Hiking in European Mountains

Nature sports in general and hiking in particular have become, in our urban and
post-industrial societies, a growing phenomenon practiced by millions of citizens.
The motivations and interests of this large group are varied, but they have a common
element: to disconnect from stressful modern life and reconnect with nature.
National parks and other protected areas are the preferred destinations, but they
present an challenging contrast for land management: conservation versus tourist use. While
once considered a romantic practice of escape and discovery, hiking is now a consumer
product and a tourist experience. It promises experiences of disconnection, quiet and
health; yet, natural spaces are increasingly scarce and more often than not they are
crowded by other recreationalists.
This book presents a multidisciplinary perspective on the latest trends and developments
in hiking. In particular, the authors work from a European perspective with
various outdoor recreation models represented and different conservation initiatives
explored in the contexts of Spain, Norway, Poland, Germany and Lebanon. Collectively,
the authors attend to hiking as a social phenomenon and economic opportunity,
which has the potential to sustainably revitalize rural destinations, if managed
properly.

Auteur

Pablo Vidal-González, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Spain

Texte du rabat

Hiking, mountain sports and outdoor initiatives play an increasingly key role as leisure healthy activities linked to sport. More and more studies on sports and physical activity focus their attention on these practices that combine activity in the natural environment, heritage and sport. This is a collaborative research publication on the latest issues from a European perspective.