SAM Magazine-Denver, Mar. 24, 2011-For the sixth consecutive month, occupancy at western mountain destinations rose. According to the most recent data released by the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP), occupancy was up 1.2 percent compared to February 2010. Overall results for September through February are up 7.3 percent compared to the same time period the prior year. Daily rates remained essentially flat-down 0.2 percent for February, and 0.3 percent for the past six months.

The most promising projections came from the March data, with on-the-books occupancy up 12.2 percent compared to last year, as well as a 4.9 percent uptick in average daily rate for the month of March.

For the next six months, arrivals from March through August, on-the-books occupancy for March through August is running 8.7 percent ahead of the same period last year. Lodging rates remain essentially stable.

"Good early snow and a stabilizing economy brought strong momentum to the start of this winter season," said Ralf Garrison, director of MTRiP. "That momentum decreased through February, but we expect a very strong March that should compensate for what looks to be a weak April.

"Most mountain destinations will have significantly better ski seasons than the last two years, but until there is sustained growth in both occupancy and rate, they won't return to pre-recession levels," Garrison added.

Oil prices remain a potential headwind. The steady increase in consumer travel over the past year could be interrupted by fuel price increases that impact air and car travel. Any increases won't impact this season, but could be an issue for the coming summer and next winter.