Alpine, as opposed to mountain tourism, concerns itself with the phenomenon which takes place within the perimeters of the European Alps. The development follows the classical pattern of destination lifecycles which add up to a general alpine tourism pattern.
During the first phase, the Alps were visited by pilgrims and adventurers pursuing exploratory activities. Its next phase took place in the core alpine regions of Austria, Italy, France, and Switzerland, drawing tourists from adjoining regions in tandem with skiing and hiking as popular sporting activities. At the same time, numerous alpine clubs and refuges have been initiated, followed by the construction of cable cars and ski lifts. Alpine healthcare carried out mainly in alpine sanatoria was added as a third product. Throughout the war and interwar periods, alpine tourism grew moderately. Starting in the 1960s, many destinations became exposed to internationalization, and mass tourism began in the third phase of the lifecycle...