A leading Italian consumer association are sounding the alarm over what they describe as entirely unreasonable price increases for ski passes 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 breathtaking Dolomites in the northern areas to the ski runs of central Italy, prices are set to rise by as much as 40% compared to 2021 levels, 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 significant overcrowding during the previous winter.
Annual Ticket Prices and Supplementary Charges
Meanwhile, annual skiing tickets will range from €755 per adult in Roccaraso to as much as €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.
The cost of renting winter sports gear has also increased, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout alpine destinations.
Watchdog Leader Cites Unjustified Increases
The consumer association president, heading the consumer protection group, stated that the cost rises—which operators blame on increased utility expenses, resort maintenance, and demand for better equipment—were entirely unreasonable and unacceptable.
"Both because Italian inflation rates are managed effectively and energy tariffs, which had raised operational costs for ski resort operators in 2022, have stabilized at previous levels," Melluso noted.
He added that prices have climbed to points where budget-conscious visitors are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, completely.
Tourism Decline and Wider Perspective
Melluso observed a sharp decline in mountain tourism during the 2024-2025 season, with a million fewer domestic visitors visiting ski resorts compared to the previous year due to increasing expenses.
Despite these increases, Italy remains a cheaper option for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, French destinations, and Austrian locations.
International Event Background
The increasing worry over winter sports expenses comes as the nation gets ready to host the 2026 Winter Games between the first three weeks of February. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, announced on Friday that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations urging 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 Olympics," he declared.
