Swiss Consumer Protection Criticises Dynamic Ticket Pricing
Switzerland: Consumer protection criticizes opaque ski ticket prices, they say:
"The annual survey conducted by consumer protection organizations once again reveals the lack of transparency at large ski resorts with dynamic pricing systems: five out of eleven resorts do not specify a price ceiling. For the lowest prices, it is unclear whether and how often these are actually offered. Three resorts have also significantly increased their minimum prices. Furthermore, many resorts continue to refuse refunds – even in cases of operational restrictions. Consumer protection organizations are exposing these hidden price increases and demanding full transparency and fair refund policies.
Consumer protection agencies have again this year compared the minimum and maximum prices of eleven ski resorts with dynamic pricing and found a significant lack of transparency. Chäserrugg, Engadin, St. Moritz, Engelberg Titlis, Flims Laax, and Zermatt do not set any upper limits for their prices or keep them secret. On peak days, this can lead to exorbitantly high prices. This is particularly problematic for families who cannot ski during the week or in the off-season. The Aletsch Arena (+CHF 2) and Belalp (+CHF 3) declare their maximum prices and have slightly increased them this season.
Most ski resorts declare the lowest possible price – but it remains unclear whether and how many tickets are actually offered at this rate. And with Gstaad (+CHF 20), Crans-Montana (+CHF 20), and Belalp (+CHF 17), three resorts have significantly increased their minimum prices compared to last season. Even more problematic is the fact that the price caps are often not declared. Consumers still don't know how the prices are calculated.
Consumer protection agency exposes hidden price increases
What consumer protection advocates have long feared appears to be confirmed: "Such opaque dynamic pricing opens the floodgates to hidden price increases," says Sara Stalder, director of the consumer protection agency. "It's impossible for consumers to assess whether an offer is expensive or a good deal."
The Arosa Lenzerheide region has been noted positively, as it declares maximum and minimum prices and has reduced the latter by one franc.
Many areas refuse refunds
Six of the eleven ski resorts (Aletsch Arena, Chäserrug, Crans-Montana, Engadin St. Moritz, Gstaad, Zermatt) do not offer refunds on ticket prices – even if operations are limited. This is particularly problematic for winter sports enthusiasts, especially in combination with dynamic pricing. They either have to buy tickets at short notice and pay very high prices, or book at a slightly lower price well in advance. However, in the latter case, they bear the full risk of bad weather, limited operations, or a sudden illness. To avoid the risk of wasting a lot of money, it's worth comparing the refund policies.
Consumer protection demands full transparency and fair conditions.
Consumer protection advocates are demanding full transparency from ski resorts with dynamic pricing: minimum and maximum prices must be disclosed so that consumers can compare prices and make informed decisions. Furthermore, there need to be comprehensible criteria for price adjustments and fair, understandable refund policies without additional paid insurance. "Dynamic pricing must not lead to consumers systematically paying inflated prices and being unable to understand price developments and purchasing conditions," says Sara Stalder."
