Industry News
Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), a ski region nestled in Italy’s Carnic and Julian Alps, has once again broken from industry norms by keeping its 2025-26 ski pass prices unchanged. The region’s commitment to affordability stands in striking contrast to rising lift ticket costs across the Alpine world. Sergio Emidio Bini, Assessor of Friuli-Venezia Giulia for Productive Activities and Tourism (a role similar to a State Secretary of Commerce and Tourism in the U.S.), announced the decision on July 25 via social media, declaring: “We have promised and now we have done it!” He also shared that the FVG ski season opens on December 6. Likewise, the regional government reaffirmed this pricing strategy while approving a €65 million plan to modernize infrastructure across all the FVG ski hubs. Sergio Emidio Bini described the decision as “another step in our broader strategy to support mountain tourism and ensure accessibility for younger generations.”
The adult day pass during peak seaso remains at €44 ($47), while children under 18—categorized as “Junior”—ski for just €10 per day ($11). Kids under 6 ski for free. A seven-day adult pass costs €237 ($255), equating to just $36 per day—a great savings even when compared to the already low daily price.
In contrast, even budget U.S. resorts often charge upwards of US $100 for a single lift ticket. For example, ski areas like Tamarack, Idaho, offer day passes from $88, while twilight tickets at Bogus Basin run around US $44. Major resorts such as Beaver Creek in Colorado peak at $295 per day.
Low‑season rates in Friuli Venezia Giulia are even more enticing: adult day passes drop to €31 ($33) while a seven-day pass costs just €167 ($180)—or $26 per day). This may be the lowest adult ski pass in the European Alps.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is located in the northeast of the country at the border to Austria and Slovenia, about 2.5 hours from Venice, and features 15 ski resorts on one ski pass, of which nine are alpine resorts. Combined, these nine alpine ski resorts offer more than 121 kilometers (75 miles) of groomed ski runs serviced by 68 lifts. The alpine skiing resorts on the FVG ski pass are:
- Zoncolan – Ravascletto/Sutrio,
- Sella Nevea,
- Tarvisio—Monte Lussari,
- Piancavallo,
- Forni di Sopra–Sauris,
- Sappada–Forni Avoltri
- Sauris di Sopra,
- Sauris di Sotto, and
- Pradibosco—Prato Cornico.
- Related: New Hope for Kanin Sella Nevea Cross-Border Resort as Slovenian Government Commits €30 Million
The first three listed resorts are the biggest in this group. Zoncolan—Ravascletto/Sutrio offers 24 kilometers (15 miles) of ski runs between 900 and 1,970 meters (2,953-6,463 feet) of altitude, giving a total vertical of 1,070 meters (3,510 feet vertical). Sella Nevea used to be linked with Slovenian resort Kanin, however the Slovenian resort ran into financial difficulties and has not operated in the last two years. A new investor has recently emerged and hopefully Italian skiers can access the Slovenian side again from 2025-26. Combined, the ski resorts offer 30 kilometers (19 miles) of groomed runs and 5 kilometers (3 miles) of sledding runs. Tarvisio-Monte Lussari boasts 23 kilometers (14 miles) from between 754 meters (2,474 feet) to 1,752 meters (5,748 feet), giving a total vertical of 998 meters (3,274 feet). The ski area is serviced by 13 ski lifts, including an 8-person gondola and a staggering six quad-chairs. This year, Tarvisio hosted the FIS Alpine Junior World Championships and will host the women’s Alpine World Cup Downhill and Super-G races on January 18-19, 2026.
If you think the altitude may not make that region snow-proof, you would be wrong. The area between Austria, Italy, and Slovenia has one of the highest snowfalls in Europe, making it particularly popular with freeriders and heliskiers.
At a time when other major resorts globally are announcing price hikes, FVG’s fixed pricing offers a compelling alternative—especially for families and budget-conscious travelers. By freezing prices and offering concessions for juniors, seniors, and regional residents, the region demonstrates not only affordability but also social equity in tourism. The pricing—and the investment behind it—signal a clear vision: accessibility without sacrificing alpine quality.
