University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2014-01-17 Risk and Reward: An Exploratory Study of Backcountry Snowboarders Plottel, Marcus Plottel, M. (2014). Risk and Reward: An Exploratory Study of Backcountry Snowboarders (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27667 http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1262 master thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Risk and Reward: An Exploratory Study of Backcountry Snowboarders by Marcus Plottel A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY CALGARY, ALBERTA JANUARY, 2014 © Marcus Plottel 2014 ABSTRACT This study explores and outlines the perceptions of risk of backcountry snowboarders. It addresses backcountry riders’ motivations to voluntarily negotiate hazards in this ostensibly risky recreational activity. Through participant observation and interviews, this work explores how concepts including commercialization and commodification, edgework, and self-control contribute to the identity management of backcountry snowboarders. Importantly, this thesis analyses backcountry snowboarding through the serious leisure paradigm, wherein participation contributes to riders’ perceptions of risk and motivations to continue participation. This work contrasts the risk perceptions of professional backcountry snowboarders with amateur participants, outlining the fundamental differences in their experiences of voluntary risk in this activity. Findings indicate that snowboarding should be studied as a figuration rather than as a subculture. Furthermore, authentic participants construct their primary social identities through this serious leisure pursuit, negotiating barriers to participation and achieving self-actualization through a type of self-control that would otherwise be unavailable in contemporary society. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To all of the snowboarders who shared their backcountry experiences, and especially to those who toured with me, thank you. I am also grateful for my supportive family, and for the cromulent insights and support provided by my friends and colleagues. I would also like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, for her patience and encouragement during the writing of this thesis. This research was supported by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council. iii DEDICATION For Calvin and Hobbes, Let’s go exploring! iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract.............................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................................iii Dedication ......................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. v 1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview of Chapters ............................................................................................... 3 2. Literature Review ......................................................................................................... 5 2.1 History of Snowboarding: Technization, Culture, and Resistance ........................... 5 2.2 Snowboarding Space: In-Bounds, Slackcountry, and Backcountry ....................... 12 I. Types of Snowboarding......................................................................................... 12 II. Ski Resorts............................................................................................................ 13 III. Terrain Parks and Urban Riding ......................................................................... 14 IV. Slackcountry ....................................................................................................... 15 V. Backcountry ......................................................................................................... 15 2.3 Hazards of Love: Avalanches, Injuries, and Deaths ............................................... 17 Summary ................................................................................................................... 21 2.4 Theoretical Concepts .............................................................................................. 22 I. The Quest for Adventure ....................................................................................... 22 II. Risk....................................................................................................................... 25 III. Edgework ............................................................................................................ 31 IV. Serious Leisure & Identity.................................................................................. 34 V. Subcultures or Figurations? ................................................................................. 36 VI. Commercialization & Commodification ............................................................ 38 VII. Gender ............................................................................................................... 41 Summary ................................................................................................................... 44 3. Methods........................................................................................................................ 46 3.1 Participant Observation........................................................................................... 50 I. Sampling, Access, Roles & Ethics ........................................................................ 53 II. Limitations of Participant Observation ................................................................ 56 3.2 Interviews................................................................................................................ 59 I. Sampling, Access, Roles & Ethics ....................................................................... 61 II. Limitations of Interviews ..................................................................................... 65 3.3 Analysis of Interviews & Observation Data ........................................................... 67 4. Findings 1: Reward..................................................................................................... 69 4.1 A Day in the Backcountry....................................................................................... 69 4.2 Motivations ............................................................................................................. 76 I. From Lifts to Legwork .......................................................................................... 77 II. Beyond the Resort ................................................................................................ 79 III. Lifestyle .............................................................................................................. 81 IV. Enjoying the Risk?.............................................................................................. 90 Summary ................................................................................................................... 91 v 4.3 Reward .................................................................................................................... 92 I. Turn on, Tune in, Drop in ..................................................................................... 93 II. Extrinsic Reward .................................................................................................. 95 III. “The Limit” and “Addiction” to Adrenaline....................................................... 98 IV. Intrinsic Reward................................................................................................ 100 Summary ................................................................................................................. 102 5. Findings 2: Risk......................................................................................................... 104 5.1 Hazards, Risks, and Dangers ................................................................................ 104 I. Public Images ...................................................................................................... 105 II. Internal Perceptions............................................................................................ 107 Summary ................................................................................................................. 118 5.2 Self-Reliance & Control ....................................................................................... 118 I. Mitigation ............................................................................................................ 119 II. Inevitability .......................................................................................................