The influence of a ski resort on wildlife activity

Abstract: Skiing tourism is a growing activity in the world and in Norway. This study has investigated the effect of a commercial skiing system on wildlife activity by comparing areas within the skiing system with nearby reference areas outside of the system. The study was performed by counting the number of animal tracks in predefined transects with different levels of human activity on multiple occasions. The results showed that there were fewer tracks from wildlife in the transects located in the area used for skiing than in reference areas without any tourists. Due to covid-19, comparisons were also made in the skiing areas before and after the skiing resort was closed down. The number of wildlife tracks increased significantly after three weeks of closure. All in all, the study showed that wildlife is impacted by the presence of tourists.