As mountain destinations now shift their focus to winter reservations and the ski and snowboard season, bookings for the upcoming six months are currently continuing the summer’s strength.

“Mountain lodging properties in Colorado and Utah got an additional boost in visitors during August from spectators who came to watch the multi-day pro cycling events that generated extra buzz and excitement in the anchoring mountain communities,” explains Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “But mountain destinations can’t rest on their successful summer laurels as the winter booking season begins in earnest now. At this early stage, winter bookings are pacing well ahead of last year and signs are pointing toward continued momentum but we will be keeping an eye on economic and political news that can shift travel dynamics quickly.”

For the immediate future, September is continuing the upward trend with on-the-books occupancy up 6.6 percent compared to last September and revenues up 13 percent for the month. The six month forward view revealed that as of August 31, on-the-books occupancy is up nine percent for arrivals in September through February compared to the same period last year with increases in every month except November. The pace of overall bookings made in August is essentially flat compared to the same period last year.