A new survey by Blick has found that the cost of day passes at Swiss ski resorts are set to rise significantly this winter. Ski lift operators have blamed the price rises on the increased cost of energy, fuel and workers.
According to the newspaper, after ski resorts experienced a "record-breaking winter season" in 2021 / 22, the top destinations in the Swiss mountains are still expected to raise their prices. The survey found that the cost of a ski day pass will rise by up to 12 percent in certain areas - like in Grächen, where its day pass will rise by over 12 percent to 63 francs per adult.
In western Switzerland, Verbier is also expected to raise its prices to 80 francs a day, a 3,9 percent increase on last year. Nendaz (4,5 percent), Aletsch Glacier (2), Gstaad (2,6) and Zermatt (5,1) have also announced cost increases.
Families and individuals on season tickets will also see some increases, with Zermatt raising its season ticket price by 5 percent to 1.680 francs a year. The largest increase was found in Belarp, where a family subscription will increase by more than a quarter to 1.414 francs a year.
Resorts have blamed the price rises on higher costs, with Blick reporting the increasing price of energy and other utilities will cost ski lift operators up to a million francs, depending on the size of the resort. Increased salaries, inflation and maintenance costs have also been blamed.
Flumserberg - a popular ski resort close to Zurich - has said it will not fix its prices for the upcoming season due to ongoing uncertainties around costs. However, these issues are not universal, with Titlis-Bahnene announcing that they will be charging the same prices as last year.