How green can they be? A survey of ski tourers’ pro-environmental behaviour

Abstract

ABSTRACT As more and more people seek out new experiences in mountain regions, ski touring has been gaining increasing popularity in France for the past 15 years. While there are concerns about the immediate and indirect environmental harm caused by ski touring (such as flora destruction, wildlife disturbance, or carbon emissions from transportation and gear manufacturing) there are also potential benefits to human health and the promotion of positive attitudes and behaviours through experiencing nature. To understand the pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) of ski tourers in the French Alps and Pyrenees, a quantitative survey was conducted with 1,312 participants. Findings underscore the influential role of gender and education level as strong predictors of PEB. Furthermore, participants engaging in ski touring outside ski resorts exhibit a higher likelihood of demonstrating PEB compared to those who practice on groomed slopes. The research uncovers a correlation between visiting renowned national parks and PEB. This indicates a preference among environmentally conscious individuals for ski touring in natural, unequipped areas and an attraction to emblematic protected areas. These results also demonstrate that individuals with greater socio-economic capital make distinctive choices in both recreational and sustainable consumption practices.