🔗 Share this article Italy's Consumer Group Criticizes Ski Pass Cost Increases as Completely Unjustified A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call entirely unreasonable cost hikes for ski passes this winter season, cautioning that skiing could become an exclusive privilege for the wealthy. Significant Cost Rises Across Italy Across the Alpine regions and breathtaking Dolomites in the northern territories to the ski runs of central Italy, prices are set to rise 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 exclusive Dolomites, will now set visitors back €86 per day during the current winter. In Roccaraso, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, after experiencing substantial visitor surges during the previous winter. Seasonal Pass Costs and Supplementary Charges Meanwhile, seasonal ski passes will vary between €755 per adult in Roccaraso to as much as €1,800 in the Aosta valley. The cost of renting winter sports gear has similarly risen, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout alpine destinations. Watchdog Leader Cites Unjustified Increases The consumer association president, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the cost rises—attributed by resorts to higher energy costs, resort maintenance, and demand for better equipment—were completely unjustified and unacceptable. "Particularly since Italian inflation rates are under control and energy tariffs, which had raised operational costs for mountain facility managers in 2022, have returned to normal," Melluso noted. The president further stated that prices have climbed to points where less wealthy individuals are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, altogether. Tourism Decline and Broader Context He noted a significant drop in mountain tourism during the current winter period, with a million fewer domestic visitors visiting ski resorts compared to the prior season due to rising costs. Despite these increases, Italy remains a more affordable destination for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to neighboring Switzerland, French destinations, and Austria. Olympic Context The increasing worry over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22. The nation's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, announced on Friday 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 peaceful communication and conversation... to stop warfare during the Games," he declared.