About Us
Who We Are & Why This Work Matters To Us
When ski resort staff are well-supported, both individually and within their shared living environments, the whole of the resort community benefits. Proactive mental health support, leadership guidance, and opportunities for connection reduce interpersonal strain that often arises in high-intensity, seasonal work environments.
By integrating directly into the resort community and connecting with teams across departments. Alpine InnerWorks normalizes mental health and well-being conversations, informal, relationship-based offerings (such as providing a meal or drop-in evenings), helping to reduce the sense of “stranger support” and open natural lines of communication. Through these approachable touchpoints we help transform support from something clinical into something communal and trusted.
Visible, present, and familiar support within a ski resort community is critical for effective Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefs. Research consistently shows that when individuals experience trauma or high-stress events, they are more likely to seek support from those they already know and trust rather than from outside “stranger support.”
This trust is built through consistent presence and genuine relationships, not only appearing during moments of crisis, but through ongoing, everyday connection. By establishing supportive relationships before incidents occur, responders and staff can engage in debriefs with greater openness, honesty, and emotional safety. The goal of this support is not to evaluate or judge work performance, but to enhance well-being and, in turn, strengthen capacity and performance over time.
For example, when an Alpine InnerWorks facilitator is a known and trusted presence, regularly interacting with the ski patrol team during morning briefings, on-hill checks, or casual lift-line conversations, the tone and effectiveness of a CISM debrief changes significantly. In the aftermath of a serious accident or fatality, patrol members are more willing to engage authentically with someone they already recognize as part of their work environment and community. This familiarity reduces defensiveness, fosters genuine dialogue, and allows emotional processing to happen in a safe, non-evaluative space. Ultimately, this relational foundation leads to more meaningful recovery, better psychological outcomes, and a stronger, more resilient team culture.
