An Analysis of the Importance, and Impacts, of Sport and Sports Tourism in the Context of Skiing

An Analysis of the

Importance, and impacts,

of sport and sports tourism

In the context of Skiing

Contents[pic]

Introduction………………………………….………………………………..2

The history and importance of skiing as a sport….………………………3

The importance of ski tourism…………….………………………………..5

Environmental impacts of skiing….………..………………………………6

Social impacts of skiing….………...…………………..……………………7

Economic impacts of skiing……………….………………..…....…………8

Case study: New Hampshire, America…………………………..………10

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..15

References………………………………………………………………….16

Introduction

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From its early beginnings as a transport mechanism in Scandinavia in the mid 19th century, skiing has become a sport and tourist activity in many countries. With the subsequent development of electrical machines for ski-lifts and cable cars, the introduction of skiing into the Winter Olympic Games from 1924, and the 20th century phenomenon of easier and cheaper travel, skiing increasingly became a globally recognised sport.

Skiing has now developed into a billion pound industry, and has had great economic benefits for ski resorts around the world. The introduction of budget airline companies, and an increase in the public’s disposable income made ski tourism’s development very prominent. However, the pressure of global warming created fluctuations in the industries success, posing significant threats to low-altitude resorts unable to maintain cold enough climates to support snow, and unable to compete with high-altitude places that benefit from reliable weather and income.

Snow-making came into play to prolong cold winters; hiding environmental destruction along the way. These threats are still problematic today, affecting the economy, the environment and the social aspects of the ski industry, and as a result some ski resorts face extinction if weather conditions cannot meet up to specific requirements. These shall be discussed later in more detail, as well as a closer look at...