Ep 17. The One Without The Ski Trip

In Friends season 3 episode 17, titled The One Without The Ski Trip, the gang plans a ski trip together but it quickly becomes apparent that not everyone is on board.

Rachel is excited to hit the slopes with the group but Ross is reluctant to go because he's afraid of getting hurt again. Meanwhile, Chandler has made plans with his ex-girlfriend, Janice, who surprises him by showing up at his apartment unannounced. Monica, not wanting to be a third wheel, decides not to go on the ski trip either and instead invites Richard over for a romantic evening.

As the group gears up to leave for the ski trip, Phoebe arrives unexpectedly and announces that she's decided to join them after all. Joey, who is still angry with Chandler for spending time with Janice, sulks in the corner while the others try to convince him to come along.

Once they arrive at the ski lodge, tensions begin to rise as the group starts to realize that they have different ideas about how to spend their vacation. Ross insists on staying inside to avoid getting hurt while Rachel is eager to hit the slopes. Monica and Richard, still back in New York, have their own issues to contend with as they try to navigate their relationship.

As the episode progresses, the group starts to splinter and each member finds themselves facing their own personal struggles. Chandler, who is still reeling from Janice's surprise visit, realizes that he still has feelings for her despite everything that's happened between them. Meanwhile, Joey's jealousy towards Chandler starts to consume him and he becomes increasingly isolated from the rest of the group.

Throughout the episode, the characters grapple with issues of trust, loyalty, and friendship as they try to navigate their complicated relationships with each other. Ultimately, they come to a greater understanding of who they are and what they mean to each other, and they prepare to return to New York with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

The One Without The Ski Trip is a poignant and heartwarming episode that showcases the strong bonds that exist between the members of the Friends group. It's a reminder that even in the midst of turmoil and strife, true friendship can prevail and provide a source of comfort and support. Fans of the show will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by the complex dynamics of the characters and the compelling storyline that unfolds over the course of the episode.