SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., Jan. 16, 2025—December daily rates nudged up a bit, occupancy edged down a bit, and lodging results among the participating properties in 17 regions across seven Western states looked a lot like last year at this time, according to the most recent monthly report from DestiMetrics, part of Inntopia’s business intelligence platform. That’s despite better snow conditions this year compared to last, which historically has led to increased visitation. DestiMetrics suggested that economic uncertainty may have held down visits.

Rates crept up 2.9 percent for the month compared to December 2023, and occupancy slid 2.3 percent. The occupancy decline coincided with awkward holiday timing and perhaps some lingering price-sensitivity, according the DestiMetrics analysis. Aggregated revenues were up 0.5 percent compared to last December.

The results to date, combined with on-the-book reservations for January through April, imply that full winter occupancy will rise 1.2 percent compared to last year. DestiMetrics predicts that occupancy declines through January will be offset by increases in February through April; these months are posting increases ranging from 3.5 percent for April to a 6.5 percent increase for February.

The average daily rate (ADR) for the winter continues to show little variation from last year. The seasonal average is up 1.6 percent with minor gains in five of the six months.

“Declines or gains in [consumer] confidence have historically been shown to have a significant impact on room rates and travel prices—when confidence slips, so does tolerance for rising rates,” noted Tom Foley, senior vice president of business intelligence for Inntopia.

Even so, he added, “With widespread and abundant snowfall, we had hoped to see more bookings and occupancy in December.”