SAM Magazine—Denver, April 17, 2019—The only question left about western mountain lodging for the 2018-19 season is how big the record numbers will be—and if the record will be for occupancy, rate, revenue, or all of them. 

In the most recent monthly DestiMetrics Market Briefing released by Inntopia, aggregated actual occupancy for the full six-month season was up 5.6 percent through March 31 compared to the same time last year. The average daily rate (ADR) was up 1.1 percent, and the two increases together led to a 6.7 percent increase in revenues vs. 2017-18.

This signals the eighth consecutive record for revenue and room rate. Occupancy levels stumbled in 2017-18, so a record in that category would need to surpass the 2016-17 season. Results are based on a sample of nearly 300 participating western property management companies in 18 destination resorts across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho.

“Occupancy figures that have been either banked or booked for the season have reached 102.6 percent of last year’s total and are now just one-half of one percent below the 2016-17 record, while actual revenue has reached 101.7 percent of last season’s all-time record,” said Tom Foley, senior vice president of business operations and analytics for Inntopia. “We had the perfect storm situation this season with strong and consistent snowfall coupled with a continued strong economy and optimistic consumers. ... With the reality of an extended season at many destinations, we expect the final results to be even stronger.”

March occupancy was up a healthy 7.4 percent and the ADR was up 4.4 percent, resulting in a 12.1 percent increase in aggregated revenues compared to last March.

For summer, reservations already on the books for the months of May through September are pacing down a slight 0.7 percent compared to the same time last year. However, ADR has notched a 2.7 percent increase. Overall, occupancy is gaining in three of the five summer months.

Bookings made in March for arrivals in the six months from March through August were up in five of the six months with the exception of August, which was down 4.4 percent in a YOY comparison.

“Once again, the two ‘wild cards’ of the winter season—weather and the economy—are what shaped the 2018-19 season,” Foley said.