By mid-century, once dominant winter sports may slowly be replaced by activities less dependent on perfect winter conditions according to recently released research about changing patterns of recreation on public lands.
With summer winding down, millions of Americans are shelving their sandals, draining their kayaks and dusting off skis in preparation for the recreation season ahead. But seasonal plans for hiking, biking and skiing will likely shift with the changing climate in years ahead, according to new research from the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University.
Rising temperatures will likely result in fewer people participating in outdoor recreation during summers as it becomes uncomfortably hot, according to the research. Outdoor recreation in warmer seasons is expected to decrease by 18 percent over the next 30 years.
But climate change will likely be a boon for winter recreation, as cold temperatures moderate in some regions. Winter outdoor recreation on public lands is expected to increase 12 percent by mid-century, the authors said, but that recreation may look different. Once dominant sports like downhill skiing will likely be replaced by forms of recreation less dependent on perfect winter conditions—less skiing and more winter mountain biking, for instance.
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