Year: 2001
Runtime: 89 min
Language: English
Directors: Emmett Malloy, Brendan Malloy
A group of friends head to Alaska's challenging Bull Mountain for a snowboarding trip filled with intense action and hilarious moments. Rick, Luke, Anthony, and Pigpen are thrill-seekers who live for the adrenaline rush of conquering the slopes and pursuing romantic interests. They navigate treacherous terrain and unexpected situations while embracing a life of non-stop adventure and outrageous humor.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Out Cold yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Out Cold (2001), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Rick Rambis, portrayed by Jason London, lives a carefree life at a ski resort on Bull Mountain, Alaska, along with his best friend Luke (played by Zach Galifianakis) and a group of diverse friends including Anthony, “Pig Pen” (Derek Hamilton), Jenny (A. J. Cook), Lance (the bartender), and Stumpy (David Koechner). The mountain was established by the legendary Herbert “Papa” Muntz (Lewis Arquette), who tragically met his end while enjoying a drink and skiing. Following his death, the mountain has been under the control of his son Ted (Willie Garson), who plans to sell it to the affluent ski resort mogul, John Majors (Lee Majors).
In the intricate social web of the resort, Rick harbors feelings for Jenny, yet he struggles to move on from his previous romance with Anna (Caroline Dhavernas), who vanished mysteriously after their summer romance in Mexico. Rick, embodying the title of “King of the Mountain,” again proves his mettle while competing with his friends, much to their amusement and dismay; he manages to win a drinking contest against Anthony, who has been unlucky for three years in a row.
Pranks reign supreme among the group, with Pig Pen prankingly getting Luke intoxicated and leaving him in a precarious situation overnight, which leads to an unexpected encounter with a polar bear. At the same time, Rick musters up enough courage to invite Jenny for a date.
However, the arrival of John Majors presents a challenge for Rick as he plans to change the mountain’s name and transform it into a luxurious resort. Rick provides thoughtful suggestions to convert Bull Mountain into a hub for thrill-seekers, yet the drastic changes disturb his friends, especially when John enforces new, unflattering uniforms.
The conflict intensifies with the return of Anna, rekindling old feelings in Rick, causing him to miss his much-anticipated date with Jenny. Complicated dynamics emerge as Anna confesses that she left Rick because she was already engaged to Barry (Todd Richards), a paraplegic who arrives in town, adding more stress to Rick’s emotional confrontation.
As John begins to alter the local landscape, stripping it of its charm and heritage, he attempts to lure Rick into management, but Rick quickly learns of Ted’s betrayal in firing his friends, prompting a heartfelt resignation. Rick’s rallying speech about the significance of their home and memories of Papa Muntz ignites a rebellious spirit in them all.
In an electrifying act of camaraderie, they defiantly invade a party meant for investors, leading to chaotic yet joyful bedlam. Rick, now determined to protect his friends and the mountain, frees Anna from the grasp of her fiancé and sends her off, realizing that their past is no longer what he desires.
With the help of his friends, Rick confronts John and the new direction he wishes to take, ultimately prevailing as Ted decides against selling the mountain. In the culmination of their adventures, Rick gathers the courage to ask Jenny out once more, finally letting go of his lingering feelings for Anna, suggesting the promise of new beginnings amidst the snowy peaks.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 20:46
Don't stop at just watching — explore Out Cold in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Out Cold is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Out Cold with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Out Cold that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Out Cold (2001) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Out Cold (2001) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Out Cold – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Mystery, Alaska (1999) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Ski Patrol (1990) Complete Plot Breakdown
Aspen Extreme (1993) Detailed Story Recap
Frozen (2010) Full Movie Breakdown
Cold Weather (2011) Complete Plot Breakdown
Airborne (1993) Detailed Story Recap
The Great Outdoors (1988) Full Summary & Key Details
Cold Pursuit (2019) Film Overview & Timeline
Big Bear (2017) Full Movie Breakdown
Extreme Days (2001) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Last Resort (1986) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Extreme Ops (2002) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Whiteout (2009) Film Overview & Timeline
Mountain Men (2016) Story Summary & Characters
Off the Lip (2004) Full Summary & Key Details