Dolomiti Superski Faces €30m Compensation Bill

Italy’s competition authority has moved to resolve an investigation into the Dolomiti Superski consortium over alleged restrictions on competition, with skiers set to receive up to €30m ($35m) in refunds and discounts.

Members of the consortium operate across 12 ski areas in the Dolomites, including Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) investigated whether the consortium restricted competition by coordinating the prices and sales policies of local ski passes.

Under commitments proposed by Dolomiti Superski, customers who bought one-day or multi-day local ski passes during the 2022/23, 2023/24 or 2024/25 seasons will be eligible for compensation.

Skiers choosing a voucher toward a future pass can receive 30% of the amount previously paid, while those opting for a cash refund can receive 20%. Dolomiti Superski has allocated €30m ($35m) to the scheme, including €18m ($21m) for vouchers and €12m ($14m) for cash refunds.

Italian consumer group Assoutenti has criticized the scheme, arguing that the higher compensation offered through vouchers encourages customers to buy another ski pass. It also warned that claims will be honored only while the allocated funds remain available.

According to Assoutenti, the price of a Dolomiti Superski one-day pass rose by 28.4% between 2021 and 2025.

(Reuters, Lud)