Italy's Ski Season May Become Unaffordable for All but the Wealthy as Pass Prices Skyrocket
A devastating blow is looming over Italy's ski industry, with prices for passes expected to soar by up to 40% this winter. The skyrocketing costs have left many in doubt that the sport will remain accessible to anyone but those from a higher socio-economic background.
The Dolomiti Superski pass, granting access to 12 resorts in some of Italy's most scenic regions, is set to cost €86 per day (£75). Meanwhile, daily passes for popular resorts such as Roccaraso are expected to rise by €60. Even more shocking is the seasonal ski pass price, which can range from a steep €755 for adults in Roccaraso up to an eye-watering €1,800 in the Aosta valley.
The rising costs of hiring equipment, hotels, and restaurants have also added fuel to the fire. The prices are so high that many Italians have been forced to abandon their traditional weekly ski holidays altogether. According to Assoutenti, a watchdog group, this has led to a sharp decline in mountain tourism, with 1 million fewer people hitting the slopes last season.
The Italian consumers' association president, Gabriele Melluso, has described the price increases as "completely unjustified and unacceptable", citing inflation under control and lower energy tariffs as reasons for not raising prices. However, his words ring hollow when faced with the harsh reality of people being priced out of a beloved winter sport.
Italy's preparations to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February are being overshadowed by concerns over affordability and accessibility. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has called for a "global truce" during the event, but it remains to be seen how this will translate into meaningful change for the ski industry.
A devastating blow is looming over Italy's ski industry, with prices for passes expected to soar by up to 40% this winter. The skyrocketing costs have left many in doubt that the sport will remain accessible to anyone but those from a higher socio-economic background.
The Dolomiti Superski pass, granting access to 12 resorts in some of Italy's most scenic regions, is set to cost €86 per day (£75). Meanwhile, daily passes for popular resorts such as Roccaraso are expected to rise by €60. Even more shocking is the seasonal ski pass price, which can range from a steep €755 for adults in Roccaraso up to an eye-watering €1,800 in the Aosta valley.
The rising costs of hiring equipment, hotels, and restaurants have also added fuel to the fire. The prices are so high that many Italians have been forced to abandon their traditional weekly ski holidays altogether. According to Assoutenti, a watchdog group, this has led to a sharp decline in mountain tourism, with 1 million fewer people hitting the slopes last season.
The Italian consumers' association president, Gabriele Melluso, has described the price increases as "completely unjustified and unacceptable", citing inflation under control and lower energy tariffs as reasons for not raising prices. However, his words ring hollow when faced with the harsh reality of people being priced out of a beloved winter sport.
Italy's preparations to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February are being overshadowed by concerns over affordability and accessibility. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has called for a "global truce" during the event, but it remains to be seen how this will translate into meaningful change for the ski industry.
. What's next? A daily pass to breathe oxygen? Italy needs to find a way to make skiing accessible to everyone, not just the super rich. And yeah, I'm with Gabriele Melluso on this one – €755 for a season pass? Are they kidding me?! That's like buying a house in some parts of Italy 
. The Olympics are coming, but can they even deliver on affordability and accessibility? 
. I remember when my grandkids were little and we'd take them skiing every winter, now they can't afford it 
. It's like they're pricing out the people who need it most, you know? The Dolomiti Superski pass is already €86 a day, that's crazy! And don't even get me started on the seasonal passes... €1,800?! That's just ridiculous 
It's just not right.
the thought of not being able to go skiing because its just too expensive is really sad... my grandparents used to love going up the dolomites every year and now they can barely afford a day out 
. it's all about accessibility right now, not just about hosting the Olympics...the goverment needs to do somethin about it 
.
Italy's ski season is supposed to be all about that snow-filled fun but now only the super rich are gonna be able to afford it? That's just not right, fam 
Italy needs to do something about this ASAP before they lose all the good skiers. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics should be about bringing people together, not pricing them out of the sport 
. And what about the social benefits of skiing? isn't it supposed to be a way to bring people together, not drive them apart?
. Remember when we used to grab our skis and hit the slopes without worrying about breaking the bank? Now, it's like they're charging us per breath of fresh air 
! It's crazy how prices have skyrocketed in just a few years. I'm not surprised, though - have you seen the state of Italy lately? Infrastructure costs are through the roof and whatnot. Still, it's sad to see people being priced out of an activity that's supposed to bring joy to everyone 
this is just insane! 40% price hike? that's not fair at all 
i mean who can afford a daily pass of €86? 
maybe they can look into ways to make skiing more affordable for all, like discounts or subsidies? 
️ that would be amazing! 
i mean, inflation and energy tariffs dont justify this much of an increase 
It's just not right. And what's with the Dolomiti Superski pass being so expensive? €86 per day is crazy! 
. Gabriele Melluso says inflation is under control, but it feels like that's just an excuse. The truth is, prices are rising because of supply and demand - there just aren't enough affordable options for people to choose from.
. Maybe they can find a way to make it more affordable for everyone, not just the rich folks 
.
I mean, what's next? They're gonna make us pay more for air and water too? 
️ The fact that Italians are being forced to abandon their traditional ski holidays is heartbreaking. What about people who've been going skiing since they were kids? 
Don't they deserve a chance to still enjoy this beautiful sport they love? 
, but I'm over here thinking he should ski with one hand tied behind his back... or better yet, just stay at home and watch Netflix 
. Italy's got some serious issues on its hands, but hey, maybe they can just blame it on the snowflakes