The Paradise Paradox: a film from executive producer Bode Miller
Executive produced by Olympic ski racer Bode Miller and Emmy Award-winning impact sports filmmaker Brett Rapkin, The Paradise Paradox explores the mental health crisis affecting America’s mountain towns and the innovative solutions being developed in response. It features incredible athletes like 2023 ESPY Award-winner Mikaela Shiffrin and hard-working, inspiring individuals and families who make these towns function.
“A paradox exists in paradise: Too many people living in Colorado ski towns suffer with mental health problems, including a staggering number who’ve died by suicide in recent years, when it seemed like they should be having the time of their lives. This happens due to a confluence of forces: wealth gaps in mountain towns that grew into chasms during the COVID pandemic; lack of affordable housing; communities that rely on shredding during the day and partying at night for their happiness; and lack of adequate mental health services to help those dealing with any of these struggles cope.”
~ The Colorado Sun
From the ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain to the lift operator in Deer Valley, to the young snowboarder trying to improve their community, to affluent residents throughout the region, THE PARADISE PARADOX sheds light on the root causes of the mental health challenges in the snow sports industry and in America’s mountain towns, including isolation, lack of resources, substance abuse, and stigma. Featuring stories from a diverse group of hard-working, inspiring families, individuals, and community members, there is also a focus on creative and scalable solutions local stakeholders, such as Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Health Behavioral Health, are creating in response.
This film is designed to reduce stigma and give audiences the opportunity to connect and identify with each character’s struggles and triumphs. Woven throughout will be a focus on hopeful, local solutions that communities can consider and replicate in order to improve mental health outcomes for all.
Stream The Paradise Paradox on Amazon Prime or Outside Watch
Sensitive content notice: Please be advised that this film focuses on the topics of mental illness and suicide and includes in-depth discussions about each and may not be suitable for children.
The film was primarily shot in Deer Valley, UT; Mammoth, CA; Eagle County, CO; Winter Park, CO; and Denver, CO.
