The occupancy rate at 19 western mountain resort areas was up 6.5 percent for the winter season-to-date period ending Feb. 28 compared with the same time last year, while revenues were up 12.3 percent, according to Destimetrics' latest monthly Market Briefing.

However, Destimetrics data also show that the booking pace for the month of February was down 11.7 percent from the same time last year. Destimetrics attributed the decline to warmer and drier weather patterns in some regions.  The data reflect results at resorts in six states.

“The drop in booking pace this February was certainly sharper than usual due to less than favorable conditions in many resorts although the strong long-lead bookings from late fall through January created a solid foundation for lodging properties that are keeping both the Far West and Rocky Mountain resorts pacing ahead of last year,” explained Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “However, the slow down in the February booking pace appears largely weather related and may impact late season performance,” he added.

Looking forward to the remainder of the season, March is expected to remain virtually unchanged for occupancy while April, with the Easter holiday in the first weekend of the month, is up dramatically with a 16.8 gain in occupancy and an 18.9 percent increase in revenue as of Feb. 28.

The Far West resorts in California, Nevada and Oregon are up 7.3 percent in occupancy compared to last year with an aggregated 8.2 percent increase in revenue through Feb. 28. In the Rockies region that includes Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, occupancy increased in all six months of the ski season for a 6.4 percent increase in occupancy and an aggregated 12.6 percent increase in revenue.

DestiMetrics tracks resort performance in mountain destinations, compiling forward-looking reservation data on a monthly basis and aggregating and reporting the results to subscribers at participating resorts.  Data for western resorts is derived from a sample of approximately 290 property management companies in 19 mountain destination communities, representing approximately 27,500 rooms across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming and may not reflect the entire mountain destination travel industry.  Results may vary significantly among/between resorts and participating properties.