Item: BEYOND THE SLIDE: INSIGHTS FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE SNOW SAFETY INDUSTRY
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Title: BEYOND THE SLIDE: INSIGHTS FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE SNOW SAFETY INDUSTRY
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Ian Snape [ Frontline Mind, Hobart, Australia ]
- Gary Kuehn [ 12110 Business Blvd, Ste A06-417, Eagle River, AK, USA ]
- McKeira Cumming [ Frontline Mind, Hobart, Australia ]
- Zhen Goh [ Frontline Mind, Hobart, Australia ]
- Jeff Montgomery [ Frontline Mind, Hobart, Australia ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Snow safety professionals — patrollers, forecasters, guides, educators, and operational staff — work in some of the most unstable environments on Earth, carrying immense responsibility for others' safety while making rapid, high-stakes decisions in unpredictable conditions. This paper presents findings from a global study of 114 snow safety professionals across North America, New Zealand, and Europe, comparing their experiences against a broader dataset of over 2,540 respondents in other frontline roles. Using Sensemaker® narrative capture methodology, participants shared real-world examples and self-signified their experiences through a structured framework revealing patterns of culture, stress, support, and systemic risk. Results show a profession built on purpose and passion, yet strained by fatigue, moral burden, disrupted recovery, and limited organisational support. Snow safety professionals report a Net Promoter Score of –65, with 79% experiencing a sense of threat from clients, co-workers, or managers. Disrupted sleep following critical incidents is widespread. While leadership in snow safety tends toward consultative approaches, the sector lacks consistent systems for recovery, debriefing, and psychological support. The industry must strengthen recovery systems, decision-making support, and leadership capability, embedding psychological safety and organisational trust to move beyond endurance toward sustainable performance and long-term wellbeing.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.31.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098968
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Gary Kuehn
Keywords: snow safety, psychological safety, resilience, Sensemaker®, frontline wellbeing, decision-making
Page Number(s): 1278 - 1283
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