We are prone to the conviction that in the mountains we are surrounded by a constant, unchanging, and unified space, when in fact it is more accurate to speak of “spaces” in plural as there are different ones depending on the features being used.
According to various authors, there are different space classifications: corporeal or personal space refers to the space occupied by our body, defined by the corporeal surface used for proprioception. It is divided into body parts with certain parts are more perceptive and functional than others.
Peripersonal space is the one located within immediate reach around our body moving without motion, serving for perception and immediate action. It is perceived in three dimensions (height, width, and depth) and, in relation to objects and people, involves all six sides (front-back; head-feet; left-right).
Extrapersonal refers to the space extending beyond our bodywhere we act through movements and motion between objects and other people. It is the space of external representations of pictures, maps, topographical charts, and diagrams serving as cognitive aids to memory and information processes.
If space is classified according to distance, then proximal space circumscribes contiguously our body. The limits are defined by the extension of our limbs in which we recognize as optimal for our movements. Distant space is the one in which we move in different directions and speeds. It is referred to as the available motion amplitude and depends on each circumstance.
Taking into account the perceptual mode, then space is classified into egocentric space in which we perceive the environment through self-experiences, i.e., our body is the reference when perceiving objects in space. Exocentric space is assumed when the environment is observed externally, i.e., we perceive a given space by taking reference from objects.
In relation to our location, our own space as self-location, proximal space as finding ourselves within an operating space, and distal space as located in a space reached by our vision.
According to land references, there is topographic space in which simple spatial relations are made using reference points of distance, size, shape, direction, situation, and orientation.
In relation to the perceived spatial schema, it can be noted the following: up/down, front/back, left/right, near/far, and center/periphery.
Linked to corporeal, it could be defined as the physical space (external to us), perceived space (space that allows acting), and lived space (space of body experiences).
From visual depth perception, space is classified in foreground space which is located at the bottom part of the visual image where people and objects appear closer. In middle ground space objects and people occupy the middle part of the visual image. Background space is considered located at the top part of the visual image, making reference to distance perception, and to spatial vacuity situations that inclined surfaces create.
We could also call skiing space (ski area) to our skiing action place. This spatial category would be divided into delimited skiing space that is signed, marked, relatively stable, and standardized places as proper slopes; and non-delimited skiing space which are unmarked slopes like off-piste areas involving some uncertainty.
In terms of the interaction space with others, situations of co-motricity space occur in competitive sports in which practice space is shared with other athletes. For example, we find simultaneous co-motricity space in ski-cross races where skiers compete in groups. Instead alternated co-motricity space is applied in traditional slalom races where all participants challenge one by one in the same course space.
Summary
| Category / Basis | Classification Type | Key Characteristics |
| Physical Reach & Proximity | Corporeal (Personal) | Space occupied by the body; defined by proprioception and body surface. |
| Peripersonal | Within immediate reach without moving; 3D perception (height, width, depth) for immediate action. | |
| Extrapersonal | Beyond the body; requires movement/locomotion; involves maps, charts, and cognitive aids. | |
| Distance | Proximal | Contiguous to the body; defined by the extension of limbs. |
| Distant | Area of motion amplitude; involves moving in different directions and speeds. | |
| Perceptual Mode | Egocentric | Perceived through self-experience; the body is the primary point of reference. |
| Exocentric | Perceived externally; other objects serve as the reference points. | |
| Location & Vision | Own Space | Related to self-location. |
| Proximal Space | Being within an operating space. | |
| Distal Space | Space reached by vision. | |
| Land & Schema | Topographic | Uses reference points like size, shape, direction, and orientation. |
| Spatial Schema | Polarities: Up/down, front/back, left/right, near/far, center/periphery. | |
| Corporeal Relation | Physical | External to the individual. |
| Perceived | Space that allows for acting/action. | |
| Lived | Space of direct body experiences. | |
| Visual Depth | Foreground | Bottom of visual image; objects appear closer. |
| Middle Ground | Middle part of the visual image. | |
| Background | Top of visual image; refers to distance and spatial vacuity. | |
| Skiing Space | Delimited | Marked, signed, stable, and standardized (e.g., proper slopes). |
| Non-delimited | Unmarked areas with uncertainty (e.g., off-piste). | |
| Social Interaction | Simultaneous Co-motricity | Shared space with others at the same time (e.g., Ski-cross). |
| Alternated Co-motricity | Shared course but one by one (e.g., Slalom). |
