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A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they describe as entirely unreasonable cost hikes for ski passes this cold-weather period, warning that skiing could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals.

Significant Cost Rises Across Italy

Across the Alpine regions and breathtaking Dolomites in the northern areas to the slopes of Abruzzo, prices are poised to increase by as much as 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to recent analysis.

The prestigious Dolomiti Superski pass, which provides entry to all 12 resorts in the premium Dolomite area, will now set visitors back €86 per day this season. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a daily ski pass is projected to hit €60, after experiencing significant overcrowding last season.

Seasonal Pass Costs and Additional Expenses

Meanwhile, annual skiing tickets will vary between €755 per adult in Roccaraso to as much as €1,800 in the northern Aosta area.

The cost of renting winter sports gear has also increased, along with hotel accommodations and restaurant prices throughout mountain resorts.

Consumer Group President Points to Unreasonable Hikes

Gabriele Melluso, leading the consumer protection group, emphasized that the price increases—attributed by resorts to increased utility expenses, resort maintenance, and requests for superior gear—were entirely unreasonable and not acceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are managed effectively and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for mountain facility managers in 2022, have stabilized at previous levels," Melluso noted.

He added that prices have climbed to points where budget-conscious visitors are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, completely.

Visitor Decrease and Broader Context

He noted a significant drop in mountain tourism during the current winter period, with 1 million fewer Italians visiting ski resorts compared to the prior season due to increasing expenses.

Despite these increases, Italy remains a more affordable destination for skiing enthusiasts in western Europe compared to neighboring Switzerland, French destinations, and Austrian locations.

Olympic Context

The increasing worry over skiing costs 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, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations urging a "worldwide ceasefire" during the global competition.

"With Milan Cortina we must similarly convey a message of peace and conversation... to stop warfare during the Olympics," he declared.