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Italian consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over what they describe as completely unjustified cost hikes for lift tickets this cold-weather period, warning that alpine sports could become a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

Substantial Price Increases Throughout the Country

Across the Alpine regions and breathtaking Dolomites in the northern areas to the ski runs of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by as much as 40% compared to 2021 levels, according to fresh research.

The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the exclusive Dolomites, will now set visitors back €86 per day during the current winter. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding during the previous winter.

Annual Ticket Prices and Additional Expenses

At the same time, seasonal ski passes will range from €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to as much as €1,800 in the Aosta valley.

The expense of hiring winter sports gear has also increased, along with hotel accommodations and dining expenses throughout alpine destinations.

Consumer Group President Points to Unreasonable Hikes

The consumer association president, heading the consumer protection group, stated that the cost rises—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and demand for better equipment—were entirely unreasonable and not acceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are under control and energy tariffs, 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 less wealthy individuals are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, completely.

Visitor Decrease and Broader Context

Melluso observed a sharp decline in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with a million fewer domestic visitors visiting ski resorts compared to the previous year due to increasing expenses.

Despite these increases, Italy remains a cheaper option for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to nearby Swiss resorts, France, and Austrian locations.

International Event Background

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, Antonio Tajani, recently stated that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the international event.

"With Milan Cortina we must also send a message of peace and dialogue... to halt conflicts during the Olympics," Tajani emphasized.