A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they describe as completely unjustified price increases for ski passes this cold-weather period, cautioning that skiing could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals.
Significant Cost Rises Across Italy
Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern areas to the ski runs of central Italy, prices are poised to increase by up to 40% compared to 2021 levels, according to fresh research.
The prestigious Dolomiti Superski pass, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now set visitors back €86 per day during the current winter. In Roccaraso, a daily ski pass is expected to reach €60, following substantial visitor surges last season.
Seasonal Pass Costs and Supplementary Charges
At the same time, seasonal ski passes will vary between €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to upwards of €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.
The expense of hiring ski equipment has similarly risen, along with hotel accommodations and dining expenses throughout mountain resorts.
Watchdog Leader Points to Unreasonable Hikes
Gabriele Melluso, leading the watchdog organization, emphasized that the price increases—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and requests for superior gear—were entirely unreasonable and not acceptable.
"Particularly since inflation in Italy are managed effectively and utility costs, which had raised operational costs 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 forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, completely.
Tourism Decline and Broader Context
Melluso observed a sharp decline in mountain tourism during the 2024-2025 season, with a million fewer domestic visitors hitting the slopes compared to the prior season due to rising costs.
Even with these hikes, Italy remains a more affordable destination for winter sports fans in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, France, and Austrian locations.
Olympic Context
The increasing worry over winter sports expenses comes as the nation gets ready to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, recently stated 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.
