Sociology of ski tourers in France: cultural omnivorism and social distinction

Currently, ski touring has seen significant growth in France. This expansion could be further amplified by the decrease of snowfall due to climate change. In total, 1,312 questionnaires were collected with ski tourers in the Alps and the Pyrenees, to debate on the social uses of cultural practices. The aim is to discuss the ‘metamorphoses of distinction’, either through a process of social diffusion in line with the model of ‘cultural omnivorism’ or through the persistence of a distinctive character in certain leisure activities. Among ski tourers, diversity emerges in terms of gender and age, on education level or income or preferred practice methods. Multivariate analyses allow to identify distinct profiles based on modalities of practice. Despite these differences, the ski touring group displays a very strong cultural homogeneity inspired by a widely shared ‘mountain culture’. The results confirm that, beyond the ‘sport omnivorism’, ski touring remains a distinctive activity in itself.