Updated May 20, 2026 12:21PM
Chairlift conversations typically start with the weather or “where ya from?” and end with some version of “have a good day.” Every once in a while you make a connection, but more often than not, it’s nothing but niceties. Or silence.
Drew Petersen wants to change that. The former pro skier and mental health advocate has had some of his most honest conversations of his life while riding the lift, and is leveraging that dynamic in his new podcast built around one of skiing’s most familiar rituals: strangers—or friends—opening up on the chairlift. In just five to 20 minutes, Petersen and his guests tackle everything from depression and identity loss to climate anxiety and eating disorders, proving some of skiing’s most meaningful conversations happen while gliding quietly above the slopes.
“Chairlift conversations are a really unique and magical part of ski culture,” says Petersen. On the lifts, where riders are close to each other but facing ahead, Petersen realized that it’s easier to be vulnerable, ask questions, and make true connections knowing the length of the chat is finite.
He’s trying to capture some of that magic with his eponymous podcast that debuted this past February.
One Lift Ride, One Impactful Conversation
“Let’s raise the bar, keep your tips up, and drop in,” he begins episodes of The Drew Petersen Podcast each Tuesday. What follows is a to-the-point, no-nonsense interview with guests ranging from professional athletes to authors and scientists, usually recorded on a single chairlift ride.
This format forces him to ask thoughtful questions, cut the BS and dive into the topic at hand.
“I’m not here for the fluff,” says Petersen.
From a market perspective, Petersen knows podcast listeners already have a playlist of favorites that he needs to break into, and he aims to stand out with a show that’s digestible but deep. He’ll cheat occasionally, wrapping up a conversation at the top of the lift before hitting the slopes, but that’s understandable given the guest list he’s brought together.
Big-mountain skier Angel Collinson was Petersen’s first podcast guest. (Photo: Courtesy of Drew Petersen)
On the very first episode, big mountain skier Angel Collinson joined Petersen to discuss returning to skiing after her surprising retirement from the pro side of the sport in 2021. As the show went on, he caught the chair with people like Caroline Gleich, a ski mountaineer and 2024 U.S. Senate candidate from Utah, freeskier and guide Chris Davenport, Olympians Zoe Atkin and Cam Smith, and climate activist and author Auden Schendler.
Perhaps selfishly, Petersen says, he likes having guests that he himself wants to hear more from. He doesn’t just put out a ski podcast about pro skiers—he targets topics of importance to the ski and larger outdoor community, like climate anxiety and empowering women in the space. Of course, there’s plenty of talk about big lines, close calls and risky adventures too. After all, that’s what skiers thrive on.
Raising the Bar for Mental Health Awareness
One subject Petersen consistently circles back to is mental health. It’s something he’s struggled with personally for most of his life and career, and after making the crucial decision to get help, he took a big step in 2021 by speaking publicly about his experience.
Five years later, he’s reimagined his ski career and is using his platform to spread awareness, including producing short films and speaking around the country. “My goal there is to help people feel less alone,” he said. And the more he shares his story, the more he realizes how many people can relate.
While Petersen doesn’t need an occasion to discuss mental health on his podcast. But, since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, he’s had a handful of special episodes planned.
He kicked off the month by interviewing Annekë Efinger, who founded Love Like Ky after her brother Kyler lost his life during a manic episode. The nonprofit hosts programs like film screenings, community ski days with sober apres, and trainings that help participants recognize and discuss signs someone is struggling.
Petersen and Chris Davenport explored the intersection of risk and longevity during a chairlift session at Aspen Highlands. (Photo: Courtesy of Drew Petersen)
After a quick break for a timely episode May 12, Petersen dove back into mental health on May 19 with Shannon Decker. She’s the co-founder and executive director of The Speedy Foundation, which Petersen said is one of the first mental health nonprofits to tap into the ski space. And on May 26, he’ll bring ultrarunner Tim Tollefson on for a frank discussion around eating disorders and body image.
“I don’t get to hear many conversations with two men talking about these things specifically, or talking this vulnerably, and that epitomizes why I’m doing this stuff,” he said.
While Petersen knows mental health struggles impact all genders and communities, he recognizes speaking about it as a male and pro skier provides a unique chance to show other men that it’s ok to not be ok.
June, he adds, is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and he’ll start it with an episode featuring former NFL player Robert Gallery on June 2. “We talk about his experience with navigating mental health, loss of identity, suicidal thoughts and, ultimately, his path to healing and treatment, especially through psychedelic treatment,” Petersen offers a quick preview.
While the last two guests aren’t as obviously tied to the ski scene, they’re both recreational skiers or snowboarders, and Petersen believes his listeners can learn from their stories.
“Our community is inclusive,” he said.
Looking forward, Petersen plans to experiment with different interview formats this summer since the chairs have stopped spinning, and he’ll mix in some pre-recorded episodes from the lifts.
So far, the feedback he’s received on the show has reinforced his belief in the importance of human conversations, and he’s grateful for everyone who listens in a world full of options.
“I really appreciate when anybody chooses to spend 10 minutes with something I’ve created,” he said.
Give the Petersen’s show a listen wherever you tune into your podcasts.