🔗 Share this article

Italian consumer advocates are raising alarms over what they describe as entirely unreasonable cost hikes for ski passes this winter season, cautioning that alpine sports could become an exclusive privilege for the wealthy.

Significant Cost Rises Throughout the Country

Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern areas to the ski runs of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by up to 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to fresh research.

The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now cost skiers €86 per day during the current winter. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, following significant overcrowding during the previous winter.

Seasonal Pass Costs and Supplementary Charges

At the same time, annual skiing tickets will range from €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to upwards of €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.

The expense of hiring winter sports gear has similarly risen, along with lodging costs and restaurant prices throughout alpine destinations.

Watchdog Leader Points to Unreasonable Hikes

The consumer association president, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the cost rises—which operators blame on increased utility expenses, resort maintenance, and requests for superior gear—were completely unjustified and unacceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are under control and utility costs, which had increased expenses for mountain facility managers in 2022, have returned to normal," Melluso noted.

The president further stated that prices have now reached levels where less wealthy individuals are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, completely.

Tourism Decline and Wider Perspective

Melluso observed a significant drop in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with 1 million fewer Italians visiting ski resorts compared to the previous year due to increasing expenses.

Even with these hikes, Italy remains a more affordable destination for winter sports fans in the European region compared to nearby Swiss resorts, French destinations, and Austria.

Olympic Context

The increasing worry over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the 2026 Winter Games between February 6 and 22. The nation's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, recently stated that Italy had presented a plan to the United Nations urging a "worldwide ceasefire" during the international event.

"Through the Winter Games we must similarly convey a peaceful communication and conversation... to halt conflicts during the Olympics," Tajani emphasized.