Modeling skier behavior for planning and management. Dynaski, an agent-based in congested ski-areas

TL;DR

This paper introduces Dynaski, an agent-based simulation tool that models skier behavior in ski-areas to assist in planning and management, focusing on reducing waiting times and improving skier comfort.

Contribution

It presents the first multi-agent simulation capable of comparing management scenarios and their effects on skier comfort, calibrated with real-world data from GPS and surveys.

Findings

Adding 1620 new skiers increases average waiting time by 12%

The simulation accurately reflects skier behavior and flow dynamics

Calibration with real data enhances model reliability

Abstract

In leisure spaces, particularly theme parks and museums, researchers and managers have long been using simulation tools to tackle the big issue associated with attractiveness, flow management. In this research, we present the management and planning perspective of a multi-agent simulation tool which models the behavior of skiers in a ski-area. This is the first tool able to simulate and compare management and planning scenarios as well as their impacts on the comfort of skiers, in particular ski-area waiting times. This paper aims to integrate multiple data sources to calibrate the simulation on a real case study. An original field survey of users during a week details the skier population. The first average skier speeds are calculated from GPS data on one ordinary day. The validation data are used to calibrate the parameters of the behavioral model. A demonstration of the simulation tool is conducted on the La Plagne ski-area, one of the largest in France. A test case, the construction of new housing in a station near the ski-area, is conducted. An addition of 1620 new skiers delays the skier average waiting time by 12 pourcents.