From the Crowded Valleys to the Preserved Summits: Mountain Sports Participants' Attitudes Toward Protected Areas in the Sprawling Urban Areas of the Northern French Alps

Abstract

Managing the flow of visitors in protected areas of the northern French Alps has become a central issue due to inhabitants' growing interest in mountain sports. This article presents the findings of a survey of mountain sports participants involving 1883 respondents in 4 mountain massifs. We inquired about their knowledge of the recreation spot (protection statuses and wildlife) and their attitudes toward restricting access to minimize wildlife disturbance. Respondents had better knowledge of wildlife than of protection statuses. Although they supported measures that aim to reduce disturbance, they believed access to the mountains should not be restricted. Type of activity, mountain site, and proximity of residence to recreation spots all influenced knowledge and attitudes. These results should encourage managers to target visitors differently based on what they do and where they come from to ensure compliance with regulations and tranquility of wildlife.