Italian watchdog blasts ‘completely unjustified’ rise in cost of ski passes | Italy

“Completely unfair” price rises for ski passes in Italy this winter mean the sport risks becoming the exclusive privilege of the rich, the head of the Italian consumers’ association has warned.

From the Alps and Dolomites in the north to the slopes of the central Italian region of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by as much as 40% compared to 2021, according to a report compiled by watchdog Assoutenti.

The “Dolomiti Superski” pass, which gives access to all 12 resorts in the expensive Dolomites, will set skiers back €86 (£75) a day this season. The cost of a daily ski pass is expected to rise to 60 euros at Roccaraso, a popular resort in the Apennines region of Abruzzo, which became overcrowded last season after a TikTok star promoted it.

Meanwhile, the cost of seasonal ski passes will range from €755 per adult in Roccaraso to €1,800 in the Aosta valley.

The cost of renting ski equipment has increased, as have hotel and restaurant prices.

Assoutenti President Gabriele Melluso said ski resort operators’ price increases due to high energy prices, the cost of maintaining the facilities and the increased demand for better quality equipment were “completely unfair and unacceptable”. […] “Both because inflation is under control in Italy and because energy tariffs, which increase the costs of ski resort operators, will normalize in 2022.”

He added that prices are now so high that the less wealthy are forced to give up their traditional lives. settimana biancaor a pure ski holiday.

He noted that there was a sharp decline in mountain tourism in the 2024-2025 season, and 1 million fewer Italians turned to the ski slopes compared to the previous year due to the increasing costs.

Despite the price increases, Italy is still a cheaper place to ski in Western Europe than Switzerland, France and Austria.

Concerns about costs come as the country prepares to host the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina from February 6-22. Italy submitted a proposal to the UN during the event calling for a “global ceasefire”, Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday. “With Milan Cortina we must also send a message of peace in dialogue to stop the war during the games,” he said.