Italian Ski-Pass Operators Agree to €30 Million Payout After Antitrust Probe

Italy’s competition authority closed its investigation into Dolomiti Superski, a consortium of ski-lift operators, after accepting commitments that include compensation for customers, Reuters reported on Aug. 7.

The case centered on allegations that operators restricted competition by coordinating ski-pass prices across a network covering roughly 1,200 kilometers, or 745 miles, of slopes, according to Reuters. Consortium members operate in 12 prominent Italian mountain resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, which hosted events during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Under the settlement described by Reuters, customers who bought daily or multi-day passes during the 2022-23, 2023-24 or 2024-25 ski seasons will have a choice between two forms of compensation. Skiers selecting credit toward a future pass can receive a voucher equal to 30% of their previous spending, while those seeking cash can receive a refund equal to 20%.

Dolomiti Superski Chairman Andy Varallo told Reuters that the organization welcomed the competition authority’s decision and plans to provide customers with information about how to claim compensation. An online claims platform is expected to be available by mid-October, he said.

Varallo also told Reuters that certain discounts and concessions previously offered by the consortium will remain available for another five years.

The arrangement nevertheless drew criticism from Assoutenti, an Italian consumer association with more than 70,000 members, according to Reuters.

Assoutenti President Gabriele Melluso said in a statement cited by Reuters that offering a larger benefit to customers who choose vouchers disadvantages those who want their money returned and creates an incentive to buy another ski pass. The group also objected to the compensation fund being finite, warning that eligible customers could be left without payments if available funds are depleted.

The antitrust case comes as the cost of skiing in Italy has climbed sharply. Expenses associated with artificial snow production and ski equipment have contributed to concerns that the sport is becoming increasingly affordable mainly to higher-income consumers, Reuters reported.

Dolomiti Superski’s daily-pass price increased 28.4% between 2021 and 2025, according to Assoutenti data cited by Reuters.

The settlement illustrates how competition enforcement can extend beyond fines to consumer remedies designed to address alleged harm directly. In this case, the structure of those remedies — particularly the difference between the value of vouchers and cash refunds — is itself drawing scrutiny from consumer advocates.

Source: Reuters