SAM Magazine-Denver, Colo., Feb. 17, 2010- Reservations and occupancy in mountain resorts continued to edge up in January, though they remain slightly behind last year's low figures, according to the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP). The report is based on reports from more than 200 resort properties in 15 resorts across Western North America.

Total occupancy for the season is down one percent, a slight improvement from Dec. 31, when it was down three percent. On the bright side, reservations taken during the month of January for the next six months were up 9.5 percent compared to January 2009, the strongest pace seen in the past three months. January became the first month since April 2009 in which occupancy increased compared to the same month of the prior year.

"It's nice to finally be in a position to say something positive," said Ralf Garrison, industry analyst and director of MTRiP. "February and March are also looking good.

"Our analysis shows that as of Jan. 31, approximately 40 percent of winter guests have already come and gone, 40 percent have made their reservations, but the final 20 percent is still up in the air," said Garrison. Bookings for February are up 2.4 percent compared to February 2009. The trend for short-lead bookings remains in place, as bookings beyond March remain relatively weak.