| Description |
This three-article dissertation investigated the influences of weather on outdoor recreation through three individual progressive studies addressing the following problems. First, the weather inherently influences outdoor recreation activities, yet we have very little empirical evidence about the multidimensional influences of weather on outdoor recreation. Related, there is no central article that synthesizes weather studies in outdoor recreation. Second, within the study of weather, we lack a mechanism to think about the weather dependency of outdoor recreation activities or the degree to which a specific outdoor recreation activity is reliant on particular weather and resulting conditions. Third, frameworks developed using experts rarely assess stakeholder perceptions to evaluate the credibility of a developed framework. Therefore, the first study in this dissertation employed a systematic research synthesis and gap analysis to summarize and evaluate weather studies in outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism. The second study was used to develop a Weather Dependency Framework (WDF) for outdoor recreation activities using the Delphi method and weather-related factors and variables uncovered from the first study. The third study of this dissertation sought to determine the qualitative credibility analysis of the previously developed WDF by investigating backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency through semistructured interviews. Each study reported unique findings. Specifically, the research synthesis (Study 1) identified three recurring themes from weather studies in outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism: weather-related factors and variables that influence outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, the importance of geographic research context, and prevailing activity types. The gap analysis indicated an abundance of under-investigated topics in weather-related studies on outdoor recreation. Study 2 resulted in the development of the WDF and considered possible applications for the WDF. Study 3 highlighted seven emergent themes about backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency including access, strategy, terrain, culture, opportunity, high engagement, and deterrent for participation. The results of Study 3 offer insights into the overall credibility of the WDF based on backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency. Each study is described in a separate article (dissertation chapters) and each provides implications for future research and management of outdoor recreation. In addition, a summary and synthesis chapter is provided at the conclusion of the dissertation. |
