This study explores decision making amongst ski area management. In
particular, it examined how managers are challenged by the risk and
uncertainty as a result of weather and visitor activity patterns. Ski operations
in southern British Columbia were chosen for study because of the
importance of ski operations to the economy of this region as well as the
challenging and variable weather events they have recently experienced. For
example, this area hosts international and regional visitors as well as major
events like the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games events. As a
result, there is considerable interest in creating ski conditions that are of
international calibre. The analysis should help to answer the questions: -
What procedures are used to make decisions when weather-based
probabilities and outcomes are uncertain? - What is the effect of climate
variability on ski area operation decision making? - What weather specific risk
management policies and procedures have been instituted to deal with
uncertainty? - What is the adaptive capacity of ski areas regarding climate
change risk, threats and opportunities? - How do trends within the evolving
ski industry and ski market influence management decision making? This
book is addressed to professionals in the ski industry among other recreation
fields. It is also directed towards researchers in the recreation, leisure and
tourism fields.