Risk in mountain recreation : challenge or danger?

Abstract

The role of risk in mountain recreation traditionally has been assessed in New Zealand by analysis of those physical characteristics of mountain environments which involve potential or actual loss to people (Owens and Fitzharris, 1985; Fitzharris et al, 1984; Wyles, 1984). However, this approach only consiaers the human element in terms of responses to, and danger from, physical events such as avalanches (Ryder-Turner, 1985; Fitzharris and Simpson-Housley, 1977). It does not address adequately the complex nature of risk as a product of human behaviour in which positive outcomes (as challenge) may be sought, and in which negative outcomes (as danger) may occur. The paper outlines a conceptual framework for analysing risk and uses the framework to explore empirical data from a variety of sources which include accident statistics and the mountain recreation literature. Informa- tion on the role of risk in recreation was sought from mountain recreationists in New Zealand through a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was administered in a variety of activities and locations in New Zealand. Nine hunared responses were obtained from trampers, hunters, skiers, climbers and walkers. The survey has been undertaken at the Tongariro, Fiordland, Mt Cook, Arthur's Pass and Mt Egmont National Parks, as well as the Tararua State Forest Park, and two skifields in the Craigieburn Range, Canterbury. In addition to basic behaviour data, the questionnaire sought information on experience levels, club involvement, management issues, and most important, attitudes about and experiences with risk. Some results from the survey are included in this paper.