“Hidden price increases”: Consumer protection demands removal of dynamic pricing models

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The trend towards flexible prices in Swiss ski areas has increased significantly this season. The so-called “dynamic pricing model” is no longer the exception but the rule. Much to the annoyance of many skiers.

Swiss consumer protection investigated this development this winter. The survey confirms what (ski) people think: ski passes are actually the most expensive during weekends, public holidays and school sports holidays. “Additionally, ski areas without maximum prices are extremely opaque,” ​​consumer protection writes in a statement Wednesday.

When prices rise the most

Specifically, the prices of nine Swiss ski resorts with dynamic pricing models were observed. “About two or three weeks before the ski day, prices begin to rise more rapidly, with the largest price increases occurring in the last six or seven days,” consumer protection writes. This is especially true for public holidays, school sports holidays and weekends. Price increases are generally lower on weekdays.

According to consumer protection, it would be beneficial for ski areas to “set at least a maximum price.” Anyone who wants to buy a ticket will at least know if they are close to the pain threshold. Five of the nine ski areas observed did not report such a maximum price for tickets this winter.

Non-transparent and hidden price increases

Consumer protection condemned this lack of transparency: “We want ski resorts to have dynamic pricing models so that they can make price developments transparent in all seasons.” Flexible prices should no longer exist in principle: “Consumer protection calls on ski areas to abandon dynamic pricing models and not abuse them for hidden price increases.”

For organization, fixed prices are still the best choice. “They are reliable, transparent, comparable and do not penalize those who cannot go to the ski slopes on weekdays in January.” (nim)

Source :Blick