SAM Magazine—Winter Park, Colo., May 15, 2026—As the winter season dragged across the finish line, lodging rates at western mountain destinations managed to cling to a modest seasonal increase, but a drop in occupancy resulted in a significant decline in revenue. Conversely, pent-up demand for summer lodging continued to drive a steady upward trajectory in summer bookings, occupancy, rates, and revenue, according to data as of April 30 from the most recent DestiMetrics Market Briefing released by Inntopia.

For the month of April, actual occupancy across the entire region was down a dramatic 18.3 percent compared to April 2025, while the average daily rate (ADR) was down 4.3 percent, resulting in aggregated monthly revenue being down a considerable 21.9 percent.

Results for the whole winter season, November through April, showed occupancy finished down 7 percent, while ADR managed a 1.2 percent year-over-year increase with growth in November through February and declines in March and April. Despite the higher rates, lower occupancy dragged down the year-over-year revenues by 5.9 percent.

“As we expected a month ago, the winter season ended with a whimper but the level of resiliency the industry did show is due in large part to the expertise and diligence of rate managers on the business side, and operationally, credit goes to slope groomers across the West who kept hundreds of trails in decent to good condition in an undeniably challenging season,” said Tom Foley, director of Business Intelligence for Inntopia. “And what we have been tracking since late February is compelling data that suggests that if people didn’t get their mountain ‘fix’ this winter, they intend to get it this summer—if the economy, geo-politics, and the weather behave as hoped.”

Summer Outlook Promising

Looking ahead to summer, a mini boom in occupancy booking pace is delivering a promising and strong foundation for the summer season. As of April 30, occupancy for the full summer was up 4.9 percent with gains in every month but October, and daily rates were up 5.9 percent for the summer—albeit a slight retreat from the 7.5 percent gain recorded at the end of March—with increases in all six months, combining for a healthy 11.1 percent jump in seasonal revenue.

Overall bookings from the four primary international markets were up a slight 4.1 percent compared to last summer—but that’s compared to last year’s stunning 52.4 percent decline in international visitors from the summer of 2024. Canada is up 12.6 percent from last year at this time but down 42.6 percent from 2024. Mexico is down 21.9 percent, Western Europe is down 9.2 percent, and Oceania is down 7 percent.

Lead-times stretched out during April as warm and dry conditions resulted in a sharp decline in booking pace for arrivals in that month and pushed booking lead-times from the date of reservation to the date of arrival out to 56.4 days—15.5 percent longer than last year. This marks the longest lead-time on record for this time of year since the start of the pandemic in April 2020.

“While this was bad for April arrivals, it established a very strong foundation for the summer months,” explained Foley.

Daily rates retreated slightly during April but remained strong and ahead of year-over-year comparisons. While summer ADR was up 7.9 percent at the end of February and 7.5 percent at the end of March, it slipped to 5.9 percent up in April.

Pricing terciles shifted as luxury properties priced higher than $401 a night dominated occupancy and rate for the summer while moderate properties between $251 and $450 a night experienced moderate and balanced gains. Economy properties priced at $250 a night and below are seeing solid occupancy figures, but they are pulling back on rates to capture occupancy and are the only category currently easing summer rates. 

“[W]inter’s struggles are clearly morphing into summer’s strength at this point as all the metrics are pacing comfortably ahead of last year driven by pent-up demand,” said Foley. “However, the volatility of the economy, the uncertainty that comes with war, and concerns about the potential for wildfire following a very dry winter could all factor into how this summer plays out. For now, we are enjoying a much more positive vibe than even 30 days ago and remaining cautiously optimistic about the summer ahead.”