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Italian consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over what they call completely unjustified price increases for lift tickets this winter season, warning that alpine sports could become an exclusive privilege for affluent individuals.

Significant Cost Rises Across Italy

From the majestic Alps and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern areas to the ski runs of Abruzzo, prices are set to rise by up to 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to recent analysis.

The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the exclusive Dolomites, will now cost skiers €86 per day during the current winter. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a daily ski pass is projected to hit €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding during the previous winter.

Annual Ticket Prices and Supplementary Charges

At the same time, annual skiing tickets will range from €755 per adult in Roccaraso to as much as €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.

The cost of renting winter sports gear has similarly risen, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout alpine destinations.

Consumer Group President Cites Unjustified Increases

Gabriele Melluso, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the cost rises—which operators blame on higher energy costs, facility upkeep, and demand for better equipment—were completely unjustified and unacceptable.

"Both because inflation in Italy are under control and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for mountain facility managers in 2022, have returned to normal," Melluso noted.

The president further stated that prices have now reached levels where less wealthy individuals are being forced to abandon their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, altogether.

Tourism Decline and Broader Context

Melluso observed a significant drop in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with a million fewer domestic visitors hitting the slopes compared to the previous year due to increasing expenses.

Even with these hikes, Italy remains a more affordable destination for winter sports fans in western Europe compared to neighboring Switzerland, French destinations, and Austria.

Olympic Context

The growing concern over winter sports expenses comes as the nation gets ready to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between the first three weeks of February. The nation's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, announced on Friday that Italy had presented a plan to the United Nations calling for a "global truce" during the international event.

"Through the Winter Games we must similarly convey a message of peace and conversation... to halt conflicts during the Olympics," Tajani emphasized.