Ski – resort and regional development: profile of visitors ... - E-Journal

Olga Christopoulou, Garyfallos Arabatzis and Serafeim Polyzos
According to Goeldner and Standley (1980), the determining factors of the number of visits
to ski resorts are income level, sex, education and occupation. The general attitude towards
recreation is becoming increasingly positive, which in turn has lead to increased tourism in
ski resorts. This change in attitude has already led to recreation being regarded as a necessity,
rather than a luxury. As leisure time increases there is a proportional increase in demand for
skiing, a sport which will continue to be directly affected by this trend. In general, according
to the researchers mentioned above, demographic trends in the U.S.A. plus general population
trends are expected to lead to a continuous increase in demand for skiing.
Goeldner and Farwell (1981), compared the efficiency of ski areas of N. America by creating
a benefit coefficient. It was found that benefit increases proportionately to the size of the area
and it is also affected by the high fixed cost of running the facilities and the relatively short
winter period. The total benefit for ski a resort increases linearly in relation to the length of
its operation period. Latest trends regarding mountain tourism activities worldwide seem to
be following certain fixed patterns. A massive increase can be observed regarding downhill
skiing, while hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also increasingly preferred,
but to a lower degree (Fredman and Heberlein, 2003).
Walsh and Davitt (1983) attempted to determine the factors affecting the length of stay in the
winter resort of Aspen in the U.S.A. The research examined such factors as: the total cost of
the visit, traveling distance, annual family income, the ability to ski, size of group, the
population of the skier’s place of origin and the percentage of days visiting the specific resort
(in relation to the total number of days visiting other resorts). The results of this research
show that information about the factors affecting the length of stay may lead to better decision
making and planning.
McClaskie et al. (1986), set up two linear models that specify the factors which affect
participation in outdoor recreation activities (boating, hunting). The factors required are
qualitative (for example the convenience of entry in the area, non participation of friends etc.)
as well as quantitative (income). The above models had an adjusted determination coefficient,
0.103 and 0.125 respectively. The model was applied to recreation activity in downhill skiing
in Michigan.
Uysal et al. (1988), in a national research in the U.S.A. use regression analysis in order to
determine the factors that affect demand for accommodation in mountain ski resorts. The
average individual cost, the traveling distance involved, the number of skiers (mountain skiers)
over the previous year, the number of people in the group, the number of people gathering
in the area daily (congestion), the existence of non-recreational activities (pits, mines, logging)
in the area, were investigated by the research.
Tourism Today - Fall 2007 - Full Paper
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