Snowmass sees downswing in occupancy

Snowmass might see less visitors this winter. 

The town’s lodging occupancy is 13% down over the next six months compared to the same period last year, according to a Sept. 30 report by DestiMetrics, a company that tracks occupancy trends for Snowmass. 

“It’s the international perception of visitation into the United States, it’s the economy, and we’re seeing more last minute business,” said Snowmass Tourism Director Julia Theisen in her explanation of the drop. 

She said the United States is facing competition from resorts in Europe and Japan, as tourists might want to travel to other destinations due to their view of the United States under the current administration, or because their “money goes further.”

But given a recent uptick in last minute bookings, Theisen said that the actual occupancy for the next six months on Snowmass might look quite different than the current trend. 

“We’re going to probably see some of this fill in with bookings made in October and November,” she said. 

Despite the decline, tax revenue for the town might not drop substantially. 

According to the Sept. 30 report, local lodging revenues have not fallen as far as the current occupancy numbers. Snowmass hotels have raised their Average Daily Rates — the prices they charge for accommodation — by 8.3% for the next six months compared to the same period last year, leaving a total revenue drop, so far, of only 5.8%, according to the report. 

Snowmass Assistant Town Manager Greg LeBlanc said the town’s tax revenues from lodging might not necessarily be impacted — even with the drop in occupancy — given the upcharge from hotels. 

Snowmass predicted its 2.4% tax on lodging would generate $3.898 million in 2026, a 0% change from the $3.901 million the town predicted it would generate in 2025, according to Snowmass’ proposed 2026 budget.

The tax applies to “hotels and other lodging expenditures within the Town,” according to the town of Snowmass Village website, and the funds from the tax are distributed into Snowmass tourism and marketing efforts, as well to workforce housing.

“And we provide housing to pretty much anybody who works in that industry,” LeBlanc said of the workers who keep the resort town running, “whether they’re a dishwasher or hotel staff.”

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.