The geography of skier adaptation to adverse conditions in the Ontario ski market

• Published in: The Canadian geographer 2015-12, Vol.59 (4), p.391-403
• Main Authors: Rutty, Michelle, Scott, Daniel, Johnson, Peter, Jover, Eric, Pons, Marc, Steiger, Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adaptation; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; changements climatiques; Climate change; climate variability; Climatic changes; Economic aspects; Environmental aspects; Forecasts and trends; Geography; Market shares; Market trend/market analysis; Ski resorts; ski tourism; Skiers; Skis; substitution; Tourism; tourisme du ski; Travel industry; variabilité climatique
• ISSN: 0008-3658; 1541-0064
• DOI: 10.1111/cag.12220

Key Messages Spatial patterns of skiers may vary as a result of snow conditions. This study examined where and how far skiers in Ontario (Canada) are willing to travel in response to local lack of snow. Majority of respondents (59–60%) would travel to five key resorts in Ontario; an additional 11–15% of respondents opted to travel to Quebec or the state of New York. Weather and climate directly influence ski season length, the quality of snow conditions, and skier visits. Inter‐annual climate variability, which is expected to become more pronounced under future climate change, poses an increased risk for the ski tourism industry. Using a survey (n = 2448), this study examines where and how far skiers in Ontario (Canada) are willing to travel if their ski resort was to temporarily or permanently close due to a lack of snow. The majority of respondents (≥59%) would travel to five key resorts in Ontario, with the largest share (≥27%) selecting Blue Mountain Resort. An additional 11–15% of respondents would leave Ontario, opting to travel to Quebec or the state of New York. Overall, this paper presents the first empirical evidence on the geographical patterns skiers may engage in as a result of marginal snow conditions, in addition to providing information on travel distance and time thresholds. This research is fundamental for assessing contemporary climate risk and can inform how future climate change could alter demand patterns in regional ski marketplaces. Future research needs are identified to further appraise the consequences and future viability of individual ski resorts in Ontario and the ski industry more generally. La géographie de l'adaptation des skieurs aux conditions défavorables sur le marché du ski de l'Ontario Les phénomènes météorologiques et climatiques exercent une influence majeure sur la durée de la saison de ski, la qualité des conditions de neige et la fréquentation par les skieurs. La variabilité climatique interannuelle, que l'on prévoit être plus marquée suite aux changements climatiques dans les prochaines années, présente un risque accru pour l'industrie touristique du ski. Une enquête (n = 2448) a été menée dans le cadre de cette étude afin d'explorer où et jusqu'où les skieurs de l'Ontario (Canada) étaient prêts à se déplacer si leur station de ski devait cesser ses activités de façon temporaire ou permanente en raison d'un manque de neige. La majorité des répondants (≥59%) se rendraient à cinq des plus importantes stations onta