The ski lift market - Italy

1.1 Definition and presentation

Ski lifts can be defined as transportation mechanisms that take skiers to high altitudes. They are generally a paid service at ski resorts. The name ski lifts is generic, but in practice it applies to ropeways of various types that are used specifically for the purpose mentioned above and that have different names: ski lifts, sled lifts, chair lifts, single or double chair lifts with continuous motion, and gondolas with permanent or temporary attachments.

The Confindustria (Anef) association of ropeway manufacturers, operators and technicians has more than 1,500 ropeways and represents 90 percent of the ropeway market. Italian industry giants such as Leitner and TechnoAlpin are true international leaders and have succeeded in bringing Italian "know-how" and superior products to the world.

For every euro invested in ski lifts in Italy, 7 or 10 euros are earned, depending on the area, as the GDP of the territory. it is therefore clear that this sector is not only critically important to the country and its ski resorts, but is also extremely profitable.

In Italy, therefore, it is the ski lifts that support the mountain economy because they attract tourists, even those who do not ski, but who like to go up to high altitudes, enjoy the view, go for a walk, snowshoeing or eat in a "refuge." For this same reason, even though the overall ski economy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as ski resorts remained closed throughout the first and second lockdowns, the lift industry will likely recover once the emergency is over because more and more Italians will be excited to get back on skis or simply enjoy the mountains.