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SAM Magazine—Denver, Nov. 18, 2016— As of Oct. 31, advance reservations are up 6.6 percent and revenues are up 13.3 percent for the six months that includes arrivals from November through May compared to the same time last year, according to research firm DestiMetrics. Cooler weather and stories of snow falling in the mountains have traditionally been drivers for winter vacation bookings, but the absence of those drivers during a mild autumn didn't negatively affected bookings at western mountain destinations for the 2016-17 winter season.

skiing 1723857 1280DestiMetrics data come from 290 properties in 19 mountain destinations across the West.

Despite warm weather in October, the booking pace during the month remained steady, up four percent compared to last year at this time. Occupancy in the month of November is up 11.6 percent, with the critical months of December, January, and February also showing occupancy and revenue increases. As of Oct. 31, 49 percent of last winter's total nights, and 55.2 percent of last year's total revenue, were already on the book. Both figures are up compared to the same time last year.

“We are in an interesting period right now as we wait to see how the outcome of the presidential election and weather patterns influence bookings in the coming weeks and months,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “Lodging operators at western mountain resorts are getting somewhat concerned about the recent warm conditions and lack of snow, but as of Oct. 31, there was no evidence that the booking pace is slowing down, or that winter occupancy or revenues are being affected.”

The market has remained stable despite the tumultuous political climate, but that could change, according to Tom Foley, operations director for DestiMetrics. “This data represents pre-election patterns and we know that neither consumers or financial markets like uncertainty, so we will be closely monitoring political developments, the broader market economy, and Mother Nature to determine their collective impact, if any, on winter bookings,” he said.

“Based on historical performance, the deck is stacked in favor of mountain communities,” said Garrison. “Positive snow equity from last season is driving early bookings and is laying a good foundation for the rest of the winter, so if Mother Nature does her part and starts delivering wintery weather, western mountain destinations are well-positioned for another very good start to the season.”