Skiing in Italy Becomes a Luxury as Ticket Prices Rise by Up to 40%
📈 Sharp Increase in Ski Pass Prices
Winter sports in Italy are becoming harder to afford, as the price of ski passes has risen by up to 40%, according to a new report by the Italian consumer association Assoutenti.
The association revealed that the price of a daily ski ticket in top resorts jumped from €67 to €86. Meanwhile, a resort near the Swiss border saw the biggest spike, increasing from €52 to €72 — nearly a 38% rise, as reported by the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
💶 Seasonal Passes Also Become More Expensive
Seasonal passes have also climbed sharply, now ranging between €755 in Abruzzo and €1,800 in Aosta Valley. This rise deepens the crisis in winter tourism, a sector that has already suffered a 39% drop in revenue over the past two years.
Gabriele Meluso, president of Assoutenti, described these increases as unjustified and unacceptable. He explained that resort operators blame the higher costs on energy and maintenance, even though energy prices in Italy have returned to normal levels after the 2022 crisis.
❄️ Skiing: From Sport to Luxury
Meluso warned that skiing is in danger of becoming a sport only the wealthy can afford. With ticket prices soaring, many middle-income and low-income families may be forced to give up their winter holidays altogether.
🌍 A Struggling Winter Tourism Industry
This price crisis comes at a difficult time for Italy. The country is trying to revive its winter tourism sector, which continues to face challenges such as:
- High operating and maintenance costs
- Decreased visitor numbers after COVID-19
- Climate change reducing snowfall in the Alps
✨ Finally
With costs rising and snowfall declining, Italy’s ski resorts risk becoming exclusive destinations for the rich — leaving many families unable to enjoy one of winter’s most iconic activities.
