Analysis of the Soundscape of Ski Resorts in Bad Hofgastein (Austria) and Białka Tatrzańska (Poland)

Abstract

Aim of the study: Firstly, due to the different sizes and spatial organization of ski resorts, it is important to determine whether there is a local differentiation of the sound landscape within one resort. Secondly, due to the continuous expansion of the ski infrastructure, it is essential to develop methods for improving the quality of the acoustic environment. It is therefore necessary to determine whether there are acoustic differences between the different ski resorts. Material and methods: The research we conducted consisted in measuring the sound levels, and inventorying various types of acoustic events. The examined ski resorts, despite the difference in size of the areas they occupy and the numbers of users, are in many aspects comparable to each other. Results and conclusions: Ski resorts occupying a relatively small area but with a high concentration of infrastructure and skiers may exert a stronger environmental impact than resorts with a larger area and lesser density of infrastructure as well as a lower number of users per area. The skiers themselves, their manners, and their environmental consciousness have a great impact on the quality of the sound landscape.