Movie Review: Ski Patrol (1990)

★★★★★

Ski Patrol is one of those movies I watched on a whim and ended up loving. It's goofy, lighthearted, and just plain fun, and gave me a good laugh!

Ricky T.

Wisconsin

There’s something oddly comforting about winter comedies from the late ’80s and early ’90s, the bright neon ski jackets, the over-the-top slapstick, and the unapologetically goofy tone that you just don’t see in movies anymore. Ski Patrol (1990) fits right into that category. It’s a film that was never aiming for awards but knew exactly what it wanted to be: a lighthearted, snow-filled ride packed with gags, misfits, and absurd situations.

As a reviewer for Box Review, I wanted to focus less on the obvious “ski comedy” surface and more on what Ski Patrol does uniquely well, the small details that have earned it a cult following over the years, and why it still works for fans of retro comedy today.

The Plot Beneath the Powder

The setup is classic underdog fare: A group of quirky ski patrollers at Snowy Peaks Resort must fend off the greedy developer who wants to take over the slopes. Along the way, there are practical jokes, wild skiing stunts, and a steady stream of cartoonish villains getting what’s coming to them.

While the story is straightforward, it’s the delivery that makes Ski Patrol memorable. The film leans into its episodic feel, each scene playing almost like a standalone comedy sketch before sliding into the next. It’s less about the central plot and more about the personality of the mountain and its eccentric inhabitants.

Characters That Feel Like They Walked Out of an ’80s Sitcom

Most ski comedies throw in a few generic “wacky” characters, but Ski Patrol goes all in. You’ve got Iceman (T.K. Carter) as the prank-loving smooth talker, Stanley (Paul Feig, long before directing Bridesmaids) as the awkward new guy trying to fit in, and a host of oddballs that make the resort feel alive.

The chemistry between the cast is surprisingly strong for such a broad comedy. You believe these people have worked together for years, sharing inside jokes and rivalries. It’s this camaraderie and not just the physical gags that give the movie a rewatchable charm.

The Real Star: The Stunt Work

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is the actual skiing in Ski Patrol. For all its ridiculous humor, the movie features some genuinely impressive stunt work. From high-speed downhill chases to acrobatic flips off jumps, there’s real athleticism behind the comedy.

The filmmakers didn’t rely on obvious stunt doubles for every shot; you often see the actors themselves skiing, which adds authenticity. In an era before drones and GoPro shots, some of the moving camera work on the slopes is genuinely exciting.

Slapstick Done the Old-School Way

If you grew up on Police Academy, Hot Dog… In the Movie, or other broad comedies of the era, you’ll feel right at home here. The humor in Ski Patrol is unapologetically silly: pratfalls, food fights, mistaken identities, and the occasional joke that makes you roll your eyes but still grin.

There’s something refreshing about its lack of cynicism. This isn’t a comedy that’s trying to be meta or edgy; it’s goofy for the sake of goofy, which is kind of a lost art in modern film.

The ’90s Time Capsule Factor

Watching Ski Patrol today is like flipping through an old ski magazine from 1990. Everything from the ski fashion (think neon, color-blocked jackets, and mirrored goggles) to the synth-heavy soundtrack screams early ’90s energy.

For fans of retro comedies, that dated style is a huge part of the appeal. It’s not just nostalgia, it’s a reminder of when comedies were bright, loud, and not afraid to be ridiculous.

Why It Works Better Than It Should

Let’s be honest: Ski Patrol is not reinventing the wheel. It’s a formula we’ve seen before, underdogs vs. greedy developers, and the jokes range from genuinely funny to groan-worthy. But what makes it work is the sincerity. The movie commits 100% to its tone, and that’s why it’s become a comfort watch for so many.

There’s also the fact that it doesn’t overstay its welcome. At just over an hour and a half, it’s a breezy watch that never takes itself too seriously.

Final Thoughts

As a comedy, Ski Patrol is pure fluff, but it’s fun fluff. It’s the kind of movie you put on when you want to smile without thinking too hard, when you’re in the mood for some snowy slapstick and a cast of likable misfits.

From a BoxReview.com perspective, it’s an underrated gem in the snow-comedy niche. Sure, it’s silly and dated, but that’s exactly the point. It’s a reminder of an era when comedies didn’t need razor-sharp satire or heavy drama to work, just a good ensemble, some wild physical gags, and the spirit of mischief on the slopes.

If you’re the type who enjoys cult comedies like Better Off Dead or Out Cold, Ski Patrol is worth tracking down. It won’t change your life, but it might just brighten your day and maybe even make you wish you had a neon ski suit in the back of your closet.