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Off-Piste Skiing Demand Patterns and Climate Change Adaptation Pathways in La Grave, France

Author

Listed:
  • Nao Yoshizawa

    (Hokkaido University [Sapporo, Japan])

  • Jonathan Cognard

    (Labex ITTEM - Laboratoire d'excellence Innovations et transitions territoriales en montagne - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes, UR LESSEM - Laboratoire des EcoSystèmes et des Sociétés en Montagne - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Lucas Berard-Chenu

    (UA - Université d'Angers, Esthua Faculté de Tourisme, Culture et Hospitalité, UR LESSEM - Laboratoire des EcoSystèmes et des Sociétés en Montagne - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes, ESO - Espaces et Sociétés - UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie - NU - Normandie Université - UM - Le Mans Université - UA - Université d'Angers - UR2 - Université de Rennes 2 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Nantes Univ - IGARUN - Institut de Géographie et d'Aménagement Régional de l'Université de Nantes - Nantes Université - pôle Humanités - Nantes Univ - Nantes Université - Institut Agro Rennes Angers - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, Institut conjoint des Universités de Ningbo et d’Angers - UA - Université d'Angers - ZWU - Zhejiang Wanli University)

  • Philippe Bourdeau

    (PACTE - Pacte, Laboratoire de sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - IEPG - Sciences Po Grenoble-UGA - Institut d'études politiques de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes, Labex ITTEM - Laboratoire d'excellence Innovations et transitions territoriales en montagne - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes, IUGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Institut d'urbanisme et de géographie alpine - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

Abstract

Off-piste skiing is an adventurous niche segment of ski tourism that is gaining in popularity. However, its demand dynamics remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate daily off-piste skiing demand patterns by developing a regression model for La Grave, located in the French Alps, where all visitors engage in off-piste skiing. We found that the amount of fresh snow positively influenced skier visits and forecasted avalanche risk did not affect skier visits. Vacation periods did not positively influence skier visits, whereas the post-COVID period has had a negative effect. We also discuss the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies in the area. La Grave depends heavily on off-piste skiing. Because one of the purposes of this activity is to ski on fresh natural snow, it cannot rely on snow management practices such as grooming and snowmaking, which are widespread adaptations in conventional ski areas. The winter business model in La Grave is expected to face further challenges in the future because of climate change. In addition, both a new development plan and opposition movements have emerged. La Grave appears to be undergoing a transition away from a model heavily dependent on off-piste skiing.

Suggested Citation

  • Nao Yoshizawa & Jonathan Cognard & Lucas Berard-Chenu & Philippe Bourdeau, 2025. "Off-Piste Skiing Demand Patterns and Climate Change Adaptation Pathways in La Grave, France," Post-Print hal-05009425, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05009425
    DOI: 10.1659/mrd.2023.00032
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05009425v1
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