Seasonal business diversification of ski resorts and the effects on forest management : effects on trees and people due to a shift from winter only to year-round business of ski resorts in British Columbia

Abstract

Some ski resorts are shifting their business models from winter-only snow-based activities to year-round tourism. This may be happening as a result of climate change or because of a change in recreationists' behaviour, amongst other causes.  This research seeks to understand the impacts of such shifts on forest management in the areas surrounding the ski resorts. It investigates the effects of these shifts on the boundaries of the the impacted land used by residents and visitors. These effects are evaluated from an environmental impact point of view and also from a socio-economic point of view. The research also attempts to relate these shifts to factors such as location, timing and scale effects related to the size of the resorts. Four case studies were chosen: Whistler, Sun Peaks resort, Hemlock Valley resort and Mount Washington resort. In each case, opinions of stakeholders were collected through semi-structured interviews and the data were analysed by a method inspired by grounded theory and Qualitative Data Analysis. Results identify factors and mechanisms that allow a shift to happen in a ski resort and propose dates for the two case studies where the shift occurred. The strength of the communities and their incorporation into resort municipalities are identified as critical factors. Forestry practices are found to have been impacted by the shift because of a change of management values towards more recreation and visuals values. An increase of the amount of stakeholders with varied vested interests in the forests is believed to improve the forests' management. The number of people experiencing nature during the summer months and their attitudes are believed to increase awareness about the environment. This increased awareness induces scrutiny and self-regulation through information technologies. Moreover, the quality of life of shifted communities is shown to be increased and linked to a more environmentally friendly land stewardship. This acts as a positive feedback loop for a successful shift and change in forest management.Forestry, Faculty ofGraduat