Societal adaption in a rapidly changing environment: Challenges and opportunities following climate change and winter recreation in Arctic.

The Arctic faces two major developments regarding avalanche risk and winter recreation: significant climate change impacts and a surge in adventure tourism. Winter backcountry recreation is booming, driven by shorter ski seasons elsewhere. This influx of tourists into the Arctic's increasingly unstable conditions due to the climatic change, increases avalanche risks, posing challenges to community resilience.

Arctic communities, often small and rural, lack the resources to manage this rise in winter tourism. Many residents are directly affected by accidents and changing risks, impacting them physically and mentally. There is a gap in understanding optimal adaptation and resilience strategies for these developments. Adaptation can alter community identities, necessitating the preservation of cultural values in these societies.

This project addresses the challenges of climate change, avalanche risk, and ski tourism by examining the social, economic, and environmental impacts they have on local communities. It aims to propose sustainable development strategies that protect the well-being of both visitors and residents. By understanding community needs and stakeholder collaboration, the project seeks to enhance the resilience of those affected by increased ski tourism in the Arctic, creating pathways to mitigate risks and boost adaptive capacities.