Explaining variation in alpine skiing frequency

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine how social and personal factors influence overall skiing frequency and the frequency of repeated visits to a specific ski resort of existing domestic skiers in a typical winter season. The study used data from a survey conducted at three ski resorts in the Inland region of south-eastern Norway at the end of the winter season of 2015/2016. Ordinary least squares regression analysis highlighted that variation in skiing frequency can be explained mainly by skiing interest and household income. Additional factors influencing repeated visits to a specific ski resort were the location of the permanent residence and private holiday home close to the ski resort. The results did not show notable differences between the estimated effects at the mean and those estimated for skiers with the highest and lowest visit frequency.

KEYWORDS:

• Visit frequency
• repeat visit
• ski resort
• alpine skiing
• regression analysis

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges Erik Haugom and Gudbrand Lien for their valuable comments and suggestions.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Skier visit – one person visiting a ski resort for all or any part of a day or night for the purpose of skiing, snowboarding or other downhill sliding activity (Vanat, 2016).

2. Including visitors to indoor ski centres.