The Blizzard of Aahhh's

The Blizzard of Aahhh's is a genre-defining and groundbreaking ski film from the mind of Greg Stump in 1988, starring Mike Hattrup, Scot Schmidt and the unmistakable Glen Plake. Far more than a mere sports film, it stands out as something of a cultural document, curating a moment of massive change and evolution in the culture of skiing.

The film is marked out by its unconventional take on what a ski movie could be, including not just exceptional skiing footage but also candid, eye-opening interviews with the skiers themselves. Beyond adrenaline-rush sequences, this film aimed to shed light on the fringe culture and hardcore devotion of those who live for carving up mountain sides. What makes this movie stand out is Stump's commitment not just to the sport of skiing but to the characters orbiting it. It was this people-centered approach that ignited public interest, transforming skiers into rock stars with Hattrup, Schmidt, and Plake firmly in their midst.

Mike Hattrup, known for his remarkable abilities on steep terrain, brings his quiet determination and passion to the film, carving the slopes with expert precision and style. Scot Schmidt, the pioneer of extreme skiing, lends a sense of daring boldness, pushing the limits of what is possible on skis and charging hard down unforgiving mountainsides.

Arguably the film's most unforgettable character, Glen Plake, comes across like a punk rock star with his trademark mohawk, flamboyantly proving that skiing extreme terrain isn't just about skill, but about attitude too. Plake's bigger-than-life personality is as idiosyncratic as the film itself, breaking stereotypes and turning heads along the way.

The Blizzard of Aahhh's skillfully explores the trio's antics, both on and off the slopes, blending high-octane downhill action with a significant dose of humour and camaraderie. It captures an era of rebelliousness and innovation in the skiing world with a pulse-pounding and unconventional soundtrack.

The film's narrative sprawls across majestic ski locales. From relatively serene scenes in Telluride, Colorado, the film embarks on a globe-trotting journey to Chamonix in France, where the stakes are higher, the slopes steeper, and the drops terrifyingly vast. These breath-taking visuals are coupled with Hattrup, Plake, and Schmidt performing mind-boggling stunts, pushing the limits of extreme skiing way beyond imagination.

Stump's masterstroke in The Blizzard of Aahhh's is the clever melding of high-adventure documentary style with music video aesthetics. Fast cuts, heavy music, and candid shots breath life, imparting a kinetic energy that never lets up from the opening frame to the last.

Despite its status as an adventure and sports film, The Blizzard of Aahhh's does not shy away from the risks carried with the skiers' pursuit of the ultimate downhill experience. It explores the danger, thrill, and addiction to the world of extreme skiing, showing not just the physical but the psychological factors that drive athletes to such extremes. This balance of excitement and danger propels the narrative with an ongoing tension that makes the experience all the more engrossing.

What makes The Blizzard of Aahhh's truly special is its germination as an independent production. While many sports-focused films present a more polished, commercial-centric view of skiing, Stump's movie defies this stereotype by showcasing raw, unfiltered slices of subculture associated with this extreme sport.

The Blizzard of Aahhh's is an iconic piece of ski culture filled with adrenaline, humor, and out-of-this-world stunts. Its impact reaches far beyond its 80s origins and continues to inspire generations of extreme sports enthusiasts. The film's unique blend of rock and roll, adrenaline-filled action, and the ragged charm of its principal characters have made it a timeless classic in the skiing world. It is a must-watch for ski enthusiasts looking to revisit the golden era of extreme skiing and for newcomers looking to understand the roots of this adrenal, gravity-defying pursuit.