Where Was the Sledding Scene in Christmas Vacation Filmed?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you may be wondering where the iconic sledding scene was filmed. The scene features Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and his family sledding down an impossibly steep hill before crashing through a fence and into the street below.

The Filming Location

The sledding scene in Christmas Vacation was filmed on location at a ski resort called Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado. The resort is located in Summit County, about 80 miles west of Denver. It’s known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain, but it also offers plenty of other winter activities like snowmobiling, ice-skating, and tubing.

The Hill

The hill featured in the movie is actually located on Peak 8 at Breckenridge Ski Resort. The filmmakers selected this particular hill because it was steep enough to create a thrilling visual experience but not so steep that it was dangerous for the actors. In fact, the crew had to build up the sides of the hill with snow to make it look steeper than it actually was.

The Making of the Scene

The sledding scene in Christmas Vacation was one of the most challenging scenes to film in the entire movie. According to director Jeremiah Chechik, they had to shoot the scene over several days because they needed enough natural light to capture all of the action. They also had to coordinate all of the actors and stunt doubles to make sure everyone was safe during filming.

Chechik has said that he wanted to create a sense of chaos and excitement during this scene, so he used handheld cameras and multiple angles to capture all of the action. He also encouraged his actors to improvise some of their dialogue to make their reactions more natural.

The Legacy

The sledding scene in Christmas Vacation has become one of the most memorable moments in the entire movie. It’s been parodied and referenced in countless other movies and TV shows over the years, and it’s become a beloved part of Christmas pop culture.

If you’re a fan of the movie, visiting Breckenridge Ski Resort and sledding down the same hill that Clark Griswold did is a must-do activity. The resort even offers a special “Griswold Experience” package that includes access to all of the filming locations from Christmas Vacation, including the sledding hill.

  • Overall, while it may have taken some work to film, the sledding scene in Christmas Vacation has become an iconic moment in holiday film history.
  • Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun winter activity, visiting Breckenridge Ski Resort and experiencing the thrill of sledding down that famous hill is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

So there you have it – now you know where the sledding scene in Christmas Vacation was filmed!