Skiing is getting more expensive: Price increases in the Alps at the start of the season!

Skiing is getting more expensive: Price increases in the Alps at the start of the season!

In the Alpine region, where wintertime is for many a true paradise for skiers and snow adventurers, there are some changes to consider in the coming season. How BR reported that prices for cable car tickets in Austria's ski areas are rising by around four percent. This increase comes despite generally strong demand in tourism, which is also expected in the coming months.

In St. Anton am Arlberg, for example, the day pass will now cost 81.50 euros, which corresponds to an increase of 4.5 percent compared to last year, while the ski season officially begins on December 5th. The prices for six-day tickets are also rising: In the Zillertal, guests will now pay 384 euros, in Ischgl it will be 359 euros and at the Wilden Kaiser 395 euros, which also means an increase of around four percent.

Background and price discussion

Why are there these price increases? In the last three years, collective wage costs in the tourism and catering industry have increased by around 30 percent. Elisabeth Zehetner, State Secretary for Tourism, explains that the price adjustments are moderate because not all costs are passed on directly to the guests by the providers. The topic of rising ski pass prices in Austria is hotly debated every year, especially when you look at its cheaper neighbors such as Germany or Switzerland.

In large ski areas in Austria, a day ticket costs a maximum of 79 euros. A ticket for a family (two adults, two children) costs around 250 euros. Isabella Dschulnigg-Geissler, managing director of the Saalbacher Bergbahnen, defends the prices by pointing out the economic responsibility of the mountain railways. However, premium regions such as Saalbach-Hinterglemm in particular are enjoying record visitor numbers.

Energy costs and alternative offers

Rising energy costs represent the largest cost factor, now accounting for 25-30 percent of total costs. Erich Egger, CEO of the Schmittenhöhebahn, reports that energy costs rose by around 500,000 euros last year. Given this development, it is understandable that operators such as Gletscherbahnen Kaprun are trying to justify their prices compared to other countries such as Switzerland, where daily prices are also high.

• Vergleich der Skipasspreise:
• Österreich: Maximal 79 € für Tageskarte
• Schweiz: Maximal 86 € für Tageskarte
• Deutschland (Zugspitze): 69 € für Tageskarte

The mountain railways in Austria have also developed alternative offers to defuse the price discussion. These include the Alpin Card, which offers a combination ticket for 408 kilometers of slopes at a price of 840 euros, which increases to 1,005 euros after December 9th. Young people under 19 can enjoy the slopes on Saturdays for just 15 euros, and the ski pass is free for the third child in a family.

Price variability and booking tips

The prices for ski passes vary greatly depending on the date, age and number of days. Early birders have the opportunity to save on ticket booking, and resorts often offer discounts on day passes, accommodations and retail. It is recommended that you contact the ski areas directly to find out the latest prices and offers Ski info highlights.

The front view of the new season promises exciting activities in the snow, despite rising prices. Winter fun is still very popular, and it will be exciting to see how the discussion about ski pass prices that has been going on for years continues.