In the nineteenth century visits to the mountains were limited because of a lack of access, poor roads, limited leisure time and low income of the majority of North American citizens (Goeldner, 1996). In the 1860s railroads were built and roads improved, so travel increased slowly, although it was still a privilege of people with high incomes. The number of travellers did a huge jump after World War I as the automobile became affordable for “middle class” families. As the infrastructure improved, more and more summer tourists arrived. A tourism-based economy began to grow, hotels, motels and restaurants were built. Until the skiing movement started in the 50’s and 60’s the winter season was long and uneventful (Goeldner, 1996). When skiing finally became a national trend, major ski resorts developed and many of them were and still are two-season resorts. Central to the tourist group from the mid 60’s on were the baby boomers, ranging in age from 18 to 35 (Goeldner, 1996). As the numbers of tourists were still rising in the 1980’s, locally owned establishments saw themselves competing with big-time operators. Usually a whole complex of lodging, restaurants and everything else to serve the tourists was developed. In the 1990’s mountain tourism has grown to be a powerful economic force. Fast food chains like McDonalds and accommodation chains such as Holiday Inn have come on the scene (Goeldner, 1996). Today in mountain communities outlet stores, gambling, country clubs, exclusive residences etc. can be found. Competition is tougher than ever before and environmental issues challenge the high mountain communities.
Table of Contents
I. Tourism
1. Historical development
2. Types of High Mountain tourism
3. Skiing tourism
3.1. Finding sustainability in winter sports: Large or small?
3.2. The Colorado ski industry
3.3. Ski resort growth (Example: Whistler, British Columbia)
4. The transformation of mining towns into tourist towns
5. Gambling in the Rocky Mountains
6. Ecological impact of unmanaged OHV-use
II. Amenity migration
1. Definition
2. Characteristics of amenity migrants
3. Reasons for increasing amenity migration
4. Major impacts
Objectives and Core Topics
This work examines the evolution of the North American high mountain regions, focusing on the dual drivers of economic transformation: the development of the tourism industry and the phenomenon of amenity migration. It explores how these trends have redefined mountain communities, spurred economic growth in former mining towns, and created significant ecological and social challenges.
- Evolution of tourism in North American high mountains
- Transformation of industrial mining towns into modern tourist destinations
- Sustainability challenges in the skiing and winter sports industry
- Ecological consequences of unmanaged off-highway vehicle (OHV) use
- Societal impacts of amenity migration on rural mountain communities
Excerpt from the Book
3.3. Ski resort growth (Example: Whistler, British Columbia)
Whistler ranks around skiers as the number 1 ski destination in North America. It is a planned resort community 120 km north of Vancouver.
While skiing began on Whistler mountain in the late 1960s, the opening of Blackcomb mountain (which is the neighbouring mountain) in 1980 marked the true beginning of the resort (Gill, 1996). The competition between these two companies has been a driving force in its rapid growth. The ski market has shown a strong growth and Whistler/Blackcomb have a combined figure of over 1.5 million skier days per year. The permanent population grew from a few hundred in 1976 to over 6,800 in 1996 (Gill, 1996). Today Whistler has about 10.000 inhabitants. In addition to that there are also 2000-3000 seasonal employees and over 5000 second-home owners, compared to the tourists who fill the 52,500 bed units. Whistler faces multiple growth management challenges: providing high-quality recreation and leisure facilities, supplying an efficient transportation system, developing community facilities and protecting habitat for indigenous species.
A key issue in Whistler is how to establish the right balance between the needs of the tourists and the permanent residents. The early 1980s have been recessionary and so the main aim of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) was to maintain investor confidence. They for example decided to turn the new Community Centre into a Convention Centre which could generate income. Since the conflicts resulting out of that decision and the increasing dissatisfaction of the residents about the growing crisis over affordable housing, RMOW changed its strategy to replace competition with cooperation. The new established “Monitoring Program” will collect information to manage change, focusing on several key issues like the effects of growth on the resort, community and environment or community needs and how to provide for them (Gill, 1996). That gives the resort the opportunity to respond immediately on immediate issues.
Summary of Chapters
I. Tourism: This section details the historical growth of mountain tourism from a limited activity to a major economic force, driven by skiing, casino gambling, and the repurposing of old mining towns.
1. Historical development: Describes the shift from nineteenth-century isolation to modern mountain tourism, fueled by improved infrastructure, the automobile, and the rise of the skiing industry.
2. Types of High Mountain tourism: Surveys the diverse range of tourism activities, highlighting the rise of trend sports and the resulting environmental and societal implications.
3. Skiing tourism: Analyzes the transition of ski resorts into complex, consolidated businesses and the search for sustainable management practices.
3.1. Finding sustainability in winter sports: Large or small?: Contrasts the small, cooperative business model found in the Alps with the consolidated, single-company management structure prevalent in North America.
3.2. The Colorado ski industry: Examines the dramatic growth of Colorado as a ski destination and the shift toward offering diverse activities to attract non-skiers.
3.3. Ski resort growth (Example: Whistler, British Columbia): Uses Whistler as a case study for growth management and the necessity of balancing tourist needs with those of permanent residents.
4. The transformation of mining towns into tourist towns: Discusses how former mining centers repurposed their history into tourist attractions such as ghost towns, western-themed towns, or ski resorts.
5. Gambling in the Rocky Mountains: Explores the use of casino gaming as an economic revitalization strategy in former mining communities.
6. Ecological impact of unmanaged OHV-use: Addresses the environmental degradation, particularly soil erosion, caused by the surge in off-highway vehicle usage on mountain trails.
II. Amenity migration: Defines the movement of people into rural mountain areas seeking lifestyle improvements, and outlines the drivers and impacts of this phenomenon.
1. Definition: Establishes amenity migration as a response to the perceived quality of life improvements offered by natural scenery and cultural features of mountain regions.
2. Characteristics of amenity migrants: Profiles migrants as often affluent individuals from urban areas who seek to live in high-amenity locations either permanently or seasonally.
3. Reasons for increasing amenity migration: Identifies key societal drivers, including a higher valuation of the environment and increased technological facilitation of mobility.
4. Major impacts: Discusses the negative consequences of migration, such as rising land prices, suburbanization, and social friction between locals and newcomers.
Keywords
Amenity migration, Mountain tourism, Sustainability, Ski industry, Whistler, Colorado, Mining towns, OHV impact, Soil erosion, Economic development, Tourism management, Alpine geography, Land use, Social conflict, Modern mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this document?
The document investigates the economic and social transformation of North American high mountain regions, specifically examining how tourism development and amenity migration have reshaped these landscapes and communities.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The core themes include the historical progression of mountain tourism, the evolution of ski resorts, the repurposing of historical mining towns, the ecological challenges posed by outdoor recreation, and the demographics and impacts of amenity-based migration.
What is the main objective of the analysis?
The objective is to analyze the transition of high mountain areas from resource-extractive economies to tourism-oriented ones and to understand the environmental and social consequences of this shift.
What research method is used in this study?
The work utilizes a descriptive geographic and socio-economic analysis based on case studies and literature reviews to assess the development and impacts of tourism and migration trends.
What topics are explored in the main body?
The main body covers the development of winter sports and ski resorts, the transformation of old mining towns, the ecological threats of off-road vehicle use, and the drivers and societal impacts of individuals moving to mountain areas for lifestyle reasons.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include amenity migration, mountain tourism, ski industry, sustainability, OHV impact, and mountain community development.
How has the ski industry changed over time according to the text?
The industry has shifted from small, localized operations to highly consolidated, multi-service resort communities that aim to offer year-round entertainment, not just skiing, to a wider variety of consumers.
What are the major concerns regarding amenity migration?
The document highlights concerns regarding the extensive land use by affluent newcomers, the rising cost of living for locals, and the social conflicts that arise between urban migrants and the existing rural population.
- Quote paper
- Kerstin Remshard (Author), 2005, Tourism and Amenity Migration in the High Mountains of the USA, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/54855
