PSIC White Paper: Mountain Experiences are more than “a good time”
by ed cambridge BKIN (Hons), DC (Clinic Hons), PhD (Kinesiology) & PSIC Leadership
Position Statement
Mountain experiences, often perceived as simple leisure activities, are much more than just a good time. Beyond the thrill of adventure, they offer a wealth of psychological, cognitive, physical and emotional benefits. Engaging with mountainous environments fosters personal growth, enhances mental clarity, improves cognitive functioning, and provides opportunities for emotional regulation. Furthermore, these experiences promote a deeper connection with both the natural world and the communities that form around them. This paper explores how mountain activities contribute to holistic well-being and why they should be valued beyond their recreational appeal.
Building on this understanding, the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC) has introduced the concept of "The Adventure," which integrates the principles of Fun, Safety, and Learning to inspire passionate skier experiences that cultivate a lifelong love for the sport. This approach is anchored in "The Method," a teaching philosophy that emphasizes the holistic development of skiers by engaging them intellectually, emotionally, and physically through their journey in Alpine skiing. This framework not only enhances skill but deepens the overall experience, reinforcing the value of skiing as a multifaceted adventure. In this way the PSIC embraces the benefits of Mountain Experiences and capitalises on the benefits of these experiences bring to the skier experience.
Definition of Mountain Experiences
Mountain experiences encompass a wide array of activities that individuals participate in within mountainous regions. These activities range from high-intensity sports like skiing, snowboarding, and freeriding to more contemplative experiences such as hiking or simply enjoying the views. Each of these activities involves not only physical exertion but also a dynamic interaction with the natural environment.
At their core, mountain experiences are shaped by the interplay between humans and the natural elements around them—snow, wind, altitude, terrain—and require participants to engage intellectually, physically, and emotionally. For example, freeriders, who venture off marked ski trails, immerse themselves in an unpredictable and challenging environment that demands high levels of skill and self-awareness. The sense of freedom and balance that emerges from these activities can deeply affect participants’ mental and emotional states, as Fruhauf et al. (2019) found in their study of freeride skiers. These experiences are not just about risk or adrenaline but involve a more comprehensive connection to nature and self-discovery.
Alpine skiing uniquely enhances the interaction with mountain environments through the dynamic experience of force and balance, which are central to the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada's (PSIC) foundational principles on how skiing works. The freedom of movement, combined with the sensations of acceleration, speed, and gravitational forces, creates an exhilarating connection between the skier and the mountain. This symbiotic relationship allows individuals to experience the mountains not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in their adventure. Each encounter with nature is deepened, blending the natural beauty of the environment with the physical laws that govern our world. Through this, we aim for every skier’s experience to transcend mere recreation, becoming a profound interaction with both nature and the principles that shape it.
Background
Historically, mountain sports have been associated with sensation-seeking behavior—a psychological trait that has long been tied to risk-taking. Arnett (1994) expanded on the sensation-seeking theory initially introduced by Zuckerman et al. in 1979, which defined sensation-seeking as the pursuit of varied, novel, and intense experiences, sometimes at the cost of engaging in risky behavior. This framework often placed mountain sports, particularly those with higher risks like freeriding or backcountry skiing, in the same category as other potentially harmful behaviors. Early studies of sensation-seeking focused heavily on antisocial tendencies, such as recreational drug use or reckless behavior, which gave these sports a somewhat negative connotation.
However, more recent studies have reframed sensation-seeking to encompass socially acceptable and even beneficial behaviors, such as engaging in mountain sports. Arnett (1994) suggested that many sensation-seeking activities, while intense and novel, do not necessarily align with antisocial risk-taking but instead focus on stimulating experiences that can foster personal growth. This shift in perspective opens up a deeper understanding of how mountain experiences satisfy both the psychological need for novelty and the desire for personal challenge.
Moreover, interacting with nature in mountainous environments offers unique cognitive benefits. Berman et al. (2008) explored how natural environments, like mountains, can improve cognitive functioning, particularly through Attention Restoration Theory (ART). ART posits that time spent in natural settings helps restore directed attention—a critical cognitive mechanism necessary for effective functioning in daily life. Mountain environments, with their serene beauty and sensory stimuli, allow the brain to shift from its usual mode of high-demand focus to a more passive form of attention, which aids in cognitive recovery.
Challenges
Despite the benefits, there are inherent challenges associated with mountain experiences, particularly in high-risk sports like freeriding. Fruhauf et al. (2019) noted that freeride skiers face a higher risk of personal injury or even death due to the unpredictable and often harsh conditions of off-piste skiing. While participants are usually highly skilled and knowledgeable, the risks remain significant. The presence of these risks does not detract from the value of the experience but rather adds a dimension of personal responsibility and emotional regulation. Freeriders develop the ability to manage risk effectively, and this skillset often transfers to their everyday lives, contributing to better emotional balance and decision-making.
Moreover, mountain environments themselves present unique challenges. Jukes & Reeves (2020) emphasized the concept of "more-than-human" experiences, in which the environment is not just a passive backdrop but an active participant in shaping the experience. For example, the physical features of a place, such as the steepness of a slope or the composition of the snow, directly influence how individuals interact with the environment. These experiences force participants to adapt, learn, and respond in real-time, deepening their connection with both the environment and themselves. However, this also means that the ever-changing nature of mountainous environments—affected by factors such as climate change—adds an element of unpredictability that can alter the very nature of these experiences.
Support
The psychological, cognitive, and emotional benefits of mountain experiences are well-supported by research. Berman et al. (2008) demonstrated that interacting with nature can significantly improve cognitive functioning, particularly directed attention. This cognitive recovery is crucial in today’s overstimulated world, where urban environments and technology often demand sustained focus. Mountain environments offer a unique opportunity for mental rejuvenation, with their inherent beauty and peacefulness promoting a restorative effect.
Notably, even passive interactions with nature—such as viewing pictures of mountain landscapes—can have positive effects on cognitive functioning. Berman et al. found that participants who viewed images of nature, as opposed to urban environments, demonstrated improved attention and memory. This highlights the power of nature to provide cognitive benefits, even when the interaction is not direct. However, active engagement with nature, as found in mountain sports, amplifies these benefits.
Fruhauf et al. (2019) highlighted the emotional and psychological rewards of freeriding, which extend beyond the immediate thrill of the activity. Participants in their study reported feelings of freedom and emotional balance that carried over into their everyday lives. These experiences allowed individuals to regulate their emotions more effectively, develop greater resilience, and cope better with daily stressors. This emotional regulation is crucial for mental health, demonstrating that mountain experiences can contribute to long-term psychological well-being.
Jukes & Reeves (2020) introduced the concept of "place-responsive" pedagogy, where the environment itself plays a critical role in shaping the learning and growth of individuals. In the context of mountain experiences, this means that the physical characteristics of the landscape—such as snow conditions, terrain features, or even weather patterns—become part of the educational and emotional journey. This approach emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the agency of the environment and its impact on human experiences.
Lastly, Kopp (2016) explored sensation-seeking behaviors in skiers and snowboarders, revealing that snowboarders tend to score higher on sensation-seeking scales than skiers. This difference in sensation-seeking behavior may explain why snowboarders often experience higher injury rates. However, this finding also highlights the diversity of mountain experiences and how different individuals are drawn to different activities based on their psychological needs. This suggests that mountain sports cater to a wide range of participants, each with their own motivations and desires for engagement.
Conclusions
Mountain experiences offer far more than the fleeting thrill of adventure. The unique combination of physical exertion, cognitive restoration, and emotional regulation makes mountain activities a profound contributor to holistic well-being. Participants in mountain sports not only enjoy the immediate benefits of outdoor activity but also develop life skills, emotional resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
The challenges inherent in mountain sports, such as risk-taking and unpredictable environments, do not diminish the value of these experiences. On the contrary, they enhance the opportunity for personal growth and learning. As Jukes & Reeves (2020) suggest, mountain environments are more-than-human spaces that actively shape the experiences of those who engage with them. These places are not passive; they are dynamic and influential, creating opportunities for participants to develop a more profound sense of self and place.
Looking forward, the future of mountain experiences lies in recognizing their value as tools for both personal and societal development. Beyond their recreational appeal, these activities provide cognitive and emotional benefits that are increasingly important in today’s world. As such, mountain experiences should be embraced not only for their entertainment value but for their potential to enhance overall well-being and foster a greater connection between individuals and the natural world.
In conclusion, mountain experiences, particularly through skiing, offer far more than just recreational value. They provide a pathway for personal growth, cognitive enhancement, and emotional well-being, fostering a profound connection with the natural world. Through frameworks like "The Adventure" which is delivered via "The Method," the PSIC ensures that these experiences are filled with fun, safe, learning instilling a lifelong passion for skiing. The combination of physical exhilaration and intellectual engagement deepens the human relationship with nature, as skiers navigate the forces of the mountain and embrace its beauty. By appreciating the broader psychological and emotional benefits of these experiences, we can recognize mountain environments as spaces of holistic well-being that transcend mere adventure and foster meaningful human-nature interactions.