Research Unveils Gender Imbalance and Fear in UK Snowsports
In a sport celebrated for its thrill and adventure, a recent study has revealed a less-discussed aspect of UK snowsports — fear and anxiety, particularly among women. This new research, showcased at the Northern Snow Show at Manchester’s Chill Factore, sheds light on how these emotions are affecting women’s enjoyment and participation in snowsports.
According to The Fear Project, 62% of UK female respondents reported that fear or anxiety impacts their snowsports experience. Even more concerning, 33% noted an increase in fear over the past five years. These findings aim to explore if these feelings contribute to the gender imbalance highlighted in the 2024 Ski Club of Great Britain survey, which showed a striking 70:30 male-to-female ratio in participation. Snowsport England confirmed this trend, pointing out that women are leaving the slopes much earlier than men.
The research, led by Kimberley Kay and Dr. Carol Porter with support from Snowsport England and Ski Rossendale, sought to pinpoint the fears associated with skiing and snowboarding. By addressing these concerns, the snowsport industry hopes to encourage more inclusive participation.
Understanding the Fears
Kimberley Kay, author of Ski A to Z, is passionate about breaking down barriers to snowsport enjoyment. She commented,
“By understanding the fears skiers face, we can work towards solutions that bring the joy of snowsports to everyone.”
The survey’s findings suggest that women are more inclined to share their experiences of fear, potentially paving the way for targeted interventions that could benefit all skiers and snowboarders.
The survey involved 225 UK women, with 88% stating they engage in snowsports for enjoyment, yet 25% experiencing debilitating fear. The key fears included:
- Injury/Reinjury (69%)
- Other Skiers’ Lack of Control (63%)
- Speed of Other Skiers/Snowboarders (49%)
- Visibility Issues (49%)
- Frozen/Hard Snow (48%)
- Falling Over (41%)
Despite these fears, only 9% claimed they never experience fear, yet they still acknowledged several concerns.
Insights from Dr. Carol Porter
Drawing on over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Carol Porter conducted in-depth interviews to complement the survey’s quantitative data.
“Fear of injury and others skiing too fast are prevalent,” she explained. “When these issues aren’t vocalised, they can become dangerous, limiting people’s abilities and enjoyment.”
Carol leads a weekly women’s group at Ski Rossendale, working with skiers of various abilities to build confidence and address fears. She noted that many fears stem from actual incidents, either personal or observed, and affect women across all skill levels.
Addressing the Challenge
A notable finding was that only 25% of respondents practise at UK indoor snow venues, while the majority wait until they are in resorts abroad. This lack of practice exacerbates fears. UK venues like Ski Rossendale could play a crucial role in expanding participation by providing regular practice opportunities.
GB Snowsports has taken steps to address these issues by organising workshops aimed at improving physical preparedness, which can boost confidence on the slopes. Physiotherapist Abi Okell recently led a session focusing on strength, balance, and cardio fitness, crucial elements for skiing success.
What’s Next?
Kimberley Kay believes this is just the beginning of a broader initiative to tackle snowsport-related fears. “We’re eager to collaborate with industry stakeholders to find solutions. Dialogue is key, and we welcome it,” she said.
