When women embrace snow-sport adventures: unravelling the influence of memorable travel experiences on well-being

Abstract

ABSTRACT Participating in outdoor recreational activities such as skiing can enhance women’s physical and mental health. This study aimed to examine the effect of memorable snow-sport travel experiences on life satisfaction through a sense of well-being in the context of female tourism. Based on the positive psychology framework, a research model was constructed to examine the psychological progressive mechanism from three memorable travel experiences to life satisfaction through five PERMA domains (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement). A survey was conducted with 346 women travellers of snow sports. The results of the data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) indicate that all experiences significantly affected the individual level of well-being (positive emotions, relationships, and engagement) except for the perceived natural environment, which does not affect relationships. The results also reveal that the three components of individual well-being impact the two facets of collective well-being, where engagement has a greater impact on achievement, and achievement has a greater impact on life satisfaction. This study enriches the leisure tourism literature by revealing the fundamental mechanisms that affect women travellers’ well-being. Additionally, this study offers valuable insights into the strategic marketing of snow-sport destinations for women.