A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they call entirely unreasonable price increases for lift tickets this cold-weather period, cautioning that skiing could become an exclusive privilege for affluent individuals.
Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern areas 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 during the current winter. In Roccaraso, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, following substantial visitor surges during the previous winter.
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 Aosta valley.
The cost of renting winter sports gear has also increased, along with lodging costs and dining expenses throughout alpine destinations.
Gabriele Melluso, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the price increases—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and requests for superior gear—were completely unjustified and unacceptable.
"Both because Italian inflation rates are under control and utility costs, which had increased expenses for ski resort operators in 2022, have returned to normal," Melluso noted.
The president further stated that prices have climbed to points where budget-conscious visitors are being forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or ski holiday, completely.
He noted a sharp decline in mountain tourism during the 2024-2025 season, with a million fewer domestic visitors hitting the slopes compared to the previous year due to rising costs.
Despite these increases, Italy remains a more affordable destination for winter sports fans in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, France, and Austria.
The growing concern over winter sports expenses comes as the nation gets ready to host the 2026 Winter Games between February 6 and 22. The nation's top diplomat, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had presented a plan to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the global competition.
"Through the Winter Games we must similarly convey a peaceful communication and conversation... to stop warfare during the Olympics," he declared.
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