How much will it cost to ski in the 2023-24 season?
In the ski areas operated by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, skiers are expected to experience an average 8% increase in lift pass prices for the 2023/2024 winter season.
PRICE REGULATION
In the Chamonix valley, the prices of the ski-lifts are regulated. The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc (CMB) cannot set the prices without approval from the Mayor's office. The is because the ski-lifts are regarded as a public service Linked to the municipality by a public service that is controlled by a 'delegation agreement'. The CMB operates the Chamonix ski lifts including the lift to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi . Each year, the CMB is obliged to propose tariffs for the next season. The proposal is subjected to a rigorous review by the municipal council with a complex indexation formula based on operating costs and planned investment and also external factors such as inflation in the wider economy.
For the 2023-24 winter season, due to a combination of high inflation and significant planned investments, the price of season and annual passes will rise by 7.5% and for daily and other short-term passes, by as much as 14.3% . These increases have ben approved by the Mayor's office.
In France, the rate of year on year inflation has been much lower than in some European nations. In February 2023, it peaked at 6.6% and in April 2023 was down to 5.9%.
The effective price increase on a season pass is only 2% and this is justified by the planned investment.
THE PRIVATE CLUB BUYING GROUP
In 2022-23 season 17,000 and annual passes were purchased, 11,000 of those to people in the Private Club.
The Private Club exists each year for a short term of only 10 days. To join the club, you have residence status in the Commune of Chamonix and to show a similar purchase in the preceding year. The Club has another class of Super Members. These are mountain professionals such a High Mountain Guides.The dates for the 2023 'club' are yet to be announced.
To benefit from small price increases, it is usually necessary to make a purchase in the 10 day 'Private Club' period. For example, in this short buying period, the price for mountain professionals will be €316, up 7.48% from €298 in 2022.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, discounted prices will be available to young people, seniors, students and seasonal workers.
UK VISITORS
For short term visitors travelling from the UK, in real terms, the price of daily and weekly passes might increase by 5.4% where UK annual (year on year) inflation in March of 2023 was 8.9% and the projected price increase by the CMB will be 14.7%.
By next winter season, the rate of inflation in both France and the UK might have reduced significantly, making the the prices paid for Chamonix lift passes to appear as quite expensive.
Le Dauphiné contributed to this news item
