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Italian consumer advocates are raising alarms over what they call completely unjustified cost hikes for lift tickets this cold-weather period, cautioning that alpine sports could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals.

Significant Cost Rises Throughout the Country

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

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 daily ski pass is expected to reach €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding during the previous winter.

Annual Ticket Prices and Supplementary Charges

Meanwhile, annual skiing tickets will vary between €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to as much as €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.

The cost of renting winter sports gear has similarly risen, along with hotel accommodations and dining expenses throughout mountain resorts.

Consumer Group President Points to Unreasonable Hikes

The consumer association president, heading the watchdog organization, emphasized that the cost rises—which operators blame on increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and demand for better equipment—were entirely unreasonable and unacceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are under control and utility costs, which had raised operational costs for mountain facility managers in 2022, have returned to normal," he explained.

He added that prices have climbed to points where less wealthy individuals are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, altogether.

Tourism Decline and Broader Context

Melluso observed a significant drop in mountain tourism during the 2024-2025 season, with 1 million fewer Italians visiting ski resorts compared to the prior season due to increasing expenses.

Even with these hikes, Italy remains a more affordable destination for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to neighboring Switzerland, France, and Austria.

International Event Background

The increasing worry over winter sports expenses 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 presented a plan to the United Nations urging a "global truce" during the global competition.

"With Milan Cortina we must similarly convey a message of peace and conversation... to halt conflicts during the Games," he declared.