SAM Magazine—Denver, Nov. 17, 2014—Despite mild October temperatures, lodging reservations for the six-month winter season (November through April) are currently running ahead of the same time last season. Denver-based DestiMetrics, an organization that tracks mountain lodging bookings in 19 Western mountain resorts in six states, said that reservations as of Oct. 31 are up 7.4 percent and revenues are up 13.9 percent for the six-month period compared to the same time last year, with increases in every month except April.

“This year’s booking pace is a continuation of last winter’s momentum, so we’re seeing ‘snow equity’ playing the lead role in the booking patterns,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. However, by this time next month, “last year’s snow equity impact will give way to current snow conditions,” he added.

The group’s monthly Market Briefing also reported that Western mountain destinations’ third record-breaking summer season (May through October) wrapped up with occupancy for the month of October up 13.7 percent compared to October 2013, while revenues enjoyed a boost of 13.9 percent.

“Summer is clearly a big growth opportunity for mountain resorts, as we saw occupancy for the entire summer climb 6.3 percent and overall revenue break 10.9 percent this year over the 2013 record-setting year,” Garrison reported. “Far West resorts are better established for summer business, but we are seeing the Rocky Mountain resorts expanding their summer products and marketing to capture the potential of this promising season.

“With the passage of the new Ski Area Recreational Opportunities Act which grants more latitude to how resorts use their land during non-ski months, we expect to see summer business continue to grow,” he added.