Italy's Watchdog Slams Ski Pass Price Hikes as Totally Unreasonable
Italian consumer advocates are raising alarms over what they describe as completely unjustified cost hikes for lift tickets this cold-weather period, warning that skiing could become an exclusive privilege for the wealthy.
Substantial Price Increases Across Italy
Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern territories to the ski runs of Abruzzo, prices are poised to increase by as much as 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to fresh research.
The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which provides entry to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now cost skiers €86 per day this season. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, following substantial visitor surges last season.
Annual Ticket Prices and Supplementary Charges
Meanwhile, seasonal ski passes 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 also increased, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout mountain resorts.
Consumer Group President Cites Unjustified Increases
Gabriele Melluso, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the price increases—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, resort maintenance, and demand for better equipment—were entirely unreasonable and unacceptable.
"Particularly since Italian inflation rates are under control and utility costs, which had increased expenses for mountain facility managers in 2022, have returned to normal," he explained.
He added that prices have now reached levels where less wealthy individuals are being forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, altogether.
Tourism Decline and Wider Perspective
Melluso observed a sharp decline in mountain tourism during the 2024-2025 season, 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, France, and Austria.
International Event Background
The increasing worry over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the 2026 Winter Games between February 6 and 22. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, announced on Friday that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations urging a "worldwide ceasefire" during the international event.
"Through the Winter Games we must also send a message of peace and dialogue... to stop warfare during the Games," Tajani emphasized.
