Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/337831 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights [ISSN:] 2666-9579 [Volume:] 6 [Issue:] 1 [Article No.:] 100175 [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 1-11
Publisher: 
Elsevier, Amsterdam
Abstract: 
Alpinism, a high-risk and skill-intensive form of mountain tourism, is deeply intertwined with the mountain environment, making it a practice highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This study examines European alpinists' motivations and the impact of climate-driven landscape changes, like glacier retreat and increased hazards. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a survey of 1071 alpinists with 30 in-depth interviews to identify key motivational constructs and how a changing climate influences these constructs. Results reveal that motives centre on the natural environment, social connection, the sporting nature of alpinism, and achieving iconic climbing objectives. The analysis highlights the emergence of a "last-chance to climb" motive, driven by disappearing or increasingly inaccessible routes due to climate change.
Subjects: 
Motivation
Climate change
Mountain tourism
Alpinism
Means-end chain
Mountaineering
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

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