Examining Mountaineering as an Outdoor Leisure Activity: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Mountaineering is an outdoor leisure activity that has become very popular recently. This leisure activity includes risk, difficulties, and struggle as well as having a pleasant time. Sometimes mountains can be quite dangerous places. For instance, falling an avalanche, breaking off a boulder, or dealing with extremely low temperatures are the tough parts of this leisure activity. In this direction, this study aims to reveal the reasons for people's participation in mountaineering activities. Data were collected using the method of interviewing 12 mountaineers who regularly participate in mountaineering activities. MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis program was used in the analysis of the data and the created category and code trees. As a result, mountaineers participate in mountaineering activities for reasons such as getting away from their daily lives, meeting new people, socializing, gaining, and sharing experience, being in nature, freedom, and escape. Besides, mountaineering activities were found to have a positive effect on people's psychological well-being. Finally, the study makes important contributions to leisure, outdoor leisure activities, and mountaineering literature.