What Ski Resort Was Planet of the Apes Filmed At?

By Robert Palmer

Are you a fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise? Did you know that one of the movies in the series was filmed at a ski resort? Yes, you heard it right!

The breathtaking landscapes and snow-capped mountains that you see in the movie are not just special effects, but a real-life location. So, which ski resort was Planet of the Apes filmed at? Let’s find out.

The Location: Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is a popular skiing destination located in California. It is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada range.

However, it’s not just skiers and snowboarders who are drawn to this resort. In 1968, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort served as the filming location for one of the most iconic sci-fi movies of all time – Planet of the Apes.

The Movie: Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes is a classic science fiction movie that tells the story of an astronaut crew who crash-land on a strange planet where intelligent apes rule over humans. The film was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starred Charlton Heston as the lead character.

The movie was shot on location at various places in California, including Lake Powell, Colorado River, and Glen Canyon Dam. However, some scenes required snowy landscapes that could only be found at a ski resort. That’s where Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort came in.

The Scenes: Ape Village and Forbidden Zone

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort served as the filming location for two key scenes in Planet of the Apes – Ape Village and Forbidden Zone. Both these locations were crucial to the plot of the movie and required a snowy landscape to be believable.

Ape Village was where Charlton Heston’s character was taken captive by the apes and where he first encountered their society. The set was built on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort and included various structures and props, including huts, cages, and a large statue of an ape.

Forbidden Zone was another important location in the movie that required a snowy landscape. It was the mysterious, uninhabited area beyond Ape Village where Charlton Heston’s character discovered the shocking truth about the planet he had crash-landed on. The scenes in Forbidden Zone were shot on the snowy slopes of Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.

In Conclusion

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort may be known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but it has also played a crucial role in Hollywood movies. Planet of the Apes is just one example of how this stunning location has been used to create memorable cinematic moments. So, next time you hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, remember that you might just be skiing on a movie set!