🔗 Share this article Italy's Consumer Group Slams Lift Ticket Cost Increases as Completely Unjustified A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call entirely unreasonable price increases for ski passes this winter season, cautioning that alpine sports could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals. Substantial Price Increases Across Italy From the majestic Alps and breathtaking Dolomites in the northern areas to the slopes of Abruzzo, prices are poised to increase by as much as 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to fresh research. The prestigious Dolomiti Superski pass, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the exclusive Dolomites, will now set visitors back €86 per day this season. In Roccaraso, a single-day lift ticket is projected to hit €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding last season. Seasonal Pass Costs and Additional Expenses At the same time, seasonal ski passes will vary between €755 per adult in Roccaraso to upwards of €1,800 in the Aosta valley. The expense of hiring ski equipment has also increased, along with lodging costs and restaurant prices throughout mountain resorts. Consumer Group President Cites Unjustified Increases Gabriele Melluso, heading the consumer protection group, stated that the price increases—which operators blame on increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and demand for better equipment—were completely unjustified and not acceptable. "Particularly since inflation in Italy are managed effectively and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for ski resort operators 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, altogether. Visitor Decrease and Wider Perspective Melluso observed a sharp decline in mountain tourism during the current winter period, with 1 million fewer Italians visiting ski resorts compared to the prior season due to increasing expenses. Even with these hikes, Italy remains a cheaper option for skiing enthusiasts in the European region compared to nearby Swiss resorts, France, and Austria. Olympic Context The growing concern over skiing costs comes as the nation gets ready to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between the first three weeks of February. The nation's top diplomat, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had presented a plan to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the global competition. "With Milan Cortina we must similarly convey a peaceful communication and dialogue... to stop warfare during the Olympics," Tajani emphasized.