The Dark Underbelly of Beautiful Ski Towns

aspen city skyline

Source: jonathanross/istock

What paints the picture of the perfect winter getaway? Perhaps a weekend on the slopes, skiing or snowboarding in the mountains, or cozying up in a toasty warm cabin with fresh snow gently falling around you. Mountain towns, known for their charm and breathtaking beauty, are often idyllic retreats for tourists, nature lovers, or those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s easy to see why. The landscapes are unparalleled, the community offers escape, and the lifestyle is stress-free. At least, so it seems. But despite stunning scenery and a relaxed lifestyle, there is something deeper plaguing many individuals who call these mountain towns their homes.

For decades, mountain towns, specifically in the Rocky Mountain states, have consistently reported some of the nation’s highest suicide rates. In October of 2023, the documentary The Paradise Paradox was released, shedding light on the seemingly paradoxical mental health struggles of those living in “paradise places,” specifically Eagle County, Colorado. The documentary highlights the mental health crisis that reached a peak in 2017, with 17 suicide deaths that year alone. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to speak with Liza Tupa, a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Employee Resilience and Mental Well-Being at Alterra Mountain Company, who was featured in the documentary. Throughout our discussion, Dr. Tupa was able to provide a unique perspective on the foundation of some of these challenges.

The Draw to Mountain Towns

The same reasons that pull someone to a mountain town for a vacation are presumably the same reasons that pull someone to live there permanently. Escape, fresh start, change of pace, and new lifestyle are all words that circulate. According to the Common Sense Institute of Colorado, over the last 10 years, Colorado has seen an average of around 70,000 new residents per year, although this rate has slowed in recent years. In The Paradise Paradox documentary, it is mentioned that perhaps some individuals who move to these mountain towns are running from previous concerns or struggles, thinking that a change of pace would absolve the issues. But a change of scenery isn’t enough, “if you weren’t adequately coping with things before you got here, you can run but you can’t hide.” Dr. Tupa discussed the statistics of hiring a large number of younger individuals who “want to come to mountain towns because they are beautiful and there is adventure” but also cited the growing rates of anxiety and depression amongst younger folks.

The Demands of the Job

Mountain towns thrive on tourism, and as in any tourist town, there are peak and pit seasons. Peak seasons demand long hours, entertainment, and a few days off. Further, the types of jobs may clash with mental wellness. For example, one of the most “in need” jobs during peak tourism season in mountain towns is ski patrol. The Paradise Paradox brings attention to the difficulties of this position and the potential mental trauma that ski patrollers are exposed to contingent upon injuries observed. Another “in demand” job is hospitality. Bartending or serving tables requires an “entertaining” attitude, long hours, and easy access and exposure to alcohol or substances. Further, in these service or recreation industries, alcohol consumption is normalized. Dr. Tupa discussed a combination of factors that lead to a domino effect on mental health. She discusses the concept that although it’s unlikely the industry alone, it’s the industry paired with underlying anxiety or depression, paired with long, demanding hours, paired with substance use that can potentially lead to a spiral.

The Barrier to Services

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of decreased mental health functioning is the barrier to services. Not only is there a shortage in the number of actual behavioral health providers, but Dr. Tupa also discussed the barrier of finances to reach these professionals. Living in mountain towns can be incredibly expensive with many employees being entry-level. The hierarchy of needs demands that money is spent on basics such as food and shelter, and mental health treatment quickly becomes a luxury. Further, many entry-level positions do not provide health insurance, or a provider may not accept specific health insurances.

The Dual Nature of Mountain Communities

Living in mountain communities presents unique challenges, with isolation being a significant factor. Unlike urban or suburban neighborhoods, housing in mountain areas is often spread out, with homes nestled into remote landscapes rather than clustered together. This means residents are less likely to have frequent interactions with neighbors and often only connect with others during trips into town.

Winter can amplify this sense of isolation, as snowstorms and blizzards may keep people homebound for days, making socialization even more difficult. Despite these challenges, many residents highlight a positive side to mountain living: the tight-knit, supportive nature of these communities. For many, this sense of camaraderie fosters a deep sense of belonging and can be a source of healing amidst the challenges.

What's Being Done

So, what can be done? The Paradise Paradox highlights Eagle County’s efforts to address the mental health crisis and serve as a model for other mountain towns. A few initiatives include funding mental health through marijuana taxation, substantial financial investments from larger corporations to fund behavioral health treatment, establishing more nonprofit resources such as SpeakUp ReachOut, providing more in-school counseling services, and creating more accessible crisis support, to name a few.

Additionally, Alterra Mountain Company has taken significant strides to help improve mental health outcomes for its employees by offering EAP services, a “healthy drinking culture,” and sober activity programs, among others.

Although these solutions are a promising step forward, they are far from being the complete answer. Many questions arise regarding the ability to replicate what Eagle County has created in less fortunate communities, or the continued barrier of bringing skilled clinicians to these areas. Nonetheless, what The Paradise Paradox documentary has certainly accomplished is fostering discussion and awareness of a topic that otherwise seemed hidden.

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Mountain towns, often viewed as scenic retreats, face a hidden mental health crisis despite their picturesque settings. Perhaps the deeper lesson for all of us lies in the wise adage “Never judge a book by its cover,” for better or for worse. For those of us not living in mountain towns, it’s a call to look beyond the outward appearance of happiness or perfection someone might present. We can challenge ourselves to look past the seemingly “beautiful” appearance on the outside and recognize that this may be a stark contrast to what is happening internally. And, you never know who is living in their own “paradise paradox.”