Tresapm – Transition of research and recreational practices in the mountains

The term “transition” is appropriated differently by different players (companies, institutions, associations). For some, transition is simply a continuation of the transition from modernity to hyper-modernity. For others, it means a radical break with the development model of the mountain recreation system, in the direction of eco-practices.

Similarly, the scientific field of transition in the social sciences is rooted in different postures and research frameworks, depending on the scientific paradigms of reference and the cultural forms studied. This applies to studies of so-called “transitional” recreational practices. Will the transition take place through the transformation of lifestyles? Through structural effects? By a reversal of power plays between different forms of mountain development?

As part of the Tresapm project – Transition de la recherche scientifique appliquée aux pratiques récréa-territoriales en montagne – the aim is to observe the links between researchers and mountain areas (resorts, municipalities, sporting practices, associations, leisure activities of local residents, ….) in order to qualify the relationships between scientific positioning and the interpretation of the areas in question. The research approach will involve meeting several researchers to study and observe their approach to the recreational transition in mountain areas.

Non-exhaustive list of researchers involved in the project: Clémence Perrin-Malterre (Edytem), Philippe Bourdeau (Pacte), Laurent Bourdeau (Laval University, Quebec), Dominique Lapointe (UQAM, Quebec), Nicolas Buclet (Pacte), Virginie Boelen (UQAM), Isabelle Falardeau (UQTR, Quebec)…