🔗 Share this article

A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call completely unjustified price increases for lift tickets this winter season, cautioning that skiing could become a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

Substantial Price Increases Throughout the Country

Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern territories to the ski runs of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by as much as 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to recent analysis.

The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which provides entry to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now cost skiers €86 per day during the current winter. In Roccaraso, a daily ski pass is projected to hit €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding last season.

Seasonal Pass Costs and Additional Expenses

Meanwhile, annual skiing tickets will vary between €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to upwards of €1,800 in the Aosta valley.

The expense of hiring ski equipment has also increased, along with lodging costs and dining expenses throughout mountain resorts.

Consumer Group President Cites Unjustified Increases

The consumer association president, heading the consumer protection group, stated that the price increases—attributed by resorts to higher energy costs, resort maintenance, and requests for superior gear—were entirely unreasonable and unacceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are under control and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for ski resort operators in 2022, have stabilized at previous levels," Melluso noted.

He added that prices have now reached levels where budget-conscious visitors are being forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, completely.

Visitor Decrease and Wider Perspective

He noted a sharp decline in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with a million fewer domestic visitors hitting the slopes compared to the previous year due to rising costs.

Despite these increases, Italy remains a cheaper option for winter sports fans in western Europe compared to neighboring Switzerland, France, and Austrian locations.

Olympic Context

The growing concern over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22. Italy's foreign minister, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had presented a plan to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the international event.

"Through the Winter Games we must similarly convey a message of peace and conversation... to stop warfare during the Olympics," he declared.