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A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call entirely unreasonable cost hikes for ski passes this cold-weather period, warning that alpine sports could become a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

Significant Cost Rises Throughout the Country

Across the Alpine regions and breathtaking Dolomites in the northern areas to the slopes of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by as much as 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to recent analysis.

The prestigious Dolomiti Superski pass, which provides entry to all 12 resorts in the exclusive Dolomites, will now cost skiers €86 per day this season. In Roccaraso, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding last season.

Annual Ticket Prices and Additional Expenses

At the same time, annual skiing tickets will vary between €755 per adult in Roccaraso to as much as €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.

The expense of hiring ski equipment has also increased, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout alpine destinations.

Consumer Group President Points to Unreasonable Hikes

Gabriele Melluso, leading the watchdog organization, stated that the price increases—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, resort maintenance, and demand for better equipment—were completely unjustified and not acceptable.

"Both because inflation in Italy are managed effectively 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 budget-conscious visitors are being forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, completely.

Tourism Decline and Broader Context

Melluso observed 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 increasing expenses.

Even with these hikes, Italy remains a more affordable destination for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, French destinations, and Austrian locations.

International Event Background

The increasing worry over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between the first three weeks of February. Italy's foreign minister, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the international event.

"With Milan Cortina we must also send a message of peace and conversation... to stop warfare during the Games," Tajani emphasized.