Isolde Kostner, a former champion skier with multiple accolades, highlights the financial challenges facing skiers today. In her experience running a guesthouse in South Tyrol, she notes that guests are increasingly opting to eat in their rooms rather than dining out, citing the high cost of skiing and related expenses. This shift reflects a broader trend among skiing enthusiasts who are adapting their habits to manage costs effectively.

Kostner observes that the clientele of her guesthouse is different from that of her chalet, with many families feeling the pinch of rising prices. She shares that during a recent trip to Padova, where she participated in an Olympic torch event, she encountered friends and fans who admitted to stopping skiing altogether because it became too expensive. This anecdote underscores a growing concern within the skiing community about accessibility and affordability.

The situation is particularly striking given Kostner's own deep connection to the sport, having achieved remarkable success in her competitive career. Her comments reveal the potential implications for the future of skiing as a recreational activity, suggesting that if costs continue to rise without a corresponding increase in value or experience, a significant segment of the skiing population may deter from the sport, ultimately affecting the industry as a whole.