Item: HOW COVID AFFECTED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN THE 2020 - 2021 SEASON
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Title: HOW COVID AFFECTED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN THE 2020 - 2021 SEASON
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- David C. Fiore MD [ University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Reno, Nevada ]
- Andrew P. Cobourn BS [ University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Reno, Nevada ]
- Spencer J. H. Trivitt BS [ University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Reno, Nevada ]
- Jordy Hendrikx PhD [ Montana State University. Bozeman, Montana ]
- Jerry D. Johnson DA [ Montana State University. Bozeman, Montana ]
- Esteban A. Valle MD [ University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Arizona ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: Introduction: Following the restricted operations and closure of many ski resorts due to the Covid pandemic there were many anecdotal reports of a surge in backcountry skiing and riding. This study attempted to quantify this and identify motivations for new backcountry skiers. Methods: Self-identified backcountry skiers and snowboarders (aged ≥18 y) in the United States completed an anonymous 29-question online survey distributed by regional avalanche centers, education providers, and skiing organizations (n=4792). Respondents were stratified by backcountry experience, defining "newcomers" who began backcountry skiing from 2019 to 2021, coincident with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of established skiers, 81% noticed more people in the backcountry and 27% reported increasing their own use. Participants reported spending more of their days in the backcountry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with newcomers increasing their time spent by 36% and established skiers increasing their time spent by 13%. Of newcomers, nearly one-third cited the COVID-19 pandemic as motivation to enter the backcountry and one-quarter lacked formal avalanche education, which is significantly higher than the 14% of established skiers. Conclusions: Influenced by factors related to COVID-19, backcountry use increased during the pandemic. Newcomers had a lower level of avalanche education and less confidence in evaluating terrain. Because 80% of participants were recruited from avalanche safety or education websites, this likely underestimates skier lacking avalanche awareness or education and is further limited by the nature of online surveys.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P2.45.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): David C. Fiore, MD
Keywords: covid, skiing, backcountry, survey
Page Number(s): 911 - 914
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