Time-varying impact of snow depth on tourism in selected regions

Abstract

This study uses a time-varying model that provides new evidence on the changing relationship between domestic overnight stays of selected winter sport destinations and natural snow conditions. A Kalman filter method combined with wavelet-based multiresolution analysis (MRA) is employed to investigate the relationships in intervals between 2 and 4 and up to 16-32 months. The model is applied to domestic overnight stays for selected mountain regions in Sweden (Dalarna and Jämtland), Norway (Buskerud, Hedmark, Hordaland and Oppland) and Austria (Salzburg and Tyrol). Results show that the sensitivity of domestic overnight stays on natural snow conditions varies markedly depending on location, time period and frequency band window used in the estimation. The medium-run relation for Tyrol and Salzburg is significantly declining over time, while in Norway and Sweden, the same relationship is generally volatile and not significant at the end of the sample period. In the short run, none of the regions exhibits a link between domestic overnight stays and snow depth fluctuations.

Spatial influence on the distribution of downhill skiers in Sweden

“…Another important finding of the empirical studies is that the magnitude of the relationship between natural snow depth and winter overnight stays or arrivals in mountain destinations is small and decreases over time. This finding is valid not only for the Scandinavian mountains (Falk and Lin 2021 ; Töglhofer et al 2011 ) but also for the European Alps, possibly with the exception of resorts at low or medium altitudes where there still is a link (Töglhofer et al 2011 ). There are also a number of recent studies that investigate the relationship between snow conditions and skier visits using econometric methods (Pickering 2011 ; Gonseth 2013 ) or ski lift revenues (Shih et al 2009 ; Falk and Hagsten 2016 ; Falk and Lin 2018 ).…”

“…Several studies investigate the role of climate factors and weather variability in winter tourism. Most studies use data on overnight stays or arrivals at the village or regional level for a single country (Falk 2010 ; Töglhofer et al 2011 ) or comparable data on tourism flows at the regional level for several countries (Damm et al 2017 ; Falk and Lin 2021 ). Damm et al ( 2017 ) provide estimates on the snow sensitivity of overnight stays in the winter season based on NUTS3 data from twelve European countries in the period 2005 to 2010.…”

Importance of temporary and permanent snow for new second homes

“…Studies using annual data for the whole winter season at the regional or village level show a significant but not always positive relationship between snow depth and overnight stays or arrivals (Töglhofer et al 2011;Damm et al 2017;Falk and Lin 2021;Prettenthaler et al 2022). However, the relationship is small and decreases over time (Falk and Lin 2021).…”

“…Studies using annual data for the whole winter season at the regional or village level show a significant but not always positive relationship between snow depth and overnight stays or arrivals (Töglhofer et al 2011;Damm et al 2017;Falk and Lin 2021;Prettenthaler et al 2022). However, the relationship is small and decreases over time (Falk and Lin 2021). Damm et al (2017) provide estimates on the snow sensitivity of overnight stays in the winter season based on NUTS3 data from twelve European countries in the period 2005 to 2010.…”

20 years of Nordic climate change crisis and tourism research: a review and future research agenda

“…This is especially the case given the development of new gateways and tourist routes (Hall, 2015). As a result, future research will need to build on assessments of the effects of the climate crisis on tourism in the region (Falk & Lin, 2019;Falk & Vieru, 2019), to suggest ways in which business, destinations and communities may adapt (Hall et al, 2021;Kaján et al, 2015;Landauer et al, 2017;Saarinen & Tervo, 2006;Tervo-Kankare et al, 2018;Welling & Abegg, 2019), especially in more peripheral areas in which tourism remains a cornerstone of the economy together with other extractive industries.…”