Assessing Stakeholder Perspectives On Heli-Skiing's Socio-economic Impacts In British Columbia's Rocky Mountains: Applying A Tourism Impact Scale

Abstract

As heli-skiing has expanded in North American alpine regions, so has concern over its effects on natural ecosystems, adjacent forms of economic development, and the socio-economic vitality of nearby communities. This study uses a tourism impact scale to assess the relative changes induced by this industry on several British Columbia's alpine communities. It uses this scale to compare the perceived extent, direction and significance of these changes as viewed by the heli-ski industry's operators, and representatives from nearby communities. Operators and community representatives express common perspectives on the direction of most industry—induced changes examined. They also state differing views on the relative valence of these impacts. Perspectives on the relative significance of some environmental and land use changes are especially divergent. The paper offers recommendations for addressing these differences.