An examination of social psychological factors predicting skiers’ skill, participation frequency, and spending behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore ski participation and spending among active skiers using the constructs of serious leisure, family influence, and thrill/adventure seeking. Convenience sampling yielded 236 respondents from two ski resorts in Colorado. To measure a respondent's ski seriousness, a subscale of the Serious Leisure Inventory and Measure [Gould, J., Moore, D., McGuire, F., & Stebbins, R. A. (2008). Development of the serious leisure inventory and measure. Journal of Leisure Research, 40(1), 47–68] was used. Family influence was indicated by variables assessing levels of family encouragement, involvement, and income. Thrill and adventure seeking was measured using Zuckerman et al.’s [(1964). Development of a sensation seeking scale. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 28(6), 477–482] sensation seeking scale, while beginning age skiing and skill were assessed using self-report items. Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the proposed model. Regression results indicated that ski seriousness, family influence, and thrill/adventure seeking significantly explain ski frequency and skill. Ski seriousness was also found to be significantly correlated with ski-related spending. Analysis of variance testing revealed that ski seriousness significantly differed across beginning age skiing groups. This study's findings reveal associations that may assist future research in accurately predicting ski participation and other ski-related purchase behaviors.