The interrelationship between sport activities and the perceived winter sport experience

Abstract

This study analyses the behaviour of active sport tourists based on theories of experience and by applying such theories to a winter sport setting. The aim of this article is to empirically investigate the influence of performed sport activities on the perceived winter sport tourist experience. This research question was investigated using a survey by means of a self-administered questionnaire. In the city of Oberstdorf, Germany, n = 381 winter sport tourists were questioned about their activities, behaviour, and their perception of the winter sport experience. The results reveal that the activities performed by the tourists have an impact on their perceived winter sport experience. Particularly, alpine skiing and sledging as well as a combination of a range of activities contributed to the winter sport experience. Interestingly, different activities were found to drive different dimensions of the winter sport experience.