🔗 Share this article Italy's Watchdog Criticizes Lift Ticket Cost Increases as Completely Unjustified A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call completely unjustified price increases for lift tickets this cold-weather period, warning that alpine sports could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals. Substantial Price Increases Throughout the Country Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern territories to the slopes of central Italy, prices are poised to increase by as much as 40% compared to 2021 levels, according to recent analysis. The prestigious Dolomiti Superski pass, which provides entry to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now set visitors back €86 per day during the current winter. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a daily ski pass is projected to hit €60, following significant overcrowding last season. Annual Ticket Prices and Supplementary Charges At the same time, 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 expense of hiring ski equipment has similarly risen, along with lodging costs and restaurant prices throughout mountain resorts. Watchdog Leader Points to Unreasonable Hikes The consumer association president, heading the consumer protection group, stated that the price increases—which operators blame on higher energy costs, resort maintenance, and requests for superior gear—were completely unjustified and not acceptable. "Both because Italian inflation rates are managed effectively and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for mountain facility managers in 2022, have stabilized at previous levels," Melluso noted. He added that prices have now reached levels where less wealthy individuals are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, altogether. Tourism Decline and Wider Perspective Melluso observed a significant drop in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with 1 million fewer Italians hitting the slopes compared to the previous year due to rising costs. Even with these hikes, Italy remains a cheaper option for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, French destinations, and Austria. International Event Background The growing concern over winter sports expenses comes as the country prepares to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between the first three weeks of February. The nation's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, recently stated that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations calling for a "worldwide ceasefire" during the international event. "Through the Winter Games we must also send a message of peace and conversation... to halt conflicts during the Olympics," he declared.