Natural Space Tourism and Snow Sports

Tourism in Natural Spaces: Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Originated from Romantic movement ( 1700s), emphasizing nature appreciation.
• 19th-century European and American mountain tourism focused on recreation.
• Major regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Nordic countries, North America, Andes.
• Snow involves sports, expeditions, popularized in the 20th century.
• Ski resorts feature pistes, transport, lodging, and diversified services.
• Approximately 135–150 million skiers worldwide; 370 million ski days annually.
• Ski tourism generates about two-thirds of Swiss tourism revenue.
• Climate change causes snow decline, increased avalanches, and habitat impacts.
• Artificial snow and activity diversification are key adaptation strategies.
• Ecotourism emphasizes environmental education, landscape, and ecological awareness.
• Major impacts: economic dependence, ecological degradation, cultural shifts.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

• Ski Resorts — infrastructure with pistes, lifts, accommodations, and amenities.
• Natural Landscapes — mountains, snow-covered terrains, ecosystems.
• Ecotourism Sites — protected areas, parks, eco-lodges.
• Adventure Activities — mountaineering, kayaking, snowboarding, speedriding.
• Climate Factors — snowfall, temperature, avalanche risk.
• Artificial Snow Systems — snowmaking machines for season extension.
• Transport Networks — access roads, cable cars, gondolas.

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