There are a lot of great ski movies out there. But only one ranks as the most important. In a year when U.S. suicides reached record highs and many mountain towns are reporting the highest suicide rates in the country, Drew Peterson's "Ups + Downs" exposes the professional skier's anguished struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Mental health is at a critical crossroads in mountain valleys and Peterson's willingness to step up and reveal his own battles with overwhelming darkness is one of the most consequential moves in the history of ski movies. Skiing is awesome. It can help people learn how to be mindful and present. It can recharge weary souls. But it cannot heal mental illness. Drew's turn toward therapy and the hard work required to deflect demons is a guiding light for people who can't escape the darkness. Drew's upcoming movie details his turn toward 100-mile ultramarathons as he continues his journey.

This is a special Next Level Skiing podcast where Colorado-born Drew shares how skiing is only one tool for rebuilding a life. If you or anyone you know is in need of immediate help, call 988 to reach trained crisis workers at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741.

Topics:

2:00 - The 20-year overnight success story

6:40 - Ski the Wild West

11:00 - Raw expose with "Ups + Downs"

12:30 - The falling rock that "changed the track of my life."

18:00 - Skiing can't be the only thing

20:40 - Let skiing just be skiing and find childhood joy

21:40 - The destination fallacy

24:45 - Finding mindfulness and presence on skis

28:05 - Shining the light in a darker corner of mountain culture

33:35 - Ski and enjoy

Resources:

Ups + Downs

If you or anyone you know is in need of immediate help, call 988 to reach trained crisis workers at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741.

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