Ski Resorts Research Articles

Winter is coming for ski resorts: Insights from the Apennines (Italy)

Winter is coming for ski resorts: Insights from the Apennines (Italy)

Changes of lifestyle and mental health among COVID-19 situation: resident-centered health promotion

Abstract Background Yuzawa town, located in the Niigata prefecture of Japan, is famous for its hot springs and ski resorts. A sustainable action plan for resident-centered regional health promotion (Yuzawa family health plan) was initiated in 2002. Surveys have been conducted every five years. This study aims to evaluate changes of their habits and mental health status between in 2017 and in 2022. Methods The survey of Yuzawa family health plan was conducted in 2017 and in 2022. Questionnaires were composed with living alone, living with marriage partner, living with son or daughter, living with grandchildren, living with brother or sister, health consciousness, attention to health, health concern, awakening in a morning, clockwork life, fitness habits, smoking, taking alcohol, anxiety, loneliness, consultation, resolve suffering, economic problem, handle stress, taking a rest, risk breaching, communication, life satisfaction, talking with family, job at home, intercommunion with friends, greeting with neighbors, relationship with neighbors, occupations, good sleep, taking breakfast, nutritional balance, mastication status, confirmation of food compositions, exercise habits, yearly health check-up, dental check-up, brushing teeth habits, and sleep satisfactions. Chi square tests were used to evaluate changes between in 2017 and in 2022. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Tokyo Women’s Medical University. Results Passive smoking, intercommunions with neighborhood and friends, exercises, and Salt reduction awareness reduced in 2022. Talking with family, taking a rest, attention to health, clockwork life, and sleep satisfactions increased. Conclusions Many changes were shown between in 2017 and in 2022. Because elderly has been able to use a mobile phone, loneliness was not increased. But numbers of elderly living alone have been increased from 2002. Health promotion programs giving health information for elderly is needed. Key messages • Many lifestyle changes were shown between in 2017 and in 2022. • Passive smoking reduced. Taking a rest and attention to health increased.

The role of the use of social media in hotel preferences of tourists in Turkey: a case of winter tourism

ABSTRACT The research aims to determine the role of social media use by tourists staying in hotels in ski resorts in Turkey in hotel preference. In winter 2022, 1178 valid data obtained by face-to-face survey method from hotel visitors and social media were analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM. As a result of the research, it has been determined that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between the interaction and accessibility features of social media, affecting the trust, perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment levels of the tourists participating in winter tourism in the hotel preference, and tourists’ continuing use of social media in hotel preferences.

Construction of a quantitative model for ski resort water demand and preliminary exploration of drainage irrigation pathways

In China, natural snowfall is insufficient, and ski resorts often require artificial snowmaking in winter and turf management in summer, which results in high overall water consumption and considered as one of the high water-consuming service industries, with an urgent need for theoretical foundations related to water management. Based on life cycle theory, we examined the characteristics of the water systems of ski resorts in winter and summer. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to construct a stochastic model to quantify the theoretical water consumption for snowmaking at ski resorts and to investigate the mechanisms by which various factors influence this consumption. We summarize the necessity of summer turf management and irrigation requirements at ski resorts, explore the interaction between ski resorts and agricultural irrigation. The results show that the theoretical water demand of ski resorts is basically consistent with the actual water consumption of ski resorts, that the constructed model is feasible, and that snowmaking water is the most important water use of ski resorts. Exploring the collection and reuse of meltwater or rainwater from ski resorts for agricultural irrigation in the spring and summer could provide more possibilities for the sustainable management of regional water resources. The research findings can provide a theoretical basis for scientifically and reasonably setting the norm of water intake for ski resorts and for developing comprehensive water resource management plans for ski resorts and agricultural irrigation.

The snow must go on: can snowmaking keep ski resorts profitable in a changing climate?

ABSTRACT Climate change threatens the economic performance of ski resorts, and therefore the economies of mountain regions. Increased snowmaking is the leading adaptation strategy, but its economic contribution remains unclear. To fill this gap, we used dynamic panel data modelling to analyse the economic performance of 56 French Alpine ski lift operators over a 15-year period (2004/05 to 2018/19). Economic performance remains strongly linked to ski lift capacity and shows a high degree of persistence over time, all other things being equal. No evidence has been found that increased investment in snowmaking improves resort sales or profits, even in the worst natural snow seasons. These results strongly challenge the idea that increased snowmaking is an effective economic adaptation to climate change.

ISLAND TOURISM AND COVID-19: BUTLERS TOURISM AREA LIFE CYCLE, CULTURE, AND SWOT ANALYSIS

The purpose of this current research is to study island tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A unique island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the Arctic region, was chosen to analyse island tourism. It is a European country, Iceland, located near the North Pole, at the "top of the world". In contrast to the well-known concept of sand island tourism, Iceland can be said to offer snow island tourism. In this remote area, the economic slowdown became noticeable somewhat later than in other regions of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology chosen to be presented in this study involves the use of a SWOT analysis to help clarify business strategy, applied to shed light on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a small open economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on island tourism, with a tourist destination located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, almost equidistant from the US and Europe. The tourism industry in Iceland has grown substantially in recent years and has become the most important sector of the Icelandic economy in recent years, generating significant foreign exchange earnings for the country. In this analysis, tourism exports are presented as a share of GDP in line with international economic theories. Additionally, the country case study is considered in conjunction with the Butlers Tourism Area life cycle and culture in the analysis. The results of the SWOT analysis indicate that, when considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the market, the overall growth potential of the market is significant. Practical implications include the need to strengthen the infrastructure further to best supply tourism opportunities. New opportunities are seen in online advertising, social media, digital marketing, food culture and historical culture, as well as sustainable and renewable resources. In addition, more attractions and pedestrian areas, as well as improved ski resorts. The value / originality of this study is somewhat unique, as it analyses island tourism, showing the successful development of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic on remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, the summary and conclusions provide an overview and suggestions to consider when looking for ways to successfully promote tourism in the post-COVID crisis market.

Lesotho and the QwaQwa Ski Resort, 1975–82: Border Disputes and South Africa's Increasingly Deadly Responses

Abstract In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the terrain of the diplomatic and security landscape of Southern Africa shifted dramatically. South Africa declared various Bantustans “independent,” but they were not recognized by other countries. Small regional states like Lesotho increasingly took more combative diplomatic stances, aided by Cold War connections and, in this case, a local border dispute. This article examines a proposed ski resort that South Africa wanted to build in the QwaQwa Bantustan on Lesotho's border starting in 1975. Because of Lesotho's diplomatic and military escalation, the Khoptjoane resort was never built, but the lengthy dispute contributed to the sidelining of the apartheid regime's diplomats in favor of its securocrats. Thus, we argue the failed ski resort contributed to the atmosphere in which Pretoria greenlit the Maseru Massacre of 1982, presaging the apartheid regime's increased 1980s willingness to use its military superiority against township residents and Southern African neighbors alike.

Ski slopes as an unrecognized source of human impact on vegetation

AbstractVarious anthropogenic activities, e.g. construction, soil disturbance, and introducing artificial plant mixtures on newly-created ski slopes after forest clearing are significant interventions in ecosystems. These drastic acts influence the species composition of vegetation cover in the landscape. Although synanthropic species are typically infrequent in mountainous areas, they tend to flourish in disturbed environments; ski slopes are no exception to this pattern. Here we assessed the composition of vascular plants in three distinct ski slope habitats across 30 Slovak ski resorts: the ski lift entrance areas, the ski lift exit areas, and the central areas of the ski slopes. To gain insights into the dynamics of the spreading of synanthropic species on ski slopes, we used selected species traits, synanthropization indices for both flora and vegetation, and considered specific disturbance criteria. The outcomes of our study confirmed that the highest richness of synanthropic species was observed in plots located at the ski lift entrance areas, while the lowest in the central areas of the ski slopes. This difference could be attributed to the proximity of anthropogenically-disturbed zones, which act as propagule sources for synanthropic species into these mountainous habitats. At the same time, elevation also plays an important role in limiting spread of synanthropic plants on ski slopes. The study of synanthropic plant species distribution on ski slopes provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between human activities and the environment.

Spatial and temporal assessment of China's skiing climate resources.

This study introduces an improved Ski Climate Index (SCI) designed to assess skiing suitability in China by applying fuzzy logic. Using daily meteorological data from 733 weather stations for the periods 1961-1990 and 1991-2020, the study identifies significant changes in SCI distribution over time. Additionally, a coupled analysis is performed, integrating the SCI results with the distribution and spatial vitality of 389 ski resorts in China. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between actual ski resources and the ongoing evolution of the skiing industry in China and three significant results:1) The snow module has a major impact on SCI distribution, while other non-snow natural elements, such as sunshine duration, wind speed, and thermal comfort, influence the overall SCI assessment less; 2) High SCI values are concentrated in Northwestern and Northeastern China, with increased ski climate resources being observed in Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia, Southwest Tibet, and Sichuan due to climate change and noticeable declines in the Southern regions of Northeast China.; 3) In terms of the distribution and vitality of ski resorts, the SCI also partially reflects the development of ski resorts. This skiing suitability model uses climate resources to offer valuable insights for key decision-making in resort development and operation, thereby supporting advancement of the ice-snow economy.

Formation of Modern Ski Complex

The paper relevance is determined by the growing popularity of active extreme tourism, where ski holidays offer increasing accessibility to ski infrastructure and are supported by the government.Purpose: Identification of design principles and trends in a modern ski complex.Methodology: The analysis of Russian and foreign experience; functional typology of ski complexes; principles of creating modern architecture integrated into the environment; ski resorts in Russia, European countries, Japan and the USA in the 20-21st centuries.Research findings: The historical aspect of the emergence of skiing as a popular tourism is considered herein. Based on the comparative analysis, the principles of designing ski complexes are formulated. The connection between these principles and sustainable architecture is shown. The classification is given to ski complexes. The influence of residence time on functional content is highlighted. The functional planning aspects of design and the influence of architectural and stylistic solutions on them are formulated. The functional planning structure is presented. The dependence of spatial arrangement with the functional planning structure is demonstrated.Practical implications: The results can be used in the design of ski complexes.Originality: The paper studies Russian and foreign experience in design of ski complexes; factors influencing the design in the complex terrain; determines the functional and planning structure and nomenclature of the premises of ski complexes.

Nature-based winter sports and their ephemeral tracks: interspecies (non-)encounters in snow

Nature-based winter sports are often framed as a solution to the tension between people’s desire for pristine snowy landscapes and their effects on that environment. Low-impact activities such as ski touring and cross-country skiing allow outdoor enthusiasts to visit remote and mountainous locations without the need for hard infrastructure of ski resorts, leaving no permanent marks in the landscape. Yet their growing popularity raises a dilemma about negative effects, especially on wildlife conservation areas. We use the tracks and traces left behind by people as well as animals in Northern Europe and the Alps as a nexus through which to explore how humans and non-humans interact, ignore or avoid each other. Often imagined as ephemeral activities, we argue that the cumulative impacts of nature-based winter sports have significant consequences for wildlife and the way we aim to protect it long after its traces in the snow have disappeared.

스키장 마케팅믹스 6P 요인이 참여만족 및 고객충성도에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to determine how the 6P factors of ski resort marketing mix affect participation satisfaction and customer loyalty to provide methods to prevent the departure of existing customers, attract new customers, and strengthen competitiveness with other ski resorts. Therefore, three ski resorts located in Pyeongchang-gun (Yongpyeong, Phoenix Park, Alpensia), where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held, High1 Resort, which was included in the X3 Season Pass, an integrated season ticket in Gangwon-do, and Jisan Resort and Gonjiam Reasort located in Gyeonggi-do, close to the metropolitan area, were selected as a population, and adult men and women in their 20s or older were selected as samples. The survey method used the convenience sampling method among the non-probability sampling methods, and the survey was conducted online using a Google questionnaire. The survey period was conducted from October 7, 2023 to November 7, 2023, and 353 people were selected as valid samples and used for the analysis of the results, excluding data that were deemed to have been omitted for unfaithful answers and part of the survey. For data processing, frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, intra-question consistency, correlation analysis, and simple and multiple regression analysis were performed, and the SPSS (ver. 21.0) program was used. As a result of the study, first, it was found that among the 6P factors of ski resort marketing mix, people and products affect participation satisfaction in order. Second, it was found that the participation satisfaction in ski resorts had a statistically significant effect on both attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty of customer loyalty. Third, among the six factors of ski resort marketing mix, people, products, and prices were found to have an effect on attitudinal loyalty, and people, products, and promotion were found to have an effect on behavioral loyalty.

Viral Hepatitis and HIV Screening in Seasonal Mountain Workers: Feasibility and Results of a First French Experiment

Introduction: The Mobile Hepatitis Team (MHT) was set up in 2013, with main objective was to increase outreach screening care treatment access and cure of our target population. Target population was drugs users, prisoners, homeless, precarious people, migrants, and psychiatric patients. Seasonal workers working in mid-mountain ski resorts in the Eastern Pyrenees constitute a population at risk of viral hepatitis and HIV. This young population presents sexual risk behaviors and consumption of addictive products without regular access to care because of their mobility, moving from one workplace to another according to the seasons. They do not have a regular general practitioner, do not perform screening tests and there is no access to care other than the mandatory occupational medicine visit at the beginning of the season. In previous actions on the health aera of the high cantons of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales. We met with invested partners who referred us to this specific population of seasonal workers and their lack of access to screening and care, except for the occupational medicine hiring visit, organized before the beginning of the winter season, late November in early December. Objective: To detect viral hepatitis and HIV in a population at viral risk and far from care and offer them immediate treatment of the type of linkage to care “TEST TO CURE”. Methodology: 2-weeks HCV HBV and HIV finger sticks by trained nurses and orientation to the hepatology or the infectious units. Results: only 28 HCV finger sticks were completed. We also met 4 patients with known HCV serology. Three patients received DAA treatment and one patient spontaneous cured with negative RNA. One new patient had RNA C positive on balance sheet without social rights. We oriented him towards sour social worker to treat him later. Two patients had 2 real time HCV viral load not detected (including one post treatment follow-up) and one RNA negative without antiviral treatment, in case of HCV spontaneous clearance. For HBV, 16 finger sticks were completed, all negative. We did not meet as many seasonal workers as originally planned. This is why we conducted a second session over 2 days only targeted on these temporary accommodations. We realized 26 HCV and HIV finger sticks. One patient was HIV positive. HIV serology was unknow until our screening session. Nobody was HCV positive but 62% of screened people were drugs users or former drugs users. Discussion: our study was a success even the low number of people screened in the first 2-week session. The second 2-day session was more efficient. It was the first experience of hepatitis and HIV screening in this population of seasonal mountain workers. Conclusion: despite all limits, hepatitis and HIV screening among seasonal mountain workers was an innovative and efficient action. This action could be easily replicated in all populations of seasonal workers, whether in the mountains or by the sea.

Evolutionary and transformational approaches in the strategic management of alpine ski resorts: prospects for digitalization and digital transformation

Evolutionary and transformational approaches in the strategic management of alpine ski resorts: prospects for digitalization and digital transformation

Strategic Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Ski Resorts as Part of the Polish Energy Policy Project

Strategic Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Ski Resorts as Part of the Polish Energy Policy Project

Anthropogenic pressure in Czech protected areas over the last 60 years: A concerning increase

This article focuses on the evolution of anthropogenic pressure across Czech large-scale protected areas (protected landscape areas and national parks, n = 30) over the last 60 years. In four periods (1960s; 1990; 2004; between 2016 and 2020) we analysed the development of artificial structures (built-up areas, recreational areas, roads, dirt roads, and streets) and their impact on landscape fragmentation. These spatial data were derived from topographic maps and aerial imageries and then statistically compared. Principally, built-up and recreational areas have increased; however, intensity varied across protected areas (PAs). Built-up areas have grown more in PAs close to large towns, especially after 1990 as protection did not prevent suburbanization in the PAs. Furthermore, PAs with more built-up areas also have more buildable areas; therefore, further ongoing development is expected. Recreational areas are present the most in some mountainous areas, such as ski resorts, and near large towns and spa towns (e.g. golf courses). The density of roads was more or less stable during the study period. Dirt road density differed within PAs according to the prevalent type of landscape: growth or stagnation in forested areas due to recreation and logging purposes and a decline in agricultural land, mainly as a consequence of collectivization in 1950 s followed by landscape unification and the creation of large patches of agricultural land. To sum up, anthropogenic pressure increased with landscape fragmentation, but these impacts are different across Czechia; in peripheral, attractive or peri-urban areas, which is important from landscape management point of view.

Examining the relationship among constraints, facilitators and ski participation in the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics

PurposeThe study’s purpose is to investigate the constraints and facilitators influencing skiing participation in Beijing. This research includes three segments based on the frequency of skiing participation (i.e. non-, low-frequency-, and high-frequency skiers). By doing so, the study offers an enhanced understanding of the Chinese skiing market and unveils insights assisting industry professionals to effectively address their customers' diverse needs and expectations.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was developed based on prior research and consisted of four sections: (1) skiing participation; (2) constraints; (3) facilitators; (4) demographics. Items in the constraint and facilitator scale were measured using a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 409 participants completed the survey. The participants included 137 non-skiers, 134 low-frequency skiers, and 138 high-frequency skiers.FindingsThrough an exploratory factor analysis, three constructs emerged: general constraints, facilitators and learning constraints. As expected, facilitators were a positive predictor of skiing participation. Importantly, the emergent construct of learning constraints was a negative predictor of skiing and yet, the construct of general constraints was insignificant. Furthermore, the three segments differ significantly in household status, income, and education level.Originality/valueThese results support previous research noting the relevance in skiing participation of the dimensions: facilitators and learning constraints. The findings point to the need for ski resorts in Beijing to offer instructional sessions for beginners so they may become familiar with skiing fundamentals and enhance their confidence, particularly among nonskiers and low-frequency skiers.

Influences of ski-runs, meadow management and climate on the occupancy of reptiles and amphibians in a high-altitude environment of Italy.

Alpine ecosystems harbour a rich and highly specialised biodiversity, which is particularly susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss and fragmentation as well as to climate change. Combined with other forms of land-use conversion, construction and maintenance of ski resorts can have severe consequences on alpine biodiversity. In this study, we show how one amphibian and two reptile species, namely Rana temporaria, Zootoca vivipara and Vipera berus, respond to such impacts by means of a multi-season occupancy analysis. We found all three species both in and outside ski-runs, showing that these habitats do not necessarily preclude their occurrence. Contrarily, this is influenced more by microhabitat availability, such as ground vegetation, humid areas and rock cover, rather than by macro-characteristics like elevation or habitat type. Moreover, we found a climatic influence on the year-to-year occupancy change of the species, with activity-month conditions being more relevant than overwintering ones. Our results demonstrate how, in the specific case of reptiles and amphibians, ski resorts do not necessarily limit species' occurrence and that a mild series of management actions might secure the species' persistence in the area.

How does ski infrastructure change soil erosion processes on hillslope?

AbstractSki tourism's popularity is driving a rise in the number of ski resorts. This study aims to present the impact of ski infrastructure on soil erosion processes in the example from a small catchment in the Gubałowskie Foothills in southern Poland, where landscape changes before (since 1879) and after the construction of the ski station (2007) are presented. The analyses of changes in flow accumulation, slope morphometry, and drainage ditches were conducted in the test area. Quantitative analyses were performed using repeated DEMs derived from aerial LiDAR survey and detailed geodetic measurements, complemented by geomorphological mapping done in the field. The study has revealed that the ski infrastructure has not only directly transformed the hillslope by flattening and constructing escarpments (up to 3 m high) but has also created alternating patterns of erosion and accumulation. In the test area, the drainage ditch was poorly designed. It was filled with materials (0.1–0.5 m), and two new outlets formed. The escarpment of the analyzed ski run has been diminished by 0.5 m. An alluvial fan (0.1–0.22 m thick) has developed on the flattened surface below the escarpment with drainage ditch outlets. This fan is eroded by subsurface flow that creates a piping system. The gully below the alluvial fan has retreated upslope, accelerated by subsurface erosion. This study enables the presentation of hillslope adjustments and processes in response to the new conditions caused by ski infrastructure. Such results may support more effective land management in regions changed by ski infrastructure.

Planning Litigation in Ski Resorts as a Reflection of Territorial Conflicts in the French Northern Alps

Planning Litigation in Ski Resorts as a Reflection of Territorial Conflicts in the French Northern Alps