Skier Demand and Snow Conditions in British Columbia

How do warming temperatures affect local ski resorts and what can be expected for the future of alpine skiing in British Columbia? This study aims to determine how important natural snow and weather conditions are for customers at ski resorts in British Columbia and what this means under future snow conditions. By analyzing natural conditions, information from rental apartments surrounding 4 ski resorts over the last 5 years and supplemental visitor counts, this project will determine how much variation in demand for skiing is caused by changing snow conditions. After studying the reactivity of skiers to natural conditions, future climate and snow conditions will be simulated for a mid- and late- 21st century scenario. The study will indicate changes in activity levels at ski resorts due to forecasted weather as well as long-term climate trends at the ski resort locations under several warming scenarios.

Faculty Supervisor:

John Janmaat;Michael Pidwirny

Student:

Partner:

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association;Economic Trust of the Southern Interior

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program:

Accelerate