SAM Magazine-The upward trend in lodging occupancy at major Western mountain destinations continued for January, with average occupancy up 5.8 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP). The figures are based on reports from 265 property management companies in 15 mountain destinations in Colorado, Utah, California, and Oregon.

Over the past six months, average occupancy is up 9.4 percent and nightly rates have been essentially flat-up 0.4 percent. January marked the fifth consecutive month for year-over-year increases among participating destinations. Reservations for February and March have also trended upward, with only April figures currently lagging behind last year's pacing.

"The strong results experienced at mountain destinations during the past six months, combined with continued signs of economic recovery and plentiful snow in most parts of the country, have provided a solid foundation for a respectable, although not spectacular, winter season," said Ralf Garrison, director of MTRiP. "Flat rates show that guests are still insisting on deals, so overall lodging revenues aren't likely to be as strong as hoped."

February bookings as of Jan. 31 were up 1.4 percent compared to the same time period last year, and MTRiP forecasts a 6.5 percent increase for February through July 2011, with rates remaining flat. Garrison noted that this represents an increase over the past few seasons but still falls short of pre-recession occupancy levels.

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