Ski Patrol

In the world of skiing, there are few things more important than the ski patrol. This specialized group of individuals is tasked with keeping the slopes safe for skiers of all levels - and in the 1990 comedy "Ski Patrol," we get a hilarious look at what goes on behind the scenes of a ski resort.

Set in a fictional ski town called Snowy Peaks, "Ski Patrol" follows the exploits of a ragtag group of ski patrollers as they go about their daily routines. Led by the handsome and charismatic Jerry (Roger Rose), the patrollers are an eclectic bunch. There's the rebellious and impulsive T.K. (T.K. Carter), the hardworking and determined Ellen (Yvette Nipar), and the quirky veteran Sam (Ray Walston), to name just a few.

When a rival ski resort owner named Maris (Martin Mull) decides to try and undercut Snowy Peaks by using illegal snowmaking machines, it's up to Jerry and his crew to put a stop to him. Along the way, they'll encounter all sorts of obstacles, from avalanches to romantic entanglements to a group of ski thugs known as the "Rat Pack."

Despite its somewhat cheesy premise, "Ski Patrol" manages to be a surprisingly entertaining movie. Sure, some of the jokes fall flat and the acting is a little uneven, but for the most part, the film is a lot of fun. The ski scenes are well-shot and exciting, and the characters are likable enough that you'll find yourself rooting for them even when they're making boneheaded mistakes.

One of the strengths of "Ski Patrol" is its sense of humor. While it's certainly not the most sophisticated comedy you'll ever see, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film. Whether it's Jerry performing an impromptu dance number on the ski slopes or the patrollers engaging in a snowball fight, there's always something amusing happening in Snowy Peaks.

Another thing that sets "Ski Patrol" apart from other ski movies of its era is its focus on the ski patrol itself. While movies like "Better Off Dead" and "Hot Dog...The Movie" were content to simply use skiing as a backdrop for their hijinks, "Ski Patrol" actually takes the time to explore what it's like to work as a ski patroller. We see the long hours, the dangerous rescues, and the close-knit camaraderie that develops between the patrollers. It's a refreshing change of pace from the typical "snowboarding bad boy" stereotype that was so prevalent in '90s ski movies.

Of course, "Ski Patrol" isn't without its flaws. As mentioned earlier, some of the jokes fall flat, and the movie's pacing can be a little uneven at times. There are also a few too many subplots going on at once, which can make the movie feel a bit cluttered. Additionally, some of the characters are a little one-dimensional, particularly Maris and his henchmen. But these are relatively minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable film.

Overall, "Ski Patrol" is a movie that's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of '90s comedies, ski movies, or just good old-fashioned silly fun. It's not a deeply meaningful movie, but it doesn't need to be - sometimes, you just want to watch a bunch of likable characters bumble their way through a ski resort, and "Ski Patrol" delivers on that front. So grab your skis and your sense of humor, and get ready to hit the slopes with Jerry and the gang.