Navigating Peaks and Minds: A Professional Skier’s Journey Through Mental Health in Mountain Communities

TAHOE CITY, Calif. – About eight years ago, professional skier Drew Petersen faced a life-changing moment when a rockfall interrupted his day of ski touring. Thanks to the inch-and-a-half of foam in his helmet, he survived. This incident sparked a long journey into mental health, a story he shares in his new film, Feel It All, which premiered at the Tahoe Art Haus on March 12.

Before the screening, Petersen spoke candidly about mental health issues, emphasizing the need for open discussions about depression and suicide. “The reason that I do that,” he explained, “is because we must address these topics directly to change our culture.”

Petersen’s presentation was accompanied by school visits throughout the Truckee area, including stops at Alder Creek Middle School and Truckee High School. This was especially meaningful to him since it was at the Tahoe Art Haus where he first shared a ski film focused on mental health three and a half years ago. “That lit a fire inside my soul,” he said.

In Feel It All, Petersen shares how a near-fatal accident challenged his identity and self-worth, pushing him to the brink of suicide. He parallels his struggles with ultra running a 100-mile race, exploring the emotional highs and lows. “I turned pain into strength,” he stated, using his journey to connect with those who might feel alone in their battles.

Petersen highlighted a sobering statistic during his talk: a 2023 CDC survey revealed that 20.4% of high school students seriously considered suicide. Reflecting on his own high school experience, he realized that out of his class of 200, 39 peers likely faced similar struggles. “But I had no idea they existed,” he lamented, calling attention to how isolation can affect young people.

His hometown of Summit County, Colo., has a suicide rate above the national average. In ski areas like South Salt Lake County, the numbers are even more alarming, with nearly 43 suicides per 100,000 individuals from 2019 to 2023. Nationally, the rate stood at 14.21 per 100,000 in 2022.

From 2018 to 2022, Nevada County had a rate of around 19.3, reflecting the broader issue in ski towns, often referred to as the "paradise paradox." It’s a phenomenon where beautiful settings can hide deep struggles, a point Petersen passionately raises in his talks. “Even in paradise, we can struggle,” he noted.

He discussed the unique challenges in ski towns that may contribute to mental health issues. The transient nature of these communities can hinder deep connections, compounded by economic hardships and a culture that sometimes promotes substance use. “It’s not about telling everyone to stop partying,” he clarified, but rather imagining a community where healthier choices are the norm.

Petersen believes it’s crucial to change the culture surrounding mental health in skiing and outdoor sports. “If we prioritize mental health as part of mountain culture, we can save lives,” he argued. His journey has led him to embrace practices like meditation and therapy, and he emphasizes the importance of asking for help.

For those in need, various mental health resources are available:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support. For more information, visit 988lifeline.org.
• Placer and Nevada County Mobile Crisis: If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, call 1-888-886-5401 or 530-265-5811.
• Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition: Their website offers resources and education on mental health. Visit tahoelifeline.org.
• The Speedy Foundation: They provide resources and community programs, including the Feel It All series. More information is available at thespeedyfoundation.org/truckee.

Mental health is a vital conversation, especially in the outdoor community. As Petersen continues to share his story, he hopes to reach those who might feel alone and encourage them to seek help.

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