Item: Backcountry and Sidecountry Users: an Intercept Survey Approach
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Title: Backcountry and Sidecountry Users: an Intercept Survey Approach
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Kevin Fitzgerald [ Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
- Jessica Kay [ Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
- Jordy Hendrikx [ Snow and Avalanche Lab, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ] [ Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
- Jerry Johnson [ Department of Political Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ] [ Snow and Avalanche Lab, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: This paper explores the differences in overall preparedness (i.e. equipment, skills, knowledge and awareness) between backcountry, and lift-accessed backcountry terrain. Intercept surveys were conducted in four separate locations in SW Montana that represent these settings. Two of these locations were outside the North and South boundary of Bridger Bowl Ski Resort. These areas are unpatrolled, and without avalanche control. These areas were chosen as they represent heavily used liftaccessed backcountry or "sidecountry". The other two locations were Beehive Basin and Mt Blackmore, both popular backcountry touring areas with a wide variety of terrain. These areas were chosen due to their popularity with backcountry travelers. They represent easily accessed but remote wilderness terrain. Our results show that there is a clear contrast in perceptions of backcountry terrain between skiers in lift accessed backcountry terrain and non-lift-accessed backcountry terrain. Skiers in backcountry terrain appear to be more prepared and also have a common mindset regarding the terrain they are entering. In contrast, skiers in lift-accessed backcountry terrain had a variety of opinions, skills and level of preparedness. These differences support the idea that there is a difference in perception that near boundary, liftaccessed backcountry terrain is somehow safer, thus not requiring the necessary amount of planning, skills, knowledge and equipment that is actually needed to be traveling in a backcountry setting. These findings reinforce the anecdotal experience of many industry professionals and reassert the need to improve education and signage at the exit points of lift-accessed backcountry terrain. This work was undertaken by a sub-set of students as part of a final class project in the 400 level undergraduate capstone courses for the snow science degree option at Montana State University.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.29.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Decision-making, Recreation, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Page Number(s): 1057-1063
Subjects: backcountry skiers safe backcountry skiing decision-making
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