Professional freeskier and filmmaker Chris Benchetler has released a new episode of his behind-the-scenes docuseries Ship of Fools, paying tribute to the late Bill Walton on the one-year anniversary of the NBA Hall of Famer’s death. Episode 16, titled “Making of ‘Fire on the Mountain’ w/ Bill Walton – The Wheel Keeps Turning,” revisits the acclaimed 2020 ESPN special Fire on the Mountain, which featured narration by Walton and music by the Grateful Dead. The new episode, released May 27, shares unseen footage and reflections on Walton’s contribution to the film and the deep impact he had on its creative direction.
“This week, we honor the passion and spirit of our beloved friend Bill Walton,” Benchetler said in a statement. “His love for the Grateful Dead and our film Fire on the Mountain was undeniable. His narration wasn’t just a contribution, it was a gift that elevated the project to another level.”
Benchetler described Walton—an outspoken Deadhead and longtime friend of the band—as a key voice in the film’s ethereal atmosphere. “The Grateful Dead’s music often spoke of transcendence and the journey beyond this life,” he added. “And it feels fitting that Bill, who often spoke in Grateful Dead lyrics, has now joined that eternal jam session in the stars.”
Walton, who died May 27, 2024, after a battle with cancer, was widely beloved for his enthusiasm, philosophical musings, and deep connection to music and nature. His voice served as the spiritual anchor for Fire on the Mountain, a ski and snowboard film that blended performance art, mountain sport, and the Dead’s storied catalog.
The Ship of Fools docuseries provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Benchetler’s upcoming film Mountains of the Moon, scheduled for release in fall 2025. The project features some of the world’s top action sports athletes in surreal nighttime landscapes illuminated by lasers, animation, and other visual effects, all set to the music of the Grateful Dead. With new episodes dropping weekly, Ship of Fools aims to offer fans an inside look at the creative process while honoring the spirit of collaboration that animates Benchetler’s work.
