T&A ski-comedy classic! Remastered in 4K from the uncut 35mm camera negative and remixed in 5.1 surround sound, this is writer/co-producer Mike Marvin’s original version of the film containing additional nudity, sex and restored scenes not included in the 1984 theatrical release.