This month, Mountain Youth is proud to highlight the dedication and impact of Chris Rieder, our Board President and a true difference maker in the Eagle County community. Originally from Chicago, Chris made his way to Colorado for his undergraduate degree in psychology at Colorado State University. Like many drawn to the mountains, his love for snowboarding and outdoor adventure initially brought him to Eagle County, where he embraced the lifestyle of a “ski bum” and raft guide. His journey didn’t stop there, though. After earning a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver, Chris returned to Eagle County in 2008 to begin his professional career in community behavioral health, where he worked for 15 years before transitioning into private practice.
As a snowboarding instructor for 20 years, Chris discovered his passion for helping people conquer their fears. Whether it was guiding clients down the slopes or through white-water rapids, he enjoyed watching them grow in confidence and skill. He realized that much of his work in psychology mirrored these experiences, helping people move beyond fears of the future and navigate the emotional impacts of the past. His love for teaching snowboarding, particularly working with the same group of riders every Saturday, was about more than just technique—it was about building resilience and fostering a love for the sport that would stay with them throughout life.
Now, Chris is back in school pursuing a master’s in applied sports psychology, a field that blends his expertise in mental health with his passion for sports. As a mental performance intern at Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (VSSA), Chris meets with student-athletes to work on focus, motivation, and the mental aspects of their sports. For Chris, the connection between mental health and sports performance is clear. Anxiety, fear, and self-doubt often show up on the field or the slopes, and he uses his knowledge to help athletes overcome these challenges. This work, which is becoming more recognized in the world of sports, allows Chris to bring his unique skills to a community and field that he loves.
Beyond his individual practice, Chris has long been involved in community initiatives. Since 2016, he has been an active participant in the Communities That Care (CTC) program, helping the community come together to identify gaps in behavioral health and other areas, and make meaningful changes. Reflecting on his role, Chris is proud to have witnessed the evolution of behavioral health in Eagle County over the last two decades, with more people actively working to address mental health challenges and make services more accessible. As part of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, Chris has helped direct funding from marijuana tax dollars to grassroots efforts and organizations, which aim to support and activate the community and provide free, pro-social events.
For Chris, being part of Mountain Youth is especially rewarding because it allows him to focus on upstream solutions to mental health challenges, such as offering free, community-driven engagement opportunities. Rather than just treating symptoms, he believes in addressing the root causes—like housing insecurity, the stress of working multiple jobs, and the struggle to find time for personal passions—that often contribute to his clients' mental health struggles. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, Chris feels he can make a greater impact on the well-being of the community. His work with Vail Ski Patrol reflects this same philosophy, as he provides education and behavioral health support to the team, ensuring that difficult experiences on and off the mountain are addressed before they develop into something more serious, like PTSD.
Outside of his professional life, Chris loves spending time with his wife and family, sharing the outdoor hobbies that brought him to Colorado in the first place. From snowboarding and skiing to mountain biking, hockey to skateboarding, he enjoys every moment with his kids, who are at an age where they can participate in all the activities he loves.
His advice to the community reflects his own life philosophy: actively pursue your own mental wellness and engage in what you’re passionate about. Don’t wait for problems to develop—take action now to ensure a thriving, vibrant future for yourself and the community.
Thank you, Chris, for all that you’ve done and continue to do for the well-being of everyone in Eagle County!
-Jo Pennock, Marketing and Event Manager at Mountain Youth
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