Carve through the cinematic slopes where every turn reveals a new story.
From quirky comedies to heart-pounding dramas, these films capture the thrill of the chill.
Strap on your goggles for our fresh tracks through the best Skiing movies, shows, and documentaries — will you stick the landing?
Best Skiing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Downhill Racer (1969)
- Eddie the Eagle (2016)
- Aspen Extreme (1993)
- Out Cold (2001)
- Frost/Nixon (2008)
- The Other Side of the Mountain (1975)
- Chalet Girl (2011)
- Better Off Dead (1985)
- Ski School (1990)
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Table of Contents
#1 Downhill Racer (1969)
- 🎬 Directed by: Michael Ritchie
- 🌟 Starring: Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Camilla Sparv
Downhill Racer is a sports drama that captures the high-speed excitement and competitive spirit of professional alpine skiing. Robert Redford stars as David Chappellet, an ambitious and talented American skier who faces various personal and professional challenges on his way to becoming a champion.
Directed by Michael Ritchie, the film is known for its spectacular race sequences and insightful look into the world of Olympic skiing.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Eddie the Eagle (2016)
- 🎬 Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
- 🌟 Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken
Eddie the Eagle is a biographical sports comedy-drama based on the true story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, a British underdog ski jumper who became a sensation at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Taron Egerton plays Eddie with earnest charm, and Hugh Jackman portrays his fictional coach. The film highlights themes of perseverance and the joy of participation, celebrating the spirit of the Olympics.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 Aspen Extreme (1993)
- 🎬 Directed by: Patrick Hasburgh
- 🌟 Starring: Paul Gross, Peter Berg, Finola Hughes
Aspen Extreme follows the story of two friends who leave their blue-collar jobs to become ski instructors in Aspen, Colorado. Their aspirations for fame and fortune soon lead to choices that test their friendship and their integrity.
This ’90s film combines the allure of the ski lifestyle with a dramatic narrative about ambition and the consequences that come with chasing dreams.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#4 Out Cold (2001)
- 🎬 Directed by: Brendan Malloy, Emmett Malloy
- 🌟 Starring: Jason London, Lee Majors, Zac Galifianakis
Out Cold is a snowboarding comedy that takes place in the fictional Alaskan town of Bull Mountain. The story revolves around a group of young snowboarders trying to prevent their mountain from being turned into a massive commercial ski resort.
It’s a tale filled with humor, high jinks, and ‘boarding action, reflecting the laid-back lifestyle and camaraderie of snow-sports enthusiasts.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#5 Frost/Nixon (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ron Howard
- 🌟 Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon
Frost/Nixon presents a dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former President Richard Nixon.
While the film isn’t about skiing, it includes a notable scene where Nixon’s character goes skiing, providing a brief look at the sport within a historical drama context.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#6 The Other Side of the Mountain (1975)
- 🎬 Directed by: Larry Peerce
- 🌟 Starring: Marilyn Hassett, Beau Bridges, Belinda Montgomery
The Other Side of the Mountain is based on the true story of Jill Kinmont, a talented young skier who was destined for Olympic glory until a tragic accident left her paralyzed from the neck down.
The film is a moving portrayal of Kinmont’s courage and determination as she adapts to her new life and finds new meaning beyond the slopes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 Chalet Girl (2011)
- 🎬 Directed by: Phil Traill
- 🌟 Starring: Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick, Bill Nighy
Chalet Girl features Felicity Jones as a former skateboarding champion who takes a job at a ski chalet to support her family, only to discover the world of snowboarding in the Alps.
It’s a lighthearted romantic comedy that blends sport, love, and self-discovery against a picture-perfect mountain backdrop.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#8 Better Off Dead (1985)
- 🎬 Directed by: Savage Steve Holland
- 🌟 Starring: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Diane Franklin
Better Off Dead is a dark comedy with elements of surreal humor, following high school student Lane Myer (John Cusack) who becomes suicidal after his girlfriend dumps him right before Christmas.
Among the film’s many offbeat sequences, skiing plays a significant comedic role, with a climactic race down the treacherous K-12 slope.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Ski School (1990)
- 🎬 Directed by: Damian Lee
- 🌟 Starring: Dean Cameron, Tom Bresnahan, Patrick Labyorteaux
Ski School is a comedy revolving around a group of ski instructors who are more interested in partying than skiing. It’s a classic tale of misfits versus snobs, as the main characters challenge a rival ski school in a series of wild and wacky competitions.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#10 The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
- 🎬 Directed by: Lewis Gilbert
- 🌟 Starring: Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curd Jürgens
Although not primarily about skiing, The Spy Who Loved Me, a classic James Bond adventure, starts with an iconic ski chase sequence that remains one of the most memorable opening scenes in the franchise’s history.
Roger Moore’s 007 effortlessly combines luxury, espionage, and elegant alpine action in this exciting installment.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
Also, check out our list of the best skiing podcasts and skiing YouTube channels if you want to dive deep into the sport!
FAQ
What is the best Skiing movie of all time?
“Downhill Racer” (1969) is the best Skiing movie of all time, featuring Robert Redford in a classic tale of ambition in the world of Olympic skiing.
What are some good Skiing movies?
“Ski School,” “Out Cold,” “Aspen Extreme,” and “Frostbite” are good Skiing movies, each offering comedic or dramatic takes on the sport.
What Skiing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Skiing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Icarus” (2017), which, while centered on doping in sports, includes skiing competition scenes, and “The Art of Flight” (2011) for snowboarding… However, Netflix’s catalog changes frequently, so check for the latest offerings.
