Leaf-peepers respond to excellent conditions in Aspen

ASPEN – This year’s brilliant fall foliage has led to a business boom in leaf-peepers.

Stay Aspen Snowmass, the central bookings agency, had 19 walk-in reservations on Monday for this week, according to President Bill Tomcich.

He said it is clear that the brilliant colors and the prolonged show by nature is attracting more people to town this fall. The last couple of years were “duds,” he said.

And some of the leaf-peepers are sticking around in town for overnight stays. “There’s no doubt that it’s driving some considerable last-minute business,” he said.

Advance reservations for the winter are a bit harder to come by. Tomcich said the early shoppers are proving to be finicky and out for bargains. One caller to the reservation center was collecting information on rates for a spreadsheet he was making to compare various resorts, according to Tomcich.

“They’re fighting hard to make sure they’re getting the best deal possible,” he said.