The value of remote Arctic destinations for backcountry skiers

ABSTRACT

Choosing remote Arctic areas as a destination for practising backcountry skiing is a relatively new phenomenon. The Arctic’s unique attraction for skiers can be attributed to its wilderness and amazing natural beauty, the unlikelihood of external rescue and the necessity to rely on a guide as well as other participants, which strengthens bonds within the group and heightens the experience. Near the Arctic Circle, conditions are difficult and there are greater risks than in other mountains. This study aims to investigate the experiences, motivations and values that participants gain from such excursions. Drawing on observations, a survey of participants of expeditions (n = 46) to East Greenland and West Fjords, Iceland (purposive sampling) and interviews with operators (n = 4) this study gives insight into the values remote Arctic areas provide to skiers. Three groups of values can be distinguished: those connected with nature (the beauty, wilderness and remoteness of the area), a second group connected with ski touring (unspoiled powder, independent trails) and finally values related to the presence of and bonds with other participants. Value is created by experiences. The results highlight strong push motivational factors among participants. This also explains their propensity to pay a high price (300€ per day on average) for an expedition.

KEYWORDS:

• Arctic
• backcountry skiing
• remote destinations
• value for skiers
• experience
• adventure ski touring

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the funds granted to the Faculty of Management at Cracow University of Economics, within the framework of the subsidy for the maintenance of research potential [grant number: 024/WZ-KT/01/2015/S/5024]. The work was supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education.