My Digital Mountain - An Autoethnographic Exploration of Off-piste Skiers' Use of Digital Tools

Abstract

This paper explores the sociocultural dynamics of off-piste skiers' engagement with digital tools for information-seeking, sharing, and risk management. The study uses autoethnographic narratives and qualitative interview data to understand the digital interactions of off-piste skiers and their influence on decision-making and safety. The findings underscore the extensive use of digital tools, particularly FATMAP, to provide real-time information crucial for navigating the unpredictable terrain and enhancing decision-making processes. This research underscores the significant role of digital representation of the mountain in shaping off-piste skiing practices, cultivating community, and, ultimately, experiences. The findings provide unique insights that help us understand digital tools’ informational use in extreme environments, specifically in the context of off-piste skiing.