Analysing constraints to participation in snowsports for pre-service teachers: A qualitative study of tourism for alpine (downhill) skiing

Leisure constraint research has been prominent within the leisure field since the mid 1960s. Constraints to participation are generally categorised as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural. Previous research has addressed snowsports (e.g., skiing and snow boarding) in limited ways. This study is concerned with Physical Education students as tourists and the implications of their experiences of taking students on ski courses (often overseas) in their subsequent careers as PE teachers. The current study involved interviewing (n=36) students training to teach Physical Education within a UK higher education institution. Participants were grouped by sex and whether or not they had previously participated in snowsports. Interviews were analysed for both deductive themes (from the above mentioned three categories) and inductive themes. Findings suggest that issues concerning “time”, “hassle”, and “anticipation of expense” were of little relevance while interpersonal issues were the main consideration. Implications for snowsport development and encouragement are discussed and suggestions for further research made.