When motivation follows the climate: Changing mountain environment influences motive constructs of recreational alpinists

Alpinism, a high-risk and skill-intensive form of mountain tourism, is deeply intertwined with the mountain environment, making it a practice highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This study examines European alpinists' motivations and the impact of climate-driven landscape changes, like glacier retreat and increased hazards. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a survey of 1071 alpinists with 30 in-depth interviews to identify key motivational constructs and how a changing climate influences these constructs. Results reveal that motives centre on the natural environment, social connection, the sporting nature of alpinism, and achieving iconic climbing objectives. The analysis highlights the emergence of a “last-chance to climb” motive, driven by disappearing or increasingly inaccessible routes due to climate change. • Mixed-methods explore climate change impacts on mountain climbers' motivations. • Alpinists are motivated by the environment, sharing experiences, sport and goals. • Four alpinist segments are identified based on their motives. • A ‘last chance to climb’ motive emerges among core climbers as routes disappear. • Risk perception, landscape loss, and route changes influences alpinist motives.